Why wont medicare cover dental procedure

[SweetyPie]

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

[lulu836]

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.

[iolaire]

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.

[Michael Murphy]

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.

[SweetyPie]

Interesting

[Simon Dog]

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.

[Riki]

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.

[GA_DAWG]

You would think that with the correlation between gum and dental care and heart disease, healthcare would cover dental.

[iolaire]

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. 

[rcjordan]

My dentist says dental insurance is usually only worth it if your company *gives* it to you.