I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: SweetyPie on January 10, 2019, 05:28:27 PM

Title: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: SweetyPie on January 10, 2019, 05:28:27 PM
I have to get my wisdom teeth removed and at this point its a MUST. They have fully erupted under my gums SIDEWAYS. If i delay any longer nerves will connect and that will be a difficult surgery so I wouldn't count this as a cosmetic surgery. All 4 need to come out. Also, tips on wisdom teeth surgery and heads up would be nice
Title: Re: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: lulu836 on January 11, 2019, 06:02:28 AM
IIRC you are on Medicare because of kidney failure.  That said, Medicare does not cover dental or vision even for those of us who worked a job and earned the credits necessary for medicare.  There is a Medicare Advantage plan (I think) that can be twisted around to cover them for a fee.  There are also other fee-based dental and vision plans but I know nothing about them.

 Does Medicare cover all your medical expenses whether connected to kidney failure or not?  Like if you needed a gall bladder removal or something not connected to kidney failure.
Title: Re: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: iolaire on January 11, 2019, 06:32:18 AM
I've read in the past that Howard University dental school has some sort of program for discounted dental treatments as part of their education program.  I looked last week and could not find the details on it. 

Also if  you are in a transplant program (wait list) they might have suggestions on providers who might be willing to help make such a treatment more affordable.  Dental issues can prevent people from being listed.
Title: Re: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: Michael Murphy on January 11, 2019, 02:06:32 PM
Most dental schools treat patients at a reduced or free.  Look for a dental school by your house, i don’t no this as a fact but I have heard if you get a doctors note that your erupting molars are causing medical problems Medicare if you get a letter from a doctor may cover the procedure.   In addition Medicaid may cover dental depending on the state you live in.
Title: Re: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: SweetyPie on January 11, 2019, 02:58:32 PM
Interesting
Title: Re: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: Simon Dog on January 11, 2019, 04:46:43 PM
Quote
Does Medicare cover all your medical expenses whether connected to kidney failure or not?  Like if you needed a gall bladder removal or something not connected to kidney failure
To the usual Medicare limits (80% of Medicare rate for covered procedures), yes.
Title: Re: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: Riki on January 14, 2019, 11:22:18 AM
Dental and Vision Care isn't covered under Canadian health coverage either.  Really, since oral health is a major contributor to overall health, it really should be.

One thing I'm not looking forward to after graduating this spring, is having to pay for my dental again.  My school insurance covers is now, and it covered 80% of the tooth I had to have pulled over the summer.  I'll probably do some dentist shopping once the insurance runs out.
Title: Re: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: GA_DAWG on January 17, 2019, 04:15:50 PM
You would think that with the correlation between gum and dental care and heart disease, healthcare would cover dental.
Title: Re: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: iolaire on January 17, 2019, 05:05:41 PM
You would think that with the correlation between gum and dental care and heart disease, healthcare would cover dental.

Even my corporate dental is much more sketchy than medical. I think I have $1000 or $1500 per year but they rairly pay what the dental wants to do so I pay a 50% copay of what they want to cover plus everything they are not willing to cover.   My most recent denial was for work on same tooth within eight years. 
Title: Re: Why wont medicare cover dental procedure
Post by: rcjordan on January 17, 2019, 05:12:07 PM
My dentist says dental insurance is usually only worth it if your company *gives* it to you.