Dentists should consider participating in Medicare Advantage to retain senior patients as they retire and switch from employer-sponsored dental coverage, according to the California Dental Association.
Practice Support has received more member calls related to Medicare Advantage — or Part C — dental plans, in part due to an aging patient population and increased Medicare enrollment.
Though Medicare doesn't usually cover dental care, Medicare Advantage plans often do. Medicare Advantage dental plans can be sold as a separate policy and are frequently run by well-known dental plans.
Since dental coverage is not required by Medicare, CMS gives dental plans some flexibility determining payment policies and what benefits are offered.
The CDA recommends dental practices familiarize themselves with products and coverage offered as Medicare Advantage plan enrollment increases.