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Medicare Dental Coverage After HNC

For many head and neck cancer survivors, treatment doesn’t end when the cancer is gone. Radiation and other treatments can lead to serious dental problems months or even years later, sometimes leaving survivors facing thousands of dollars in dental care they may not realize could be eligible for Medicare coverage.

In 2024, Medicare changed its policy to allow coverage of certain medically necessary dental services connected to head and neck cancer treatment. But more than two years later, many survivors still don’t know this coverage may exist or struggle to figure out how to access it.

Our latest blog explains what the policy does and does not cover and includes a step-by-step checklist to help you navigate the process, including what to ask your cancer team, dentist, Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan, and what to do if you’ve already paid for care or your claim is denied.

Coverage is not guaranteed, but knowing what to ask, what records to gather, and how the process works can help you understand your options.

The holidays often revolve around food, but for people affected by head and neck cancer, eating and enjoying traditional holiday meals can come with challenges. From difficulty swallowing and changes in taste to managing nutrition and navigating social gatherings, the season can bring unique concerns.

Join us for our Ask the Expert: Navigating Holiday Eating with Head & Neck Cancer session, where you can ask questions and get expert guidance on making holiday meals more manageable and enjoyable. Whether you're looking for tips on modifying favorite dishes, maintaining nutrition, or handling the emotional and social challenges of holiday gatherings, this is your opportunity to get answers to the questions that matter most to you.

Dentures, Aligners, and Oral Cancer: What You Need to Know

Does wearing dentures, retainers, or clear aligners raise your risk of oral cancer?

It's a common worry, especially for anyone who has already gone through oral cancer treatment. Dental appliances can rub and irritate the mouth, and that irritation is worth taking seriously. But research has not shown that dentures or clear aligners cause oral cancer or make it come back.

The takeaway: any sore that doesn't heal should get checked out. Don't ignore it, and don't wait.

Read the full breakdown of what the research actually says: