Cigna Dental Plans for Seniors
Cigna offers affordable dental coverage, 24/7 customer support, and plans in all 50 states.
How We Evaluated Cigna Dental Plans
To learn all about Cigna dental plans and their applicability for seniors, we contacted Cigna’s representatives to ask about plan variations, and limits per state. We reviewed Cigna’s website, and looked up their dental plan details for multiple states, to compare wait times, coverage limits, annual deductibles, and other qualifiers. We broke our analysis down into several categories, including:
- Cost – For seniors who have Original Medicare, or who need dental coverage for any reason, Cigna dental plans offer several cost-affordable options. Their least expensive plan, at $19 a month, gives you the ability to have consistent checkups and input from a dental professional. This ensures you’ll keep on top of your all-important dental hygiene needs. For those who anticipate needing basic or restorative services, budget-friendly and more expensive options are available.
- Types of services covered – The cost of implants can break the bank. Cigna has one plan that provides coverage for implants, as well as many plans that cover basic and restorative services like fillings, root canals, crowns, and bridges. Dentures may also be covered under restorative services in some states.
- Family plans – Most of Cigna’s dental plans provide coverage for families, making them an affordable option for married seniors.
- Waiting periods – Waiting periods vary by state, so check your zip code before you buy.
If you’re on the hunt for a good insurance plan with affordable premiums, Cigna’s dental plans should be on your radar. Cigna has been in the insurance industry for more than 200 years1. They have earned their reputation as a major carrier, and have dental plans that offer full coverage for preventive care. Cigna is one of our picks for the best dental plans for seniors.
Unlike other dental providers with more limited nationwide coverage, including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna’s dental plans are available in all 50 states. More than 17 million choose Cigna Healthcare Dental.2 In this review, we will take a look at Cigna dental plans to help you narrow your search for the best dental plan for your needs and budget.
Cigna Dental Coverage Options
Here’s an overview of Cigna’s dental plans, which are Preferred Provider Organizations — also known as PPO plans. No primary dentist is required for PPOs.
Cigna Dental Preventive
Best for: seniors who need preventive care with the lowest possible monthly premium.
The Cigna Dental Preventive plan has no annual deductible or maximum. It provides 100 percent coverage for preventive care for routine dental check-ups every six months, including cleanings and routine X-rays. Similar to UnitedHealthcare, Cigna provides 100 percent coverage for preventive care with no waiting periods. Keep in mind that this plan does not cover simple dental procedures, like fillings. If you have cavities, you’ll pay for fillings out of pocket with this plan.
Cigna Dental 1000
Best for: people who need occasional work beyond their regular check-ups.
Cigna Dental 1000 has an annual maximum of $1,000 for eligible restorative services. It also has a yearly deductible of $50 for individuals and $150 for families for basic and major care. This plan provides 100 percent coverage for preventive care and routine dental check-ups every six months, including cleanings and routine X-rays. Basic services are covered at 80 percent after a six-month waiting period and major services are covered at 50 percent after a 12-month waiting period. Dentures are covered at 50 percent after a 12-month waiting period.
Did You Know? Research shows that gum inflammation (gingivitis) increases your chances of getting lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel blockage, and strokes.3
The plan provides comprehensive preventive and moderate coverage for basic and major restorative services, plus it has a manageable annual maximum. The plan isn’t good for people who want to avoid waiting periods. Mutual of Omaha, for comparison, offers coverage without waiting periods.
Cigna Dental 1500
Best for: people who expect to have extensive dental care, since the higher annual benefit maximum allows more coverage for more dental work.
The Cigna Dental 1500 plan’s annual maximum is $1,500, and it has a yearly deductible of $50 for individuals or $150 for families for basic and major care. It has no out-of-pocket limit in certain states, such as New York. The plan covers 100 percent of preventive care and routine dental check-ups every six months, including cleanings and routine X-rays. The plan covers 80 percent of basic services after a six-month waiting period and 50 percent of major services after a 12-month waiting period. It only covers 50 percent for dentures. The plan covers 50 percent of orthodontics up to $1,000 lifetime, with a $50 lifetime deductible.
Cigna Dental 3000/100
Best for: seniors who require extensive dental procedures and want higher annual benefits.
The 3000/100 plan has an annual maximum of $3,000 and an annual deductible of $100. It covers 100 percent of preventive care and routine dental check-ups every six months, including cleanings and routine X-rays. It covers basic services at 50 percent after a six-month waiting period and 50 percent of major services after a 12-month waiting period. Dentures are covered at 50 percent after a 12-month waiting period. Cigna does not offer this plan in every state.
FYI: The Cigna Dental Savings program can be a good alternative to traditional dental insurance, and help save up to 40 percent on dental care expenses. You just need to pay a low annual fee to join. It’s perfect for seniors who want immediate dental care, no waiting period, and coverage for dental care their health plan doesn’t cover.
Cigna Dental Vision 1000
Best for: seniors looking to fold routine vision care into a high-quality dental plan
The Dental Vision 1000 plan has an annual maximum of $1,000 for both vision and dental services. It has an annual deductible of $50 for individuals and $150 for families for dental services, and a $0 annual deductible for vision.
This plan includes $0 dental check-ups that covers the full amount for cleanings and routine x-rays. You’ll also get coverage for basic dental restorative services, like fillings. Vision exams are covered at 30%, or up to $50. You’ll get $100 annually to use towards eyeglasses, including the frames, or contact lenses.
Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 2000
Best for: seniors who need basic hearing and vision coverage, as well as dental coverage
The Dental Vision Hearing 2000 offers coverage for individuals only. No family plan is available. It has an annual maximum of $1,500 for dental services. Routine dental check-ups, including cleaning and x-rays, are $0. This plan includes coverage that varies by state for basic and major restorative services like fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals.
No deductible or waiting period is needed for vision or hearing care services. Vision exams are covered at 50%, or up to $75. You’ll get $200 to use towards eyewear, such as eyeglass lenses, frames, and contacts. Hearing evaluations and exams are covered up to $50. Hearing aids are covered up to $500.
Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 3500
Best for: seniors who want a plan that covers dental implants, plus vision and hearing,
The Dental Vision Hearing 3500 plan has an annual maximum of $2,500 on dental services. It has a $100 annual deductible for individuals. There is no full family plan option, however, it provides a 15% discount on dental services for dependents you add to your plan.
With the Dental Vision Hearing 3500 plan you’ll get $0 routine dental check-ups that include preventive care, like cleanings and basic x-rays. Coverage for basic and major restorative dental services, including fillings, implants, root canals, bridges, and crowns is included, but varies by state.
Vision and hearing care requires no waiting periods or deductibles. This plan includes $300 towards eyeglasses and contact lenses. Hearing aids are covered up to $700. Vision exams are covered at 90%, or up to $100. Hearing exams are covered up to $50.
Cigna Dental Plan Costs
Cigna dental plan costs depend on age and location. Below is a sample of average rates for a single individual taken from the Cigna website. All customers receive 24/7 customer service every day of the year. Customers can use the Brighter Score feature for dental plan access and help choosing the right dentist at myCigna.com or on the myCigna App.
| Monthly premium cost | Annual maximum | Annual deductible | Other features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Dental Preventive | $19 | $0 | $0 | $0 for routine dental check-ups, including cleanings and routine X-rays |
| Cigna Dental 1000 | $33 | $1,000 | $50 individual and $150 family annual deductibles apply to basic and major restorative services | $0 for routine dental check-ups, including cleanings and routine X-rays |
| Cigna Dental 1500 | $39 | $1,500 | $50 individual and $150 family annual deductibles apply to basic and major restorative services | $0 for routine dental check-ups, including cleanings and routine X-rays |
| Cigna Dental 1000/300 | $32 | $3,000 | $100 individual annual deductible applies to all dental services, including preventive, basic, and major dental restorative services | $0 for routine dental check-ups, including cleanings and routine X-rays |
| Cigna Dental Vision 1000 | $32 | $1,000 (dental and vision) | $50 annual dental deductible for individuals, $150 annual dental deductible for families, $0 annual deductible for vision services |
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| Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 2000 | $50 | $1,500 (dental) | $100 annual deductible for individuals (no family plan available) |
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| Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 3500 | $62 | $2,500 (dental) | $100 annual deductible for individuals |
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Cigna Medicare Advantage Plans With Dental Coverage
Medicare does not cover routine oral health and dental care for seniors. Cigna Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, combine Medicare Part A, Part B, and often Part D (drug) coverage. Some of these plans also include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Many Cigna Part C plans have low or no monthly premiums, and come with 24/7 telehealth care. Customers get flexible options such as PPO or HMO plans to meet their cost and coverage needs.
Read our guides to the best Medicare Advantage plans and best dental supplement plans for more details.
How to Purchase a Cigna Dental Plan
To get a quote with Cigna, you can fill out a form and add your ZIP code, state, date of birth, coverage start date, and the type of coverage you seek. After you receive the quote, you can purchase your plan online.
Did You Know? Older adults should monitor their mouths for changes, because the risk for oral cancer increases with age. Any changes in your mouth for more than two weeks should be addressed by your doctor or dentist.4
Cigna’s phone representatives can be reached from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekdays. For assistance with dental insurance policies, you can contact customer service 24/7. Additionally, myCigna account holders can chat online with a representative between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET on weekdays. Customers can use the app to make payments and find in-network providers. For answers to common dental insurance questions, customers can visit the knowledge center on the website.
Cigna Dental Reviews
Customer reviews for Cigna dental plans praise good coverage for preventive, basic, and major services, and for having a big network of dentists. Negative reviews detail poor customer service, billing discrepancies, long reimbursement wait times, a complicated quote process, and not having dental implants included in coverage.
Cigna vs. The Competition
Here’s how Cigna Dental plans compare to some of the competition:
| x | Cigna Healthcare Dental Insurance | AARP Dental Insurance Plan Administered by Delta Dental | Humana Dental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium monthly price range* | $19-$62 | $27.80-$52.24 | $19.99-$59.99 |
| Plan types | PPO (preferred provider organization), DHMO (dental health maintenance organization) plans available through employers | PPO and DHMO | PPO and DHMO |
| Individual and family plans available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nationwide coverage | Yes | PPO plans only | Yes |
| Bundled plans with hearing and vision coverage | Yes | No | Yes |
*varies by state
Final Thoughts
The only plan that covers dental implants is Cigna’s priciest plan – the Dental Vision Hearing 3500. Less expensive options that are quite affordable, however, start at just $19 a month. This low-cost plan is very low-frills, so keep that in mind if budget is your main priority.
Cigna’s 100 percent coverage for preventive care is excellent. Its budget-friendly dental plans can help you save money without missing out on important dental care. Customers should note that premiums and plans are based on your location.
Since many, if not most seniors require vision and hearing care, we like Cigna’s bundled plans which provide some level of coverage for eyewear and hearing aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you buy dental insurance by itself?
Yes, you can buy dental coverage as a separate plan or as part of a bundled health plan.
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Is dental insurance worth buying?
Yes, dental insurance can help you save money. It can keep you on schedule with regular dental maintenance, which can address any potential issues early on and save you money in the long run.
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Does Medicare provide coverage for dental care?
Medicare does not cover most dental work, unless it’s related to other medical health services.
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What is preventive care?
Preventive care means seeing the dentist for dental cleanings every six months, diagnostic dental X-rays, gum disease screenings, fluoride treatment, sealants, oral cancer exams, and more.
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Does Cigna have dental plans especially for seniors?
No, Cigna does not have a plan for seniors, but it offers a variety of dental plans that would make good options for seniors. The company also offers a discount savings program.
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The Cigna Group. (2024). Milestones.
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Cignia. (2024). Affordable Dental Insurance Plans.
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Harvard Health. (2024). The senior's guide to dental care.
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MyHealthfiner. (2022). Oral Health for Older Adults: Quick Tips.
