On October 15, Medicare’s open enrollment period began nationwide. In New Jersey, hundreds of thousands of seniors now face the challenge of choosing the right Medicare coverage. They must decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. While most focus on medical and prescription benefits, dental coverage should not be overlooked.
Many Medicare participants do not realize that the program does not cover routine dental care. Preventive procedures, such as cleanings and exams, are essential for long-term health. Currently, Medicare only pays for dental surgeries performed in hospitals. This leaves seniors with two options: pay out of pocket or find a Medicare supplement that covers dental care.
Unfortunately, many dental supplement plans are inexpensive but poorly designed. They often have limited networks and inexperienced providers.
“Seniors face many challenges in this situation, so we offer our dental discount plan,” said Dr. Arash Vahid of AV Dental Associates. He added, “We provide experienced, knowledgeable dentists and affordable care. Our plan ensures access to personalized service and a healthy smile.”
Poor dental care can have serious consequences for seniors’ overall health. Consider these statistics:
Only 29% of seniors have dental coverage.
One in five adults aged 65 or older have no natural teeth. By age 75, total tooth loss becomes twice as common.
Seniors who retain 20 or more teeth by age 70 are more likely to live longer than those with fewer teeth.
About 70% of adults over 65 have advanced periodontitis. This condition is the leading cause of tooth loss and is linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and other serious health issues.
Dental discount plans have existed for more than 20 years, but many seniors are unaware of them. AV Dental Associates offers a plan that provides tangible benefits:
Two dental exams and cleanings per year at a fixed monthly cost.
Immediate access to benefits with no waiting period.
A 20% discount on periodontal, restorative, endodontic, oral surgery, and orthodontic treatments.
Seniors considering these options should keep key dates in mind. Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025. This is the time to leave an ineffective dental supplement and enroll in a plan that provides better coverage and care.