Medicare won’t cover this key expense that eats into retirees’ wallets

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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