Will this health expenditure reduce your retirement budget? – The crazy fool

It's no secret that medical care is a huge burden for fixed income retirees. And while many seniors worry that just one hospital stay will be enough to bankrupt them, another expense could jeopardize their retirement: dental care.

Although Americans and active seniors clearly need dental care, older people need to be even more vigilant to maintain good oral health and be ahead of the problems before they get stuck. worse. The problem, however, is that many do not have the insurance that will allow them to pay.

Although Medicare covers health expenses such as hospital stays, doctor visits and prescription drugs, it does not cover the dental care of the elderly. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 70% of Medicare enrollees do not benefit from any dental coverage. And not shocking, half goes without seeing a dentist.

Among the seniors who make to spend money on dental care, all you have to do is seriously burn the budget. In 2016, the average Medicare beneficiary spent $ 922 on dental expenses. And you can bet that this number was higher for people who had major oral health problems or who needed specialized dental services. Example: the cost of a ceramic or porcelain crown can reach $ 2,000 for patients who do not have dental insurance.

If you are a senior who is struggling to pay for dental care, or a future retiree who is worried about this impending expense, know that there are Some steps to take to ease the burden.

1. Sign up for Medicare Advantage

The medical benefit is an alternative to the original Medicare that offers a major benefit: dental coverage. The advantage of Medicare Advantage is that your plan must provide at least the same amount of coverage as the original Medicare and, in many cases, you will get a lot more. There are many Advantage plans to choose from. You must therefore take note of your choices and find the one that suits you best.

2. Get dental insurance

Most of the time, Medicare supplemental insurance does not cover dental services. Therefore, his purchase will be of no use in this regard. What you can However, you must have separate dental insurance, the cost of which will depend on the plan you choose.

3. Understand your dental coverage

Whether you're buying dental insurance independently or subscribing to a Medicare Advantage plan, it's essential that you take the time to understand your benefits. This will help you determine how much of your costs you are responsible for, keeping in mind that you may have to pay a deductible in addition to your office copays. At the same time, be sure to stick to the dentists who follow your plan. By opting for an off-grid provider, you could be liable for the full cost of your treatment, even if you have coverage.

4. Never hesitate to negotiate or get a second opinion

Some dentists are more aggressive than others in their treatment plans. If your oral health professional recommends an expensive procedure, it is advantageous to obtain a second opinion before resigning yourself to an exorbitant bill. At the same time, negotiating the cost of your dental care never hurts, especially if you are without insurance. Some dental practices will work with you to make your care more affordable.

5. Increase your savings before retiring

If you are already retired, this advice will not apply. But if you are at the end of your career, forcing yourself to stay in the job market a little longer could allow you to fill your nest egg, giving you access to additional income that can be used to cover your dental care. an elderly person, or anything else medical bills come your way. Similarly, if you are not already registered for Medicare and you have a high deductible health insurance plan, it pays to see if you have the right to fund a savings account. -health. This will give you an additional source of income to exploit once you are retired and dentist bills begin to accumulate.

Dental care is a necessity at every stage of life, but it could become a huge budget for retirement. Follow the steps above to make your care easier to manage, so you do not be tempted to skimp on dental services and put your oral health at risk.