Aspen Dental's Coverage: What You Need to Know
Aspen Dental does not accept Medicare. Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover routine dental care, cleaning, or dentures, so Aspen Dental has no reason to contract with Medicare directly. If you have Original Medicare and want dental work at Aspen Dental, you pay out of pocket unless you also have a separate dental insurance plan.
Aspen Dental's acceptance of Medicaid varies by state and location. Some Aspen Dental offices participate in state Medicaid programs, while others do not. Because Medicaid is run by each state and each state sets its own rules about which providers it pays, you cannot assume your local Aspen Dental takes your state's Medicaid. You have to check with the specific office.
Aspen Dental does accept many private dental insurance plans, discount plans, and payment arrangements. If you have employer coverage, a union plan, or a standalone dental policy, that office may take it. The office also offers in-house financing through CareCredit and other payment plans for uninsured patients.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare does not cover dental care, so Aspen Dental cannot bill Medicare for cleanings, fillings, or extractions.
- Medicaid coverage at Aspen Dental depends on your state and the specific office location, so you must call ahead to confirm.
- Aspen Dental accepts many private dental insurance plans and offers in-house payment plans for patients without insurance.
- If you have Medicare and want dental coverage, you can purchase a standalone dental plan or look for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits.
How to Check if Your Local Aspen Dental Takes Medicaid
Call the Aspen Dental office directly and ask whether they take your state's Medicaid program. Have your Medicaid member ID ready when you call. The office staff can tell you in one conversation whether they accept your coverage and whether they are currently taking new Medicaid patients.
You can also contact your state Medicaid office or visit your state's Medicaid website to search for participating dental providers. Most states maintain a searchable directory of dentists and dental chains that accept Medicaid. Search for "Aspen Dental" and your county or city to see which locations, if any, are listed.
If your nearest Aspen Dental does not take Medicaid, ask the office staff for a referral to a dentist in your area who does. Many dental offices keep lists of Medicaid-accepting providers nearby.
What Medicare Covers and Does Not Cover for Dental Care
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover dental cleanings, exams, fillings, root canals, dentures, or most other dental work. The only exception is dental care that is part of a hospital stay — for example, if you need a tooth extracted before surgery and it happens in a hospital setting, that extraction may be covered as part of your hospital bill.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do include dental benefits. These plans are run by private insurance companies and can offer coverage for cleanings, exams, and sometimes more extensive work. The amount covered and the copay you pay vary by plan. If dental coverage matters to you, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year).
If you have Original Medicare and want dental coverage, you can purchase a standalone dental insurance plan. These are separate from Medicare and are sold by private insurers. They typically have waiting periods, annual maximums, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so read the terms carefully before you buy.
Medicaid Dental Coverage by State
Every state's Medicaid program covers some dental care for adults, but the scope and the providers available differ widely. Some states cover only emergency care and extractions. Others cover cleanings, exams, fillings, and root canals. A few cover dentures and more complex work.
Your state Medicaid program's website lists what dental services are covered under your may be able to access category. Medicaid also covers more dental care for children than for adults in most states, so if you are looking for care for a young person, check what your state offers for pediatric dental.
Because coverage varies so much, do not assume that because one Aspen Dental office in your state takes Medicaid, all of them do. Each office makes its own decision about which insurance plans to accept.
Payment Options at Aspen Dental if You Are Uninsured
Aspen Dental offers CareCredit, a credit card designed for healthcare expenses. You can use it to pay for dental work and pay it back over time. CareCredit charges interest if you do not pay off the balance within a promotional period, so read the terms before you explore.
Aspen Dental also offers in-house payment plans. You can ask the office about monthly payment arrangements for the cost of your treatment. These plans may or may not charge interest — ask before you agree.
Some Aspen Dental locations offer discounts for uninsured patients who pay in full at the time of service. Ask whether your office has a cash discount when you call to schedule.
How to Find Dental Coverage if Aspen Dental Is Not an Option
If your local Aspen Dental does not take Medicaid or you do not have insurance, search your state Medicaid directory for other dental providers in your area. Most states list participating dentists by county and by the services they offer.
If you have Medicare and want dental coverage, compare Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov to see which plans in your area include dental benefits and what they cover.
Community health centers often offer low-cost or sliding-scale dental care regardless of insurance status. Search for "federally may have access to health center" or "FQHC" plus your city name to find centers near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medicare card to pay for dental work at Aspen Dental?
No. Medicare does not cover routine dental care, so your Medicare card cannot be used to pay for cleanings, fillings, or other dental work at any provider, including Aspen Dental. If you want dental coverage, you need a separate dental insurance plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits.
Will Aspen Dental bill my Medicaid if I show up with my card?
Only if that specific Aspen Dental office has a contract with your state's Medicaid program. Call the office first to confirm they accept your Medicaid before you schedule. Showing up with your card does not may provide they will bill it.
What should I do if Aspen Dental does not take my insurance?
Ask the office staff for a referral to a nearby dentist who does accept your coverage. You can also search your state Medicaid directory or use the Medicare Plan Finder to locate other providers. Community health centers are another option if you have Medicaid or no insurance.
Can I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits mid-year?
No, except in limited circumstances. You can change plans during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event such as loss of other coverage. Outside these windows, you are locked into your current plan until the next enrollment period.
Does Aspen Dental offer payment plans for uninsured patients?
Yes. Aspen Dental accepts CareCredit and offers in-house payment plans. Some locations also offer discounts for patients who pay in full at the time of service. Call your local office to ask what options they have.