Aspen Dental does not take Medicare as payment for dental services
Aspen Dental is a private dental practice chain and does not participate in Medicare. Medicare itself does not cover routine dental care — cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures are not included in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you receive dental care at Aspen Dental, you will pay out of pocket, use a separate dental insurance plan, or use a dental discount program.
This is true across all Aspen Dental locations in the United States. The company operates as a for-profit dental provider and sets its own fees. Understanding what payment options Aspen Dental actually accepts, and what Medicare alternatives exist for dental care, will help you plan your costs.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare does not cover dental services, and Aspen Dental does not accept Medicare as a form of payment.
- Aspen Dental accepts cash, credit cards, and some private dental insurance plans, but you should call your local office to confirm which plans they take.
- Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) sometimes include dental coverage, so check your plan documents to see if dental is covered and whether Aspen Dental is in your plan's network.
- Dental discount programs and community health centers offer lower-cost alternatives to private dental offices if cost is a barrier.
- You can ask Aspen Dental for a cost estimate before treatment so you know what you will owe.
What payment methods Aspen Dental accepts
Aspen Dental accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards directly. The company also works with some private dental insurance plans — the ones you buy yourself or receive through an employer. However, not every private dental plan is accepted at every location, and accepted plans vary by office.
Before scheduling an appointment or treatment, call your local Aspen Dental office and tell them the name of your dental insurance plan. They can tell you whether they are in-network (which usually means lower out-of-pocket costs for you) or out-of-network (which usually means higher costs). If you do not have private dental insurance, ask about their cash-pay fees and whether they offer payment plans.
Medicare Advantage plans and dental coverage
Some Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C plans) include dental coverage as an added benefit. These are private insurance plans that replace Original Medicare and are sold by private insurers. If your Medicare Advantage plan includes dental, you may have coverage for cleanings, X-rays, fillings, or other services — but the coverage amount and what is covered varies widely by plan.
Check your Medicare Advantage plan documents or call the plan's customer service number to find out: (1) whether dental is included, (2) what services are covered and how much you pay, and (3) whether Aspen Dental is in the plan's network. If Aspen Dental is not in your plan's network, you may pay more or have to go to a different dentist.
If you have Original Medicare (Part A and B only) and want dental coverage, you would need to purchase a separate dental insurance plan on your own. These are not part of Medicare and cost extra each month.
How to find out Aspen Dental's costs before you go
Aspen Dental publishes some general pricing information on its website, but costs vary by location and by the specific treatment you need. The most reliable way to know what you will owe is to call the office where you plan to be treated and describe the work you need done.
Ask for a cost estimate in writing before your appointment. This estimate should tell you the total fee, what your insurance (if you have it) will pay, and what you will owe out of pocket. If the cost is higher than you expected, you can ask whether Aspen Dental offers a payment plan or whether they can refer you to a lower-cost option.
Lower-cost dental options if Aspen Dental is too expensive
If Aspen Dental's fees are more than you can afford, several other options exist. Federally may have access to Health Centers (FQHCs) are community health centers that offer dental care on a sliding fee scale based on your income. You can find one near you by searching the HRSA Find a Health Center tool on the HRSA website or by calling 211 (a free referral service).
Dental schools in your area also offer low-cost dental care performed by students under the supervision of licensed instructors. Treatment takes longer than at a private office, but costs are significantly lower. Search online for "dental school near me" or ask your doctor for a referral.
Dental discount programs (sometimes called dental savings plans) are membership programs that give you a discount on dental fees at participating dentists. They are not insurance, but they can reduce what you pay. Some programs cost $80 to $200 per year. Ask whether Aspen Dental participates in any discount programs in your area.
What to do if you have a Medicare Advantage plan with dental
If your Medicare Advantage plan includes dental coverage and you want to use Aspen Dental, take these steps: First, call Aspen Dental and confirm they are in-network for your specific plan. Second, ask what your copay or coinsurance will be for the service you need. Third, ask whether you need a referral or prior authorization from your plan before scheduling — some plans require this.
Bring your Medicare Advantage plan card to your appointment. Aspen Dental will bill your plan directly for the covered portion, and you will pay your share at the time of service. If Aspen Dental is out-of-network for your plan, you may be able to use them, but you will likely pay more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medicare card to pay for dental at Aspen Dental?
No. Original Medicare does not cover dental services, so your Medicare card cannot be used to pay for dental work. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage, you can use that plan's card instead — but only if Aspen Dental is in your plan's network.
Does Aspen Dental take Medicaid?
Medicaid coverage for dental services varies by state, and Aspen Dental's participation in Medicaid also varies by location. Call your local Aspen Dental office and tell them your state to ask whether they accept Medicaid. You can also contact your state Medicaid office to find out which dentists in your area take Medicaid.
What if I cannot afford dental care anywhere?
Community health centers, dental schools, and some nonprofit organizations offer free or very low-cost dental care based on income. Call 211 or search the HRSA Find a Health Center tool to locate a center near you. Some areas also have dental clinics that offer free care on specific days of the month.
Will my Medicare Advantage plan cover a crown or implant at Aspen Dental?
It depends on your specific plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover crowns or implants; others do not. Check your plan documents or call your plan's customer service line to find out what is covered. Then call Aspen Dental to confirm they are in-network and ask for a cost estimate.
Can I get a payment plan at Aspen Dental if I do not have insurance?
Many Aspen Dental offices offer payment plans for uninsured patients, but policies vary by location. Call ahead and ask whether they offer financing options or payment plans. Some offices work with third-party financing companies that let you pay over time.