As the prevalence of oral health problems and tooth loss tends to increase with age, dental care after retirement becomes increasingly important for preserving one’s general health and quality of life. Unfortunately, most individuals lose their employer-sponsored dental insurance policies upon retirement, exactly when their dental care needs and expenses are increasing. This means that dental planning for seniors is paramount to reducing costs, especially when relying on a fixed retirement income.
What to Expect From Dental Coverage After Retirement
After retirement, dental coverage can become somewhat complicated. One survey found that 47% of adults between the ages of 65 and 80 were without dental insurance. Of those with insurance, the most common sources of coverage included an ongoing employer-sponsored plan, Medicare Advantage, retiree health plans, and individually purchased plans.
To minimize costs during retirement, we recommend that individuals approaching retirement age take a proactive approach to addressing their dental care needs.
Dental Priorities to Address Before Retiring
If you have yet to retire and still have employer-sponsored dental coverage, we recommend addressing your immediate concerns in preparation for retirement and loss of coverage.
Our dentist can perform a thorough examination and talk with you about any necessary procedures that you should complete while still fully covered. Depending on your individual needs and current oral health, immediately recommended treatments might include:
Dental cavity treatment
Root canal therapy
Cracked or broken tooth treatment
Weakened, compromised dental filling replacement
Periodontal disease treatment and management
Restorative treatment for replacing missing teeth (dental implants, dental bridges, or full or partial dentures)
In addition to addressing immediate oral health concerns, we provide long-term dental planning for seniors. This will include an ongoing care plan with more easily budgeted, regular costs. Additionally, we can talk with you about researching future dental coverage that includes protection for treatments you are likely to need in the future based on your current oral health and medical history.
Options for Affordable Care After Leaving Employer Insurance
After leaving an employer’s insurance policy, dental care after retirement should not be inaccessible or unaffordable. Retirees can consider purchasing individual dental coverage. They can also research the types of coverage available with Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Seniors should be aware that original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, and only includes coverage for dental work if it’s performed in emergency treatment at the hospital. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, but coverage varies significantly.
Individual Dental Options for Dental Coverage
Retirees have the option of purchasing an individual dental plan during retirement from an insurance company such as Delta Dental or AmericPlan. These policies tend to range from about $20 to $80 per month, and they typically include more coverage than Medicare Advantage. However, policies sometimes include long waiting periods for coverage and annual coverage limitations (sometimes as low as $1,000). Be sure to read all of the fine print before signing up for individual dental insurance coverage.
Personalized Dental Care to Optimize the Golden Years
Good oral health is vital for supporting general wellness and a high quality of life. As you age and encounter more oral health concerns, our dental care team will be here to support you. At Janis Dental, we strive to help all of our patients access the dental care they need, and we work closely with each patient to identify a variety of personalized dental care recommendations designed to proactively prevent serious problems from occurring, while addressing existing oral health concerns with conservative, yet effective, treatments.
To learn more about accessing and planning for dental care after retirement or to talk with a member of our office team about the cost of your dental treatment, we welcome you to contact our office today.