ClearChoice does not accept Medicare, and Medicare does not cover dental work at any provider
ClearChoice is a dental implant company with locations across the United States. Medicare does not pay for dental services — including implants, cleanings, extractions, or dentures — at ClearChoice or anywhere else. If you choose ClearChoice for dental implants, you will pay out of pocket, through a separate dental insurance plan, or through a payment plan the practice offers.
This is true even if you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage. The only exception is if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental coverage as an added benefit — but that plan would still need to contract with ClearChoice specifically for you to use your coverage there. Most do not.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare does not cover any dental services, so ClearChoice cannot bill Medicare for implants or other dental work.
- If your Medicare Advantage plan includes dental coverage, you must check whether ClearChoice is in that plan's network before scheduling.
- You can pay ClearChoice directly, use a separate dental insurance plan, or ask about their in-house payment plans.
- Dental implants are expensive — costs vary widely by location and complexity — so understanding your payment options before your first visit matters.
Why Medicare does not cover dental implants or other dental work
Medicare was designed to cover medical care, not dental care. Dental services fall into a separate category that Medicare does not fund. This includes routine cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, dentures, and implants — whether you have them done at ClearChoice, a traditional dental office, or anywhere else.
The reasoning dates back to how Medicare was created in 1965. Dental care was excluded from the original program, and that exclusion has remained in place. Congress would have to change federal law to add dental coverage to Medicare, which has not happened.
Some seniors assume that because they pay Medicare taxes, dental care should be included. It is not. If you want dental coverage, you need to obtain it separately.
How to check whether your Medicare Advantage plan covers dental
Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) are run by private insurance companies, not by Medicare itself. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can add extra benefits — and some do include dental coverage.
To find out whether your plan covers dental work at ClearChoice:
- Call the customer service number on the back of your Medicare Advantage card.
- Ask whether your plan includes dental coverage and, if so, what services are covered (implants, cleanings, extractions, etc.).
- Ask specifically whether ClearChoice is in your plan's dental network. If it is not, the plan will not pay for work done there.
- Ask about any annual limits, deductibles, or copays that explore to dental services.
Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke with. If you later have a billing dispute, you will have a record of what you were told.
Paying for ClearChoice implants without Medicare or dental insurance
If you do not have dental coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan or a separate dental insurance policy, you will need to pay ClearChoice directly. Dental implants are a significant expense. The cost varies depending on how many implants you need, the complexity of your case, and your location, but a single implant typically costs several thousand dollars.
Before your first appointment, ask ClearChoice about their payment options. Many dental practices offer in-house payment plans that let you pay over time without using a credit card or taking out a loan. Some also offer discounts if you pay in full upfront. Get the details in writing before you commit to treatment.
You can also ask whether ClearChoice participates in any discount dental plans or membership programs that might lower your out-of-pocket cost. These are not insurance, but they can reduce what you pay.
Separate dental insurance plans for seniors
If you do not have dental coverage and want to explore options before seeing ClearChoice, you can purchase a standalone dental insurance plan. These are sold by private insurance companies and are separate from Medicare.
Dental plans for seniors work differently than medical insurance. Many have waiting periods before they cover major work like implants — sometimes six months to a year. They also often have annual maximums, meaning the plan will only pay up to a certain dollar amount per year. Once you hit that limit, you pay the rest yourself.
Because of these limits and waiting periods, dental insurance may not save you money if you need implants soon. Compare the cost of the plan, the waiting period, the annual maximum, and what ClearChoice charges to see whether buying insurance makes sense for your situation.
Questions to ask ClearChoice before your appointment
When you call to schedule a consultation at ClearChoice, have these questions ready:
- Do you accept my Medicare Advantage dental plan? (If you have one.)
- What is the total cost of the implant procedure I need, including all visits?
- What payment methods do you accept, and do you offer payment plans?
- If I use a payment plan, what is the interest rate or monthly payment amount?
- Will you provide an itemized estimate in writing before I start treatment?
- What happens if I need additional work after the initial implant?
Getting clear answers upfront prevents surprises later. ClearChoice should be willing to discuss costs and payment options before you commit to any procedure.
What to do if you cannot afford ClearChoice implants
Dental implants are expensive, and not everyone can afford them even with a payment plan. If cost is a barrier, you have other options to explore.
Some community health centers and dental schools offer reduced-cost or sliding-scale dental care. Dental schools, in particular, provide implant services at a fraction of typical cost because the work is done by students under supervision. Treatment takes longer, but the savings can be substantial.
You can also ask your regular dentist (if you have one) whether they offer implants or can refer you to a provider with lower costs than ClearChoice. Prices vary significantly by region and by practice.
If you need when ready tooth replacement but cannot afford implants, dentures or bridges may be options to discuss with a dentist. These are also not covered by Medicare, but they are typically less expensive than implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Medicare pay for ClearChoice implants if I have a medical reason?
No. Medicare does not cover dental implants under any circumstance, even if a doctor says you need them for medical reasons. Dental care is categorically excluded from Medicare coverage. Your only option is to pay out of pocket, use a separate dental plan, or explore lower-cost alternatives.
Can I use my Medicare Advantage plan's medical benefits to pay for ClearChoice?
No. Dental implants are dental services, not medical services, so they cannot be billed to the medical portion of your Medicare Advantage plan. Only if your plan has a separate dental benefit can it pay for dental work — and only if ClearChoice is in that plan's network.
What if ClearChoice is out of network for my Medicare Advantage dental plan?
If ClearChoice is not in your plan's network, your plan will not pay for services there. You can still choose to go to ClearChoice and pay out of pocket, or you can find a dentist in your plan's network. Call your plan to ask which implant providers are in network in your area.
Do I need to tell Medicare or my Medicare Advantage plan before I go to ClearChoice?
No. Because Medicare does not cover dental services, you do not need to notify Medicare or your plan before seeing a dentist. If your Medicare Advantage plan has dental coverage and ClearChoice is in network, the plan will handle billing once you provide your insurance information at your appointment.
Are there any ClearChoice locations that accept Medicare?
No. ClearChoice is a private dental company, and Medicare does not cover dental services at any provider, regardless of location. Every ClearChoice office operates under the same policy: Medicare does not pay for dental implants.