I will be receiving Medicare within six months to a year, as I have just got disability from social security..

Question

Does Medicare cover any prescriptions? How about Dental? Should I drop my other health insurance plan?

Answer 1

Medicare does provide prescription drug coverage but the explanation of benefits would take pages. Use the link below for more detailed information.

As far as dental is concerned Medicare will only pay for dental services that are an integral part either of a covered procedure (e.g., reconstruction of the jaw following accidental injury), or for extractions done in preparation for radiation treatment for neoplastic diseases involving the jaw. Medicare will also make payment for oral examinations, but not treatment, preceding kidney transplantation or heart valve replacement, under certain circumstances. Such examination would be covered under Part A if performed by a dentist on the hospital's staff or under Part B if performed by a physician. Therefore routine dental coverage is excluded

Answer 2

Medicare Part D covers prescriptions. Medicare does cover some Dental. You really need to go to www.medicare.gov to see how drugs are covered. There are gaps in the coverage which will give you more out of pocket expenses. If your other coverage is with an employer, you will be terminated from the coverage and offered Cobra. The price of that should determine if you should drop it or keep it for as long as you are entitled to Cobra.

Answer 3

Medicare tends to cover less than private insurance plans. Medicare does not cover dental. It is an expensive health insurance plan. Part C plans might cover dental.

Answer 4

Unless you have ESRD (end stage renal disease), you must recieve SSDI for 24 months before you are eligible for medicare . Do not drop your insurance until you receive the notification letter from Medicare telling you the date you will become effective.