Retirees need to become empowered consumers to get the most out of their dental care. Here’s where to begin, according to McClanahan.
Understand your coverage: Whether it’s offered to you through a retiree health plan or as an add-on to your Medicare Advantage plan, get a solid understanding of your deductibles, applicable copayments and coinsurance.
Know whether your dentist will take your plan: Your insurance won’t help you much if you’re paying more because your provider is out-of-network.
Build up your emergency fund: Nobody plans for tooth decay. Consider that surprise implant or crown to be an emergency expense, and save accordingly, McClanahan said.
If you have a health savings account, you can’t fund it if you’re on Medicare. However, you can tap it to pay for dental and other qualified medical costs on a tax-free basis.
Get second opinions: “Some dentists are more aggressive than others,” said McClanahan. “If someone is recommending really expensive work, get a second opinion.”
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