Aspen Dental does not accept Medicare, but Medicare itself does not cover routine dental care

Aspen Dental is a private dental chain with locations across the United States. They do not bill Medicare directly, and Medicare does not pay for cleanings, fillings, crowns, or most other dental work. This means if you go to Aspen Dental, you will pay out of pocket or use a separate dental insurance plan — not your Medicare coverage.

The reason is straightforward: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not include dental benefits. Dental work falls outside what Medicare covers, so no dental provider — whether Aspen Dental or a private practice — can submit a claim to Medicare for routine care. If you want dental coverage, you need to look at other options.

Key Takeaways

  • Aspen Dental does not accept Medicare because Medicare does not cover routine dental care like cleanings, fillings, or crowns.
  • Medicare Part C (Advantage) plans sometimes include dental benefits, but coverage varies widely by plan and location.
  • Aspen Dental offers in-house payment plans and discount programs that may reduce the cost of care without insurance.
  • Standalone dental insurance, Medicaid (if you may have access to), or dental discount plans are separate ways to pay for dental work.
  • Calling your specific Medicare Advantage plan or Aspen Dental directly will tell you whether that plan covers care at that location.

How Medicare Advantage plans sometimes include dental coverage

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), dental coverage may be included — but it depends entirely on which plan you chose and where you live. Some Advantage plans offer dental benefits; many do not. The ones that do often have limits on what they cover and how much they will pay.

Aspen Dental may be in-network for some Medicare Advantage plans in your area and out-of-network for others. The only way to know is to call your plan directly with Aspen Dental's location and ask whether that office is covered. Your plan's member handbook or website will also list in-network dental providers.

Even if your Advantage plan includes dental, the coverage is usually limited. You might get one cleaning per year, a small amount toward a filling, or a percentage of a crown — not full coverage. Read your plan documents carefully to understand what your plan actually pays.

Aspen Dental's payment options if you do not have dental insurance

Aspen Dental offers several ways to pay if you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover the work. They have an in-house payment plan called CareCredit, which is a credit card designed for medical and dental expenses. You can spread payments over several months, sometimes with no interest if you pay within a promotional period.

Aspen Dental also runs periodic promotions and discounts on specific services. These vary by location and time of year, so asking about current offers when you call or visit is worth doing. Some locations offer reduced fees for seniors or first-time patients.

If cost is a major concern, ask Aspen Dental about their discount membership program. This is different from insurance — you pay an annual or monthly fee to get discounted rates on services. The discount is typically 10 to 60 percent off, depending on the service and your location.

Medicaid dental coverage as an alternative

If your income is low enough to may have access to for Medicaid, you may have access to dental benefits through your state's Medicaid program. Medicaid coverage for dental work varies significantly by state — some states cover more services for adults, and others cover very little.

Aspen Dental may or may not accept Medicaid, depending on your state and the specific location. Call the Aspen Dental office you want to visit and ask whether they take your state's Medicaid. If they do not, your state's Medicaid program can direct you to dentists who do.

Standalone dental insurance and discount plans

You can buy a standalone dental insurance plan separate from Medicare. These plans are sold by private insurance companies and typically cost between $100 and $200 per year for basic coverage. They usually cover preventive care (cleanings, X-rays) at a higher percentage than major work (crowns, root canals).

Dental discount plans are another option. You pay a membership fee (usually $80 to $200 per year) and receive discounted rates at participating dentists. Aspen Dental may be a participating provider in your area. Discount plans are not insurance — you still pay out of pocket, but at a reduced rate.

Both standalone dental insurance and discount plans have waiting periods or exclusions for major work, so read the terms before you buy. Some plans will not cover a crown or root canal for the first six to twelve months.

What to do before your first visit to Aspen Dental

Call the Aspen Dental location you plan to visit and tell them you have Medicare. Ask whether they accept your specific Medicare Advantage plan (if you have one) and what payment methods they take. Have your insurance card handy when you call.

If you do not have dental coverage, ask about their payment plans, current discounts, and whether they offer a membership program. Some locations will quote you a price over the phone for common procedures like a cleaning or filling, which helps you budget.

Bring your Medicare card and any other insurance cards to your first appointment, even if you know Medicare does not cover dental. The office will need to verify your information and confirm what you owe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare Part D cover dental work?

No. Part D covers prescription drugs only, not dental care. Dental coverage would need to come from a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicaid, a standalone dental plan, or out-of-pocket payment.

If my Medicare Advantage plan includes dental, will Aspen Dental definitely accept it?

Not necessarily. Even if your plan covers dental, Aspen Dental may not be in-network for your specific plan. Call your plan and ask whether that Aspen Dental location is covered before you schedule an appointment.

Can I use a dental discount plan at Aspen Dental?

Some Aspen Dental locations accept dental discount plans, but not all. Call the office directly and ask which discount plans they participate in. If they do not accept the plan you are considering, you can look for a different dentist in your area who does.

What if I cannot afford dental work even with a payment plan?

Look into whether you may have access to for Medicaid in your state — dental coverage varies, but some states cover more than others. You can also contact a federally may have access to health center (FQHC) in your area, which often offers low-cost or sliding-scale dental care based on income.

Will Aspen Dental bill my insurance directly?

Aspen Dental will bill your Medicare Advantage plan or other dental insurance if you have it and the office is in-network. They will not bill Original Medicare because Medicare does not cover dental. Ask the office to verify your coverage before your appointment so you know what you owe.