A look at Medicare’s coverage of dental care; Covering; The Bases

I've had Medicare for a number of years and need a new set of dentures. Will Medicare cover dental care? I heard that Medicare Advantage plans have dental coverage.

Original Medicare does not cover dental care. Some Medicare Advantage plans will offer limited dental services which may, or may not, include coverage for dentures. However, you must understand the full benefit package of a Medicare Advantage plan before you enroll.

You should never elect a Medicare Advantage plan simply for the dental benefit; you need to understand the terms of medical, hospital and drug coverage under the plan.

You will want to visit Medicare's website, www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to begin researching the benefit package available with a Medicare Advantage plan. Remember, even if a Medicare Advantage plan offers "dental services," it may not cover dentures. Be an informed consumer and do your research.

Since you state you already are enrolled in Medicare (rather than being brand new to Medicare), it appears the earliest you may elect a Medicare Advantage plan is during the annual enrollment period that will begin on Oct. 15 and will last until Dec. 7. Coverage would begin Jan. 1.

However, you may contact the SHIP program at 410-222-4257 to see if there are any special circumstances that would allow you to elect a Medicare Advantage plan prior to the annual enrollment period.

My 92-year-old grandmother was in the hospital for two days for observation following a terrible fall. Fortunately she is only badly bruised but may need to go to a skilled nursing facility until her mobility improves. Will Medicare pay for rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility?

If your mother has Original Medicare, she will not qualify for inpatient rehabilitation at a skilled nursing facility. Medicare's skilled nursing facility benefit requires a three-day inpatient hospital stay. Observation days do not count towards the three-day hospital stay requirement.

Your mother may qualify for outpatient physical therapy. Discuss this with her doctor. If your doctor believes that her recent accident has rendered her temporarily confined to her home, she may qualify for physical therapy in her home under Medicare's home health care benefit. Information on Medicare's home health benefit is available online at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

If your mother has a Medicare Advantage plan rather than Original Medicare, she would need to contact her plan to see if she would qualify for inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility.

Some Medicare Advantage plans do not require a preceding hospital admission to qualify for inpatient skilled nursing care. Medicare Advantage plans also offer home health benefits. If her coverage is through a Medicare Advantage plan, contact her plan for more details on home health benefits.

Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4257 or [email protected].

Credit: Amy Rubino - Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4257 or [email protected].