You may have devoted a lot of time and effort to retirement planning. Maybe you’ve planned and saved diligently for retirement for years, and purchased Medigap coverage to cover medical expenses. But one important area you might have overlooked is dental care.
After you retire, your need for good dental health doesn’t go away. In fact, it might even increase. Poor or neglected dental health is associated with malnutrition, speech impediments, and chronic pain and can even contribute to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, conditions which become more prevalent as people get older.
But it can be difficult to obtain dental care in retirement. Only about a third of Americans have retiree health benefits from their former employer, and Medicare does not cover most dental exams or procedures.
Access to dental care is more than just a quality of life issue. According to the Surgeon General, people over the age of 65 are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than those under 65. Routine dental examinations can detect oral cancer early, before it becomes life-threatening. But according to the AARP, about three-quarters of Americans age 65 or older do not have dental coverage. Routine dental exams can also detect dental problems and prevent complications that lead to more dental and medical appointments, invasive procedures, and expenses that spiral out of control.
But many older Americans lack access to dental care, even routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Most may lose coverage from their employer when they retire. In 2017, less than one-third of Americans aged 65 and over had dental insurance, according to the CDC.
Furthermore, many older adults are homebound or disabled and have difficulty visiting a dental office.
The majority of seniors pay for dental care out of pocket. This can get expensive. The average cost of A routine exam and X-ray can cost $150 to $300 on average. For those needing complex procedures, the costs can be much higher: The average cost of a denture is $1,831.84 and a crown can cost $1,278.24. That might explain why one-third of adults aged 65 and over had not had a dental visit in the preceding 12 months.
Here are some ideas for obtaining dental care in retirement.
1. Private Dental Insurance
Premiums for private dental plans are reasonable – in 2024, the average premium for a comprehensive coverage policy is $52 per month. But the coverage maximums tend to be low, around $1,000 to $2,000 per year. After your maximum is reached for the year, you’re on your own for any remaining costs. However, surveys show 97% of people don’t use the maximum amount in a year. There are also deductibles, typically $50 to $100 per person, and coinsurance.
Another option is to look into group dental insurance offered by seniors’ organizations like AARP and AMAC, and professional and trade associations you may belong to as part of your work.
There are also non-insurance discount dental plans available. For an annual membership fee of $75 to $150 you can get pre-negotiated lower rates at dentists participating in the plans. Examples are plans offered by DentalSave, Brighter.com, and dentalplans.com. Individual insurance companies like Humana, Cigna, and Delta Dental offer their own plans.
2. Medicare Advantage Plans
If you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, it may cover some routine dental care. About half of Medicare Advantage plans offer limited dental care coverage, according to Money magazine. Contact your provider for information about what is offered through your plan.
3. Veterans Benefits
If you are a veteran, you may qualify for reduced-cost dental coverage through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Care program. You can view the VA’s Dental Benefits for Veterans document or call 1-877-222-8387 for more information.
4. HSA Savings Plans
You can contribute to a Health Savings Account until you enroll in Medicare. Funds in your HSA can be used for out of pocket dental care costs. Distributions used for this purpose are also tax exempt.
5. Dental Schools
Accredited dental schools offer quality care at a lower cost. Dental students perform dental work under the supervision of instructors, who are board-certified dentists. You can search for a dental school in your area on the Commission on Dental Accreditation’s (CODA) website.
6. Medicaid
Your state’s Medicaid services may include dental care for lower-income residents. Contact your state’s Medicaid office to find out what is offered in your state.https://web.archive.org/web/20190721212357/http:/www.medicaidoffice.net/
7. Nonprofit Clinics
There are several nonprofit dental clinics around the nation that provide services free of charge or at a steeply discounted rate to those in need. Visit the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics’ website to find a clinic near you.
8. Visit a Dental Hygienist
The majority of states allow dental hygienists to treat patients’ dental needs without the authorization or presence of a dentist. Hygienists may be able to perform cleanings, exams, and fluoride treatments and take X-rays, and the cost savings can be substantial compared to seeing a dentist.
9. Negotiate Rates with Your Dental Office
If your dentist recommends a procedure that is out of reach, they may be able to set up a payment plan or suggest a less expensive alternative. Before undergoing an expensive procedure, ask about any alternatives that may be available. Many dental offices also offer subscription plans in which patients pay a monthly fee and receive preventive care at no extra charge and discounts on common dental procedures.
Your dental office may also offer senior discounts and discounts for paying upfront in cash. The dental office may not advertise these, so be sure to ask.Â
10. Compare Dental Offices
The fees charged by different dental offices for the same procedure can vary by hundreds of dollars. So it pays to shop around and compare. If rates are particularly high in your area, it may be worth it to commute to a less expensive locality.
Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is always important, but it becomes even more crucial as we age. Oral infections are linked to serious and potentially deadly health conditions. Regular professional care can help maintain good oral health. It’s best to take care of small dental issues while they are still manageable and before more expensive procedures are needed.