My dentist refered me to an oral surgeon

[question everything]

OK, I called to make an appointment. The surgeon will start with a consulting session before he does anything else, I am told. OK, means one more appointment, at least.

The surgeon does not take Medicare and my other insurance is a secondary so he will not take it, either. Not sure why but have to accept. I do have dental insurance so they will have to see whether it will cover. We are talking $100 which I can handle.

And now they emailed me registration form to fill all the stats and... third line - Social Security number? You are not taking Medicare - which is the SSN, so why should I provide it to you?

I have had instances, years ago, when I would skip this with no bad effects. Though one receptionist did comment that Medicare uses this number.

Sigh..

[Big Blue Marble]

1. You may decline to give your SS#.

Medicare does not usually cover dental issues. There are exceptions
if it is deemed a medical issue rather than a dental issue.

If you are not covered by your insurance or Medicare, you need to say
you want to protect your privacy. period.

[Ron Obvious]

2. You may still want to claim this as a medical deduction

Maybe by providing your SS#, this expense will be reported.

Disclaimer: I have no relevant experience and could be talking out of my rectum here.

[dragonlady]

4. SSN shouldn't be necessary to claim a deduction

Just keep the records (statement from dentist and cancelled check that you used to pay or the electronic equivalent).

[Doreen]

3. I am also on Medicare with no supplemental

I went to a dentist office that charges according to income but they do not do procedures except teeth cleaning but will tell you to go to a surgeon if needed. I was getting sick from my problem and that is the only reason I was able to see the surgeon on Medicare. I once again have a tooth that sometimes hurts but I will have to wait until it starts making me sick to get it taken care of. Emergency dental is the only thing it takes care of because only then is it considered medical.

[marybourg]

5. Is this a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Regular Medicare doesn't cover dental, even if it's an emergency.

[Doreen]

6. I am just on plain old Medicare.

I can not afford anything else. All I know is that it was accepted.

[gfwzig]

7. If there is a dental school near you go there

I went to the U of Pitt dental school and was able to get some major work done for minimal cost. The "students" were licensed dentists taking specialized training classes for oral surgery etc. Every bit of the work was done with the finest equipment and techniques available.

[Heddi]

8. the SS is so they can report you to credit agencies

if you don't pay your portion of the bill

My understanding (I'm an RN, but don't deal with pt billing issues) is that you can refuse to give your SS#