Does Medicare cover dental care?

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: I will turn 65 in a few months and will be enrolling in Medicare, but I am concerned about Medicare’s coverage of dental care. Does Medicare cover dental procedures? And if not, where can I get dental coverage?

— Almost 65 DEAR ALMOST: Medicare’s coverage of dental care is extremely limited. It will not cover routine dental care, including checkups, cleanings or fillings, and it won’t pay for dentures either.

Medicare will, however, cover some dental services if they are required to protect your general health, or if you need dental care in order for another health service that Medicare covers to be successful.

There are other ways you can get coverage and care affordably. Here are several to check into.

Consider a Medicare Advantage plan: Some Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for routine dental care. Go to Medicare.gov/ find-a-plan, or call 800-6334227 to research plans in your area.

Purchase dental insurance: To find dental plans in your state, go to NADP.org and use the “find a dental plan” tool.

Consider dental savings plans: Savings plans are a good option for those who can’t get covered. You pay an annual membership fee in exchange for 10 to 60 percent discounts on service and treatments from participating dentists. Go to DentalPlans.com, or call 888-632-5353.

Check veterans’ benefits: If you’re a veteran enrolled in the VA health care program or are a beneficiary of the Civilian Health and Medical Program, the VA offers a program that gives you the option to buy dental insurance through Delta Dental and MetLife at a reduced cost. The VA also provides free dental care to vets who have dental problems resulting from service. Go to VA.gov/dental, or call 877-222-8387.

Shop around: FairHealthConsumer.org and HealthcareBlueBook.com lets you look up the cost of different dental procedures in your area, so you can comparison shop.

Try community health centers or dental schools: There are many health centers and clinics that provide low-cost dental care to those in need. And all university dental schools and college dental hygiene programs offer dental care and cleanings for less than half of what you would pay at a dentist’s office. Go to ToothWisdom. org to search for a center, clinic or school near you.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or go to SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.