Does Medicare Cover Dentures in Texas?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover dentures or most routine dental care.

That includes things like tooth extractions, cleanings, fillings, and yes - full or partial dentures.

This often comes as a surprise. Many seniors assume Medicare includes dental, but the reality is that traditional Medicare was never designed to cover routine dental services.

That gap in coverage can create a serious financial burden, especially when it comes to larger expenses like dentures.

However, there are ways to get help with dental costs, including denture coverage.

In Texas, options include:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans that offer dental benefits
  
• Standalone dental insurance specifically for dentures and restorative care
  
• Discount dental plans that may reduce out-of-pocket costs
  
• State and local resources that offer support for low-income seniors

 How Much Do Dentures Cost?

Let’s be honest - dentures aren’t cheap. For many seniors on a fixed income, they’re one of the biggest unexpected health expenses.

We’ve worked with plenty of clients in Texas who were shocked by the out-of-pocket costs once they realized Medicare wouldn’t help.

Here’s a breakdown of typical denture pricing:

These prices vary based on the materials used, the dentist’s pricing, and whether additional procedures like extractions are required.

Most people assume Medicare will cover at least part of the cost - especially when it’s medically necessary.

But that’s where many run into trouble. Unless you’re enrolled in the right Medicare Advantage plan or a separate dental insurance policy, you’ll likely be paying for dentures entirely out of pocket.

That’s why understanding your options before you need them is so important.

We'll walk you through what Medicare covers - and how to find real help with dental expenses like these.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Dental Coverage

If you’re relying on Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to help with dentures, here’s the short answer: it won’t.

Original Medicare doesn’t cover dentures, routine dental care, cleanings, or extractions.

The only way Medicare might help is through a Medicare Advantage plan - also known as Part C. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and can include extra benefits beyond what Original Medicare provides, including dental.

But it’s important to know that:

• Not all Advantage plans include denture coverage.
  
• Plans that do offer it often have annual limits (typically $1,000–$2,000).
  
• Waiting periods or service restrictions may apply.
  
• You may be limited to using specific dental providers in the plan’s network.
  

In other words, just because a plan advertises dental coverage doesn’t mean it will fully cover the cost of dentures.

It might help with part of the cost - or only certain types of dentures - depending on the plan’s details and where you live in Texas.

If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits, it’s a good idea to review the fine print carefully.

Look for coverage limits, provider restrictions, and what types of dentures (if any) are included. This can make a big difference when budgeting for dental care.

Dental Insurance Plans

For people on Medicare who want more dental coverage than what Medicare Advantage plans typically offer, separate dental insurance is another option.

These are standalone dental policies you can buy on your own - and many are designed to cover more extensive care, including dentures.

Dental Plans Available in Texas

In Texas, several private insurers offer individual dental plans that may include coverage for major services like dentures.

Common providers include:

• Ameritas
  
• NCD Dental
  
• Cigna
  
• Delta Dental

Each plan is different, but many follow a similar structure:

• Preventive care (cleanings, exams, x-rays) is often covered at 100%.
  
• Basic services (fillings, extractions) might be covered at 70–80%.
  
• Major services (dentures, crowns, bridges) are usually covered at 50%, often after a 12-month waiting period.
  

Things to Keep in Mind

#1. Waiting periods for denture coverage are common, so planning ahead is important.

#2. There may be annual benefit caps, which limit how much the plan will pay in a year.

#3. Not all dental plans cover implant-supported dentures, which can be much more expensive than traditional ones.

For those who know dentures are likely in the near future, purchasing a dental insurance plan ahead of time can help reduce the financial burden when the time comes.

It’s not immediate coverage - but it can be a smart step if you anticipate needing major dental work.

Other Options for Affordable Dentures

If you don’t have dental insurance or Medicare Advantage coverage for dentures, there are still ways to access more affordable care in Texas.

These options don’t work for everyone, but they’ve helped many people - especially those on fixed incomes - get the dentures they need.

Dental Schools in Texas

Dental schools often offer lower-cost care provided by students under supervision from licensed professionals.

Services may take longer, but the cost savings can be significant.

Some well-known options include:

• UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
  
• Texas A&M College of Dentistry (Dallas)

These programs frequently offer full and partial dentures at reduced rates.

Community Health Centers

Many community health centers across Texas provide dental care on a sliding fee scale based on income. While not all offer dentures, it’s worth checking with local clinics to see what’s available in your area.

You can search through the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) to find nearby clinics.

Discount Dental Plans

These are not insurance, but they work like a membership program. You pay a monthly or yearly fee and get access to discounted dental rates through participating dentists.

Some plans include denture discounts, and there’s typically no waiting period.

Charitable Programs

Several nonprofit programs in Texas offer free or low-cost dental care, often including dentures:

• Texas Mission of Mercy - a mobile dental clinic offering care in underserved areas.
  
• Dental Lifeline Network (Texas) - helps seniors and those with disabilities get dental treatment, including dentures, through volunteer dentists.

Bottom Line

Original Medicare doesn’t cover dentures, and that can come as a surprise when you’re facing thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket dental costs.

But there are still options.

Many Medicare Advantage plans in Texas offer some dental benefits, and some stand-alone dental insurance plans cover dentures with cost-sharing.

There are also low-cost alternatives like dental schools, community health centers, and charitable clinics that can make a real difference if you’re on a tight budget.

The key is knowing what’s available - and what each option actually covers. Not all plans are the same, and the fine print matters when it comes to major services like dentures.

If you’re not sure where to start, it’s worth taking the time to compare plans carefully. Understanding the details now can help you avoid bigger expenses down the road.