Does Medicare Cover Implants? What You Need to Know Before You Decide
If you’re on Medicare and considering implants—whether dental implants, surgical implants, or medical devices—you’re probably asking:
“Does Medicare cover implants?”
The answer depends on what type of implant, why it’s needed, and what kind of Medicare coverage you have. Unfortunately, many seniors find out the hard way that certain implants are not covered, or only covered under specific circumstances.
This guide explains what Medicare does and does not cover when it comes to implants, common misconceptions, and how to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
What Types of Implants Are People Asking About?
When seniors search for “Medicare implant coverage,” they’re usually referring to one of these:
Dental implants
Medical implants (like joint replacements, pacemakers, stents)
Surgical implants related to injuries or disease
Vision or hearing implants
Each category is treated very differently under Medicare.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
❌ Original Medicare Does NOT Cover Dental Implants
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine dental care, including:
Dental implants
Dentures
Crowns
Tooth extractions
Exams, cleanings, or X-rays
If implants are being done solely for dental reasons, Medicare will not pay for them.
This is one of the biggest surprises for Medicare beneficiaries.
⚠️ Rare Exception: Medically Necessary Dental Procedures
In very limited cases, Medicare may cover part of a dental procedure if it’s directly related to a covered medical service.
Examples include:
Jaw reconstruction after an accident
Dental work required before cancer treatment
Surgery involving the jaw or facial bones
Even in these cases, Medicare typically covers the medical portion, not the implant itself.
Does Medicare Cover Medical Implants?
✅ YES — Medicare Covers Medically Necessary Implants
Medicare does cover many medically necessary implants, including:
Hip replacements
Knee replacements
Pacemakers
Heart stents
Surgical mesh
Artificial joints
Certain spinal implants
These are usually covered under:
Part A (inpatient hospital procedures)
Part B (outpatient or physician services)
Coverage depends on medical necessity and proper documentation.
Does Medicare Cover Hearing or Vision Implants?
Hearing Implants
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids
Some surgically implanted hearing devices may be partially covered if medically necessary
Vision Implants
Medicare may cover certain implants related to eye surgery, such as:
Intraocular lenses after cataract surgery
Routine vision implants or upgrades are usually not covered.
What About Medicare Advantage Plans and Implants?
This is where many seniors have more options.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans May Offer Extra Coverage
Some Medicare Advantage plans include:
Dental benefits
Coverage allowances toward implants
Reduced costs for major dental services
Networks of dentists offering implant discounts
Coverage varies widely by:
Plan
Insurance company
County
Provider network
👉 You must check plan details carefully.
How Much Do Implants Cost Without Coverage?
Out-of-pocket implant costs can be significant:
Dental implants often range from $3,000 to $6,000 per tooth
Surgical implants can also involve coinsurance, deductibles, and hospital costs
Without proper planning, these expenses can come as a shock.
How to Reduce Implant Costs on Medicare
Even if Original Medicare doesn’t cover implants, you may still have options to lower costs:
Reviewing Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits
Exploring plans with implant allowances
Coordinating medical necessity documentation
Checking eligibility for assistance programs
Timing procedures with enrollment periods
This is where guidance matters.
Common Misconceptions About Medicare and Implants
❌ “Medicare covers all medically needed dental work”
✔ It usually does not
❌ “All implants are treated the same”
✔ Coverage depends on type and purpose
❌ “I’m stuck paying full price”
✔ Some plans and strategies reduce costs
❌ “My plan automatically covers implants”
✔ Benefits vary significantly
Get Help Understanding Your Implant Coverage Options
Implant coverage is one of the most misunderstood areas of Medicare. Before moving forward with an expensive procedure, it’s important to understand:
What Medicare covers
What your plan may offer
What alternatives exist
How to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs
A licensed Medicare advisor can review your coverage and help you explore plans that may better support your needs—often at no cost to you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking “Does Medicare cover implants?”, the answer isn’t always simple—but getting clarity before treatment can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.
Whether you’re considering dental implants, medical implants, or exploring better coverage options, understanding your Medicare benefits is the first step.
Schedule a free Medicare review today to get clear answers and personalized guidance before making a decision.