About Advantage Insurance Benefits:
Dental and Vision Coverage Medicare Doesn't Include
Two Ways to Get Dental and Vision Coverage as a Medicare Beneficiary
There are two main paths to dental and vision coverage if you're on Medicare:
- Standalone dental and vision plans — These are separate insurance policies you purchase in addition to your Medicare coverage. They work independently of your Medicare plan and can be added at any time.
- Medicare Advantage plans with built-in benefits — Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include dental and vision benefits as part of the package. Coverage levels and plan availability vary by county and carrier, so what's offered in Burien may differ from what's available in Everett or Tacoma.
If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, it's worth reviewing what dental and vision benefits it includes before purchasing a standalone policy. We can walk through that with you during an appointment.
Original Medicare — Parts A and B — does not cover routine dental care, eye exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses. That surprises a lot of people who assumed their Medicare coverage would take care of these needs the same way it handles hospital stays and doctor visits. It doesn't. Dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, and dentures are generally excluded. So are annual eye exams and prescription lenses. For many seniors in Washington, those costs come out of pocket unless they have a separate plan in place.
This is one of the most common coverage gaps we help clients address, and it's one of the easier ones to solve once you know your options.
The Coverage Gap Most Medicare Beneficiaries Don't See Coming
What Standalone Dental and Vision Plans Typically Cover
Standalone plans vary by carrier and benefit tier, but most include a combination of the following:
Dental coverage commonly includes:
- Preventive care: cleanings, exams, and X-rays (often at little or no cost)
- Basic services: fillings and extractions
- Major services: crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals (typically subject to waiting periods and cost-sharing)
Vision coverage commonly includes:
- Annual eye exams
- Allowances toward prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Discounts on frames or lens upgrades through in-network providers
Benefit maximums, waiting periods, and network requirements differ across plans. Our agents can compare available options based on your specific needs and the providers you want to keep seeing.
Who We Work With for Dental and Vision Plans
We represent carriers that offer dental and vision products alongside Medicare coverage, so you can address multiple coverage needs through one conversation rather than shopping separately on your own. All of our agents are available to help with dental and vision plan questions — you don't need to reach a specific person to get started.
Our appointments are conducted by phone or video, making it straightforward to review your options from home without scheduling around an in-person visit. If you're located in the Seattle area, Bellevue, Renton, Bothell, Edmonds, or elsewhere in Washington State, we can help you compare plans available in your area.
What Clients Say
Common Questions About Dental and Vision Insurance for Seniors
Does Medicare cover routine dental care?
No. Original Medicare does not cover routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, or dentures. It will cover dental care only in limited circumstances, such as dental work required before a covered medical procedure. For routine dental coverage, you'll need either a standalone dental plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits.No. Original Medicare does not cover routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, or dentures. It will cover dental care only in limited circumstances, such as dental work required before a covered medical procedure. For routine dental coverage, you'll need either a standalone dental plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits.Does Medicare cover eye exams or glasses?
Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts, nor does it pay for prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. It does cover diagnostic eye exams for conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy if you meet certain criteria. For routine vision coverage, a standalone vision plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with vision benefits is the typical solution.Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts, nor does it pay for prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. It does cover diagnostic eye exams for conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy if you meet certain criteria. For routine vision coverage, a standalone vision plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with vision benefits is the typical solution.Can I add dental and vision coverage to my Medicare plan?
You can't add dental or vision benefits directly to Original Medicare, but you have two practical options: purchase standalone dental and vision insurance policies, or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these benefits. The right choice depends on your current coverage, your preferred providers, and your budget.You can't add dental or vision benefits directly to Original Medicare, but you have two practical options: purchase standalone dental and vision insurance policies, or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these benefits. The right choice depends on your current coverage, your preferred providers, and your budget.When can I enroll in a standalone dental or vision plan?
Unlike Medicare, most standalone dental and vision plans don't require you to wait for a specific enrollment window. You can typically apply at any time during the year. Some plans have waiting periods before major dental services are covered, so it's worth understanding the plan details before enrolling.Unlike Medicare, most standalone dental and vision plans don't require you to wait for a specific enrollment window. You can typically apply at any time during the year. Some plans have waiting periods before major dental services are covered, so it's worth understanding the plan details before enrolling.How much do standalone dental and vision plans cost in Washington?
Premiums vary depending on the carrier, benefit level, and your location within Washington State. Basic plans with preventive coverage tend to be more affordable, while plans covering major dental work carry higher premiums. An agent can compare current options available in your area and help you weigh the cost against the coverage you're likely to use.Premiums vary depending on the carrier, benefit level, and your location within Washington State. Basic plans with preventive coverage tend to be more affordable, while plans covering major dental work carry higher premiums. An agent can compare current options available in your area and help you weigh the cost against the coverage you're likely to use.
Let's Talk Through Your Options
You don't have to sort through Medicare or insurance decisions on your own. Schedule a conversation with one of our licensed Washington agents, or reach out with a question first.