Good dental health is important, because it has so much to do with your overall health. But dental care can also be very expensive. When money is short, it may be tempting to put off or skip going to the dentist. 

Routine dental care is not covered by Original Medicare. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will only pay for dental services that you get when you're in a hospital. If you need to have emergency dental care during a hospital stay, Medicare may cover your dental care, but otherwise not.

Medicaid covers dental services for children, and certain states also provide comprehensive Medicaid dental coverage for adults. But the rules for Medicaid dental coverage are different for each state. Except for emergency dental care, what other dental services are covered by Medicaid depends on where you live.

If you have both Medicaid and Medicare, you may not have to make that choice. Dual health plans are for people who have both Medicaid and Medicare. And most include dental coverage.* That could make a big difference to your budget and your health.

Before you enroll in any health plan, it’s good to know exactly what the benefits and coverage mean. Here are different types of dental care that you may want to make sure are covered by your plan:

Regular exams and cleanings. Most dual health plans include $0 copays for regular exams, which can include cleaning and periodontal maintenance. That means you can visit the dentist for a cleaning at no extra cost to you.

Dental X-rays. Dentists use x-rays to get a detailed look at the health of your mouth. They can check the roots of your teeth and surrounding bones, as well as fillings, crowns and implants. X-rays also help dentists find decay and cavities.

Fluoride treatments. It’s a quick, painless way to help protect your teeth from cavities and decay.

Credits for dental services. Usually, patients pay part of the cost for fillings, root canals, implants and other dental services. But many dual health plans include credits to help pay for these types of dental services. Some dual health plans even include credits for dentures.

Our teeth are a big part of how we look. And it may be a lot easier to feel good about yourself when you feel good about your teeth. Having a nice smile can improve your self-confidence. And that may make it easier and more enjoyable to socialize too. Don’t miss out on getting dental coverage if you qualify for Medicaid and Medicare, see what dental coverage you could get with a dual health plan.*

To find out exactly what dental coverage you could get with a dual health plan from UnitedHealthcare, search by your location.

*Benefits, features, and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply