Best Dental Plans for Seniors in 2024
The best dental plans scored well in all of our review categories, including cost, availability, and in-network providers.
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- Easy-to-navigate patient portal app
- 24/7 customer service for select plans
- Affordable preventive services
- No waiting period
- More than 400,000 in-network provider locations
- 100 percent coverage for preventive treatments
- 100% coverage for preventive treatments
- Discount programs for dental care and pharmacy costs
- Coverage for dentures after a waiting period
- No waiting periods for most types of dental care
- All plans come with two free exams and three annual cleanings
- Option to add vision, life, and disability policies
- Major discounts available when bundling dental and vision
- Consultation-free access to specialists
- More than 335,000 providers in its network
Sharon worked in clinical dental hygiene for 15 years with a passion for education and preventative care techniques. Today, she has written thousands of pieces of patient educational material for dental providers worldwide.
Sharon worked in clinical dental hygiene for 15 years with a passion for education and preventative care techniques. Today, she has written thousands of pieces of patient educational material for dental providers worldwide.
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Seniors over the age of 65 are typically at increased risk of oral problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancers. However, only 53 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have dental insurance to cover costs for treatment of these oral problems.1 Unfortunately, many older adults face the issue of losing company health coverage when they retire, and most Medicare-sponsored plans offer minimal or no dental coverage. This can leave a majority of aging individuals in need of a dental insurance plan at an affordable cost.
We have put together a list of the top dental companies based on availability, in-network providers, coverage options, and cost. Below, you’ll find an updated listing of the top senior dental plans for 2024.
Money-saving Tip: Check out our list of free and low-cost dental plans for seniors to learn how you can save on oral care.
Our Methodology: How We Chose Our Top Dental Insurance Picks
We spent over 100 hours narrowing down the best dental plans for older adults. To do this, we spoke with seniors about their experiences with carriers and researched 15 companies’ dental plans. We requested and compared quotes from all of the carriers on our list for a senior living in Florida. This gave us cost estimates and allowed us to assess each company’s quotes and enrollment process. Our final list was reviewed by dental experts to ensure we showcased the best options on the market. During the process of creating this list, we focused on the following factors:
- Premiums: Premiums are often one of the top concerns for seniors, as they refer to the amount you’ll have to pay each month to maintain your plan. Since seniors have a wide range of budgets, we included companies with more affordable plans, as well as companies that offer more expensive plans with greater coverage.
- Availability: Though some companies offer nationwide coverage (as well as limited international coverage), many dental insurance carriers are not available in all 50 states. Wider availability makes it more likely that you can find a plan in your area.
- In-Network Providers: Most dental insurance plans are PPO, which means that you can use a dentist or dental care provider outside of your network and still get partial coverage. However, using an in-network provider can mean much greater coverage for preventive, basic, and major care. The larger the network of providers, the easier it is to find a provider near you.
- Benefits: Most dental insurance plans offer various plans at different price points, often with different coverage levels. One feature that applies to all comprehensive dental insurance plans is a maximum annual benefit. This reflects the maximum amount your carrier will spend each calendar year before you need to pay for your dental care out of pocket.
- Waiting Periods: Not all plans come with waiting periods, but many do. No waiting periods are preferred, as this means that policyholders can start benefiting from their plans immediately.
- Deductibles: Deductibles for dental insurance are typically low, ranging (on average) between $50 and $150. However, some plans have no deductibles at all. This ensures that, excluding waiting periods, policyholders can get help paying for dental care without having to pay much (if anything) before their coverage kicks in.
The Highest-Ranked Senior Dental Plans for 2024
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1. Cigna - Best App
What we like most
- Easy-to-navigate patient portal app
- 24/7 customer service for select plans
- Affordable preventive services
CignaOverview:Cigna offers three low-cost coverage options, including an affordable preventive care package that covers 100% of associated costs such as exams, X-rays, basic cleanings, and fluoride treatments. The Cigna Dental Preventive Plan has no deductibles or copays for office visits, and an average premium of $19 per month. The myCigna mobile app also makes it easier than ever for users to do just about everything on their smartphone — from searching for in-network providers and getting cost estimates to viewing claims. The app also gives users a digital ID card so that they don’t have to carry around a physical ID card to show proof of coverage.
» For Phone Shoppers: Best smartphones for seniors
Many seniors appreciate that Cigna Dental PPO plans don’t require patients to self-submit claims or pay the entire cost of treatments up front. This can benefit older adults who don’t want to mess with online submission forms, as well as seniors who may not have the funds to pay for everything in advance. Cigna’s dentists always file claims, and you simply pay the remaining balance. Keep in mind that you can choose from low deductible plans, high annual maximum plans, or bundled plans for more comprehensive coverage. For more information, read our in-depth Cigna Dental review.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Cigna
- Easy-to-navigate patient portal app
- Biannual exams, cleanings, and X-rays are included in plans
- No primary dentist required for patients with a PPO
- 24/7 customer service for Cigna Dental Preventive Plan
- Offers 3-in-1 bundled plans (dental, vision, and hearing with monthly premiums low as $32 per month)
- Over 17 million customers
- Great customer service
- Offers affordable dental savings program
Cons About Cigna
- Coverage and benefits vary depending on your state
- One-year waiting period before higher-level coverage is active
- Payout percentages for basic services are lower than other providers
Summary:Plans and Pricing
The Cigna Dental Preventive Plan covers the cost of cleanings, fluoride applications, oral exams, X-rays, sealant, and non-orthodontic space maintainers. These are fully covered, twice per year. The Cigna Dental 1000 plan, conversely, maxes out at $1,000 per person annually and has a $50 and $150 deductible for individual and family plans, respectively. The average monthly premium starts at $33, but may vary based on location. In comparison, Cigna Dental 1500 is best for those who may need additional dental care such as orthodontia, and comes with an average monthly premium of $39.
» Budget-Friendly Options: 10 free and low cost dental care options for seniors
It’s important to note that the Cigna 5000/250 and Cigna 3000/150 plans stopped being offered to new customers on November 13, 2023, though customers who already had either plan before the cut-off date will see no change in their coverage. For older adults who want more coverage, Cigna still offers the 3000/100 plan, with average monthly premiums of $32 and maximum annual benefits up to $3,000. We like that Cigna gives older adults three ways to bundle dental and vision, with average premiums starting at just $32 per month for the Cigna Dental Vision 1000 plan.
Availability and In-Network Providers
With more than 89,000 dentists and over 300,000 provider locations nationwide, Cigna is a widely available dental insurance provider, though its network can’t compete with Mutual of Omaha. Seniors can also access emergency dental coverage while overseas. So, if you love traveling throughout the country, or have considered living abroad for an extended period, Cigna might be a great choice for affordable dental insurance coverage.
» Company Overview: Cigna and senior care coverage
Seniors seeking flexible dental insurance at great rates with global coverage should consider Cigna. With a PPO, you aren’t required to choose a primary dentist and have a large network of providers. Cigna also pays a portion of most services from out-of-network providers, making it convenient for older adults who like to hit the road.
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2. Mutual of Omaha - Best coverage without waiting periods
What we like most
- No waiting period
- More than 400,000 in-network provider locations
- 100 percent coverage for preventive treatments
Overview:Mutual of Omaha was founded in 1909 and now offers a comprehensive array of insurance services, including Medicare plans, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and dental insurance. The company also offers financial services, including mortgage, investment, and annuities services, making it a one-stop shop for older adults who want greater peace of mind with their health and finances.
» You Might Like: A guide to finance for seniors
Mutual of Omaha’s two dental insurance plans are affordably priced and offer impressive coverage, including full coverage of preventive services. There is no waiting period, and you can choose from three maximum benefits up to $5,000 per year. Coverage isn’t available in every state, but Mutual of Omaha’s network is larger than companies like Spirit Dental and Cigna, so you’ll likely have numerous dental offices to choose from.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Mutual of Omaha
- No waiting period for preventive, basic, and major services
- Option to choose your annual maximum benefit
- More than 400,000 in-network dental provider locations
- Also offers a dental savings plan
- Optional rider for add-on vision benefits
- Easy online enrollment, and phone support is also available
Cons About Mutual of Omaha
- Not available in all 50 states
- Plan availability varies by area
- Both plans only cover 20% of major services during the first year
Summary:Plans and Pricing
The company offers two dental plans, Mutual Dental Protection and Mutual Dental Preferred, as well as a vision rider and a dental savings plan. The least expensive dental plan starts at an estimated $29.27 per month, although costs will vary by location. You can choose from annual maximum benefits of up to $5,000 to customize the coverage to your needs. Regardless of the plan you choose, you can add vision coverage for roughly $8.28 per month, which is a few dollars cheaper than Aetna’s vision rider.
» Related Reading: Best vision insurance for seniors
Premiums and rider costs vary, however, and plans are not available in all 50 states. We researched plan quotes for Miami, Florida. The Mutual Dental Protection plan costs about $29.27 per month with a $100 calendar year deductible. It covers preventive services in full, 50% of basic services, and 20% of major services on day one (50% of major services after year one).
FYI: While Mutual of Omaha doesn’t have a waiting period, it substitutes the waiting period with a reduced benefit on major services for the first year.
The Mutual Dental Preferred plan costs about $56.38 per month. It has no deductible for preventive services, but there's a $50 deductible for basic and major services. Its preventive and major services coverage is the same as the Protection plan, but the Preferred plan covers 80% of basic services compared to the Protection plan’s 50%. The costs are nearly double Spirit Dental’s premiums and deductibles, but they’re very similar to Aetna’s costs. There are other benefits to Mutual of Omaha coverage that help to justify the pricing, particularly the lack of a waiting period.
Availability and In-Network Providers
With more than 400,000 in-network dental providers, Mutual of Omaha is a popular choice for many older adults. Unlike Cigna, however, Mutual of Omaha isn’t available in all 50 states. As of 2024, Mutual of Omaha doesn’t offer any of its dental insurance plans in Alabama, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, or Wisconsin. Even if you live in a state in which Mutual of Omaha is licensed, there’s still no guarantee that a dental plan will be available to you. Fortunately, you can quickly check which (if any) plans are available in your area and even get a quote on the monthly premium by visiting the company’s website.
» Also Check Out: Mutual of Omaha Medigap plans review
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3. Aetna - Most Comprehensive Plans
What we like most
- 100% coverage for preventive treatments
- Discount programs for dental care and pharmacy costs
- Coverage for dentures after a waiting period
AetnaOverview:Aetna is one of the most popular insurers in the U.S. for individuals and families alike. The carrier is also a solid dental insurance company with numerous options to consider. Currently, the company has three primary PPO plans, with the most inexpensive one starting as low as $20.74 per month. Plus, they offer a dental discount card, Aetna Vital Savings, for instant savings of 15% to 50% off most dental services, with card rates starting at $7.99 per month.
» Save More: Senior discounts in 2024
While Aetna Vital Savings isn’t available in every state, it is a great way to potentially save on every visit, with no claims, no waiting periods, and no limits. If you opt for the higher-tier plans (Core or Preferred), your plan also comes with CVS ExtraCare Plus at no extra charge (it costs $5 per month for non-Aetna members). This membership gives you $10 of monthly discounts on purchases made at CVS pharmacies, as well as 24/7 pharmacist helpline access, discounts on CVS Health brand products, and free one or two-day shipping for prescriptions or products purchased online through CVS. Like Aetna Vital Savings, however, CVS ExtraCare Plus is not available in every state. For more information, read our in-depth Aetna Dental review.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Aetna
- Offers dental discount card for more savings
- CVS ExtraCare Plus with Preferred and Core plans
- Plans cover 100 percent of preventive treatments
- Easy-to-navigate website with convenient online claim forms and tracking
- Coverage for dentures after a waiting period
- Three PPO plans
- Can add vision coverage to your dental plan
Cons About Aetna
- Waiting periods on most plans
- Payments must be made online
- Aetna Vital Savings and CVS ExtraCare Plus not available in some states
- Preventive plan has limited availability
Summary:Plans and Pricing
Premiums vary depending on your state of residence and current health condition. On average, the lowest premiums cost between $20 and $31, while upgraded plans average $45 to $70. We were quoted for plans in Miami, where the Aetna Dental Direct Preventive PPO plan costs about $29.26 per month. This plan has no deductible but only covers preventive care like cleanings and X-rays. We saw a substantial increase in premiums for the two plans that include basic and major coverage: Dental Direct Core PPO and Dental Direct Preferred PPO. The Core plan costs about $53.58 per month, while the Preferred plan costs about $62.16 per month.
Pro Tip: If you already use CVS as your go-to pharmacy and live in a state where the program is available, you could greatly benefit from CVS ExtraCare Plus with Aetna.
Like the Cigna Dental 1000 plan, Aetna’s Core plan has a $50 deductible for individuals, a $150 deductible for families, and a maximum annual benefit of $1,000. The Preferred plan has the same deductibles, but the maximum benefit is $1,250. Both the Core and Preferred plans come with waiting periods of six months for basic services and 12 months for major services, which is not ideal for older adults who want to get the most out of their plan from day one. You may be able to have this waiting period waived if you’ve had a different dental insurance plan within 90 days of enrollment. That said, if you want to see benefits without the wait, Mutual of Omaha may be a better option.
Availability and In-Network Providers
Aetna boasts a nationwide network of more than 420,000 providers, which is far more than Cigna or Spirit Dental. As of 2024, Aetna has 9 million members enrolled in its Dental Direct plans. However, availability varies by location. You’ll need to check your zip code on Aetna’s website to see which plans are available in your state. Aetna’s Preventive plan, for example, is only available in Arizona, California, Florida, and Maine.
It’s also important to note that Aetna Vital Savings and CVS ExtraCare Plus are not available nationwide, either. Aetna Vital Savings is not available in Vermont or Montana. CVS ExtraCare Plus is even more limited, as it is unavailable in Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia.
» Our Overview: Aetna dental plans for seniors
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4. Spirit Dental & Vision - Best Loyalty Program
What we like most
- No waiting periods for most types of dental care
- All plans come with two free exams and three annual cleanings
- Option to add vision, life, and disability policies
Spirit Dental & VisionOverview:Spirit Dental stands out among dental insurance companies for a number of reasons. In addition to plans with plenty of in-network providers and those that allow you to pick your own dentist, Spirit Dental (like Mutual of Omaha) has no waiting period for basic dental care or even major services such as bridges or crowns. Customers even receive two free exams and three annual cleanings with every plan, which are benefits you won’t get from Aetna or Cigna.
» Learn About: Dental insurance for seniors
The longer you maintain one or more policies, the higher your savings. This is a great feature for older adults who want to stick with one insurance company for the long haul and be rewarded for it. In addition to guaranteed acceptance, the company’s policy rates are more affordable than Humana, with most basic procedures covered at up to 50% in the first year. These savings can increase to 90% by the third year of coverage. Plus you can choose your dentist, giving you more autonomy over your dental care. Spirit Dental also offers vision, life, and disability policies as add-on riders to their dental benefits. The company doesn’t deny any applications, but it does exclude certain preexisting conditions such as broken dentures, teeth or implants.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Spirit Dental & Vision
- Guaranteed acceptance
- No waiting periods
- No applications are denied
- Senior-specific plan
- $100 lifetime deductible
- Up to $5,000 annual benefit maximum is higher than most competitors
- Three dental cleanings per year
- Can save up to 25 to 50 percent with PPO plans
Cons About Spirit Dental & Vision
- Only covers dental issues obtained during coverage periods
- Out-of-network providers cost more
- Guaranteed acceptance doesn’t apply with certain preexisting conditions
Summary:Plans and Pricing
Spirit Dental plans cover individuals, but the company also offers family plans for more comprehensive coverage. Rates for individuals depend on the plan you choose and your location, with average premiums ranging from $20 to $60 per month. We were quoted for prices in Miami, and the most affordable plan, Spirit Preventive Plus PPO, costs about $20.15 per month, with maximum annual benefits of $1,000 per person. It covers 100% of preventive care, and unlike Aetna’s preventive plan, it covers 50% of basic services and 20% of major services for the first year.
Did You Know? Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, along with other perks. Read our guide to the best dental supplement plans to find out if one of these plans might be a better fit for you.
For more comprehensive coverage, Spirit Dental offers a wide range of options based on your needs. For example, the Spirit Core PPO includes coverage for child orthodontics and costs about $34.93 per month, while the Spirit Senior Preferred PPO includes implant and hearing coverage for about $44.51 per month — with up to $3,000 in maximum annual benefits per person. The most expensive plan, Spirit Pinnacle PPO, costs about $47.96 per month, includes child orthodontics and implants, and has an annual maximum benefit of $5,000. This means that Spirit Dental offers more variety and more competitive prices than widely known companies like Cigna and Aetna.
Availability and In-Network Providers
Spirit Dental is available in nearly all of the United States, with the exception of Washington State. This makes it a much more accessible option for many seniors than Mutual of Omaha. However, Spirit Dental only has 136,000 providers nationwide through the Ameritas Dental Network. This is far fewer providers than any other company on this list, which means that it could be more difficult to find an in-network dentist in your area.
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5. Humana - Best Coverage
What we like most
- Major discounts available when bundling dental and vision
- Consultation-free access to specialists
- More than 335,000 providers in its network
HumanaOverview:Humana is one of the nation’s largest dental insurance providers, offering plans for employers, groups, and individuals. With highly-rated customer service and affordable plans, Humana is popular among seniors because it offers special veterans’ programs and a loyalty program to most consumers. These plans may include discounts on hearing exams, alternative medical therapies, and prescription discounts. They can even be combined with vision insurance. For more information, read our in-depth Humana Dental review.
» Related Reading: A guide to vision insurance for seniors
Pros & Cons:Pros About Humana
- Benefits increase annually for three years under Humana’s Loyalty Plus Dental Plan
- Preventive care dental plans starting at $20 per month
- Combining dental and vision coverage gets policyholders great discounts
- Patients can see specialists without consulting a primary-care dentist
- Convenient online features and a mobile app streamline the experience
- Special discounts and packages for veterans
- Recognized for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power in 2023
Cons About Humana
- Higher fees for smokers
- One-time enrollment fees and monthly administrative fees for select dental plans
- Not all plans are available in every state
Summary:Plans and Pricing
Humana offers numerous programs that are great for seniors on a budget, such as the Dental Savings Plus plan. It’s an affordable dental discount plan that is accepted by participating dentists, rather than a typical insurance plan. Customers pay a flat monthly rate of $6.99, and a $15 enrollment fee, with an average of $14 savings on copays for non-emergency office visits. A few of the plans have a $35 enrollment fee, and costs vary depending on your home state, age, smoking status, and the package you choose. Top options include Humana Bright Plus Veterans, Preventive Value, and Loyalty Plus. The latter has a one-time deductible rather than an annual one, making it the most comprehensive (and expensive) plan.
Did You Know? You might be able to get a $0 monthly premium Humana Medicare Advantage plan with extra benefits like dental coverage and vision coverage if eligible.
In addition to the Dental Savings Plus plan, Humana offers the Preventive Value plan with similar prices and coverage to the Cigna Dental Preventive Plan. In Florida, Preventive Value costs about $20.49 per month with no waiting period, while more comprehensive plans like Loyalty Plus and Complete Dental cost about $41.99 and $57.99, respectively. Loyalty Plus also doesn’t have any waiting periods, and the maximum annual benefits start at $1,000 and increase for the first three years — up to $1,500. Complete Dental offers even more coverage and higher initial benefits (starting at $1,250), but it comes with a six-month waiting period for basic services and a 12-month waiting period for major services.
Availability and In-Network Providers
With over 325,000 dental care providers in its nationwide network, finding care with Humana is a breeze online, via the mobile app, or by calling customer service. This puts it on par with Cigna, which also offers plans in all 50 states. However, plan availability and pricing can vary by location.
» Learn More: Humana and senior care coverage
Why Is Dental Insurance Important for Older Adults?
Taking care of our oral health becomes more important as we age. Older adults have specific dental needs, such as dealing with gum disease and gum recession, root decay, broken or lost teeth, and even arthritic conditions that can lead to dental problems. It’s a good idea for older adults near retirement age to begin looking for a plan to avoid costly coverage gaps since Medicare doesn’t offer dental coverage (though some Medicare Advantage plans do).
» Check Out: Best Medicare Advantage plans
Most dental insurance companies offer various plans, ranging from basic preventive-only coverage and discount savings plans to comprehensive traditional packages and “gold-level” plans. Except for dental discount plans, most programs have at least a six-month waiting period for coverage to kick in, especially for major dental work. This makes finding a new policy before losing any current coverage essential for older adults.
Types of Dental Plans
The two most common types of dental insurance for seniors come are PPOs and HMOs. However, these aren’t the only options. Here are the types of dental plans you’ll likely encounter when shopping.
- HMO: Like a traditional HMO for general health care, a dental HMO, sometimes abbreviated as a DHMO, is a plan that offers reduced costs for preventive and routine dental care performed at an in-network provider. HMOs often have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than PPOs, but they don’t offer any out-of-network coverage. This type of plan is generally best for seniors who don’t travel often and want to save on premiums and copays.
- PPO: A PPO offers the same basic coverage of preventive and routine dental care as an HMO, but it usually comes with a larger network than an HMO, as well as partial out-of-network coverage. Premiums and copays, however, tend to be higher. This type of plan is better for seniors who still want partial coverage if they travel and will pay more for access to a larger network of dentists and dental providers.
- Fee for service: Fee for service plans usually have the largest network of any type of dental insurance plan, but the costs also tend to be the highest. Unlike some HMOs and PPOs that reduce upfront costs, a fee for service plan requires the user to pay 100% of the cost at the time of care, and then file a claim with their insurance carrier to be reimbursed for a percentage of the cost. Fee for service plans are good for seniors who want as much freedom as possible to choose the dentist they want and still get coverage.
- Discount plan: Though not technically an insurance plan, discount or savings plans are a common replacement for senior dental insurance. With a discount plan, the user pays a one-time or recurring fee to be a member, and then receives discounts on certain types of dental care through participating providers. A discount plan is often a good option for seniors who can’t afford traditional dental insurance, don’t have access to their preferred carrier, or don’t want to commit to a specific carrier.
>> Other Dental Options: Kaiser Dental Plans for Seniors
How Much Does Senior Dental Insurance Cost?
Stand-alone dental insurance plans can range anywhere from $20 per month to over $100 monthly for individual plans, and family programs average triple those estimates depending on coverage levels. Deductibles typically average between $50 and $150 per year, but some plans offer a one-time deductible for premium policies. The most affordable option for people seeking temporary or low-cost care is to invest between $75 and $150 in a dental insurance discount program that offers enrollees substantial discounts on all services within days of signing up. Costs vary for different types of coverage by state, age, number of enrollees, and selected plan.
Did You Know? Adults over the age of 65 are typically at increased risk of oral health problems, but only 49% of Medicare beneficiaries have some form of dental insurance.
Ways to Save on Dental Insurance
Many older seniors forego dental insurance because of the cost alone. While dental insurance tends to be one of the more affordable types of insurance, especially when compared to traditional health insurance, it can still put a dent in your wallet. Here are a few tips to help you save on a dental plan:
- Shop around with multiple carriers. It never hurts to find out which carriers offer plans in your area and talk to them to see what deals they offer to older adults.
- Get quotes before you decide. Always get quotes before you pick a carrier! This way, you can compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and other costs — apples to apples.
- Choose an HMO or discount plan. Though HMOs limit you to a smaller network of providers, they generally offer the most savings. And if you want to get discounts on certain types of dental care without paying a high monthly premium, a discount plan could potentially save you even more.
- Consider a Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits. If you already have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or you’re considering one, it could be a great way to bundle your health insurance with dental coverage. Make sure to review your policy so you know exactly what kind of dental care your Part C plan will (and won’t) cover.
Pro Tip: Need help finding room in your budget for dental insurance? Check out our eight tips to building a budget on a fixed income.
Tips for Choosing the Best Dental Insurance
Here are a few things to consider that can help you narrow down your choices and find the best dental insurance plan for you.
- Review your budget. Few things in life are free, and dental insurance is no exception. If you live on a fixed income, review how much you can comfortably spend on premiums, deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket costs. Getting quotes on plans available in your area can help you eliminate those that are outside your budget.
- Consult with your dentist. Consider your oral health and medical history before picking a plan. This is why it’s a good idea to consult with a dentist who’s familiar with your oral health. Even if you don’t have a dentist, it could be beneficial to have a new dentist give you an exam and review your oral health to help you anticipate future needs.
- Understand the benefits. Most dental insurance is designed to cover all or most of the costs of preventive care like yearly exams and cleanings. However, they often require you to pay a higher percentage for basic and major services. Understanding what you’re getting and what you’ll need to pay for can help you decide if a plan is right for you.
FYI: Still looking for a dental carrier that works for you? Check out our review of Delta Dental plans for seniors.
Senior Dental Plans and Dentures
Dentures are often covered under certain dental insurance plans and/or dental savings or discount programs. However, under most traditional dental insurance programs, members will have to wait a year or more to qualify for denture-related services. The good news is that most dental discount plans offer some level of denture coverage within days of enrollment for a small annual enrollment fee. It’s important to check each plan carefully to see if there is a preexisting condition clause that prohibits dentures and repairs unless the teeth are lost or broken during a period of coverage under the policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Insurance for Seniors
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What’s the best insurance for dental implants?
Mutual of Omaha is among the best carriers for seniors in need of dental implants, as it offers plans with maximum payouts ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for implants.
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What is the most common type of dental insurance?
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is the most common type of dental insurance for people of all ages — including older adults. This type of plan generally offers the best balance between freedom to choose a dentist and quality benefits.
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Can federal retirees get dental insurance?
The Federal Employee Dental and Vision Benefits Enhancement Act of 2004 allows eligible federal employees and retirees to purchase supplemental dental and vision plans with no limitations for preexisting conditions.
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Does Medicare Plan G cover dental?
No, Medicare Plan G does not cover dental. It offers the same dental coverage as Original Medicare, which does not include preventive or routine dental care.
KFF. (2021). Medicare and Dental Coverage: A Closer Look.