Oral health is an increasing factor in human life as they grow older. Medicare, however, is not likely to pay for any routine dental care, leaving many seniors searching for answers to their questions about affordable dental insurance. This guide examines the major dental insurance plans for seniors within the borders of America with the outlined benefits, coverages, and considerations.
It does seem so cool to actually find a dental insurance company that pays 100 percent of your dental needs. But the fact is that, unlike medical insurance plans, dental insurance policies have lagged in adjusting their coverage for inflation. So today, in a plan, the maximum insurance (the dollar amount of dental treatment covered) is approximately what it was in the 1980s. There’s no way you can buy a house at the same price you could back in 1980, and a dental crown is no exception.
Below are some guidelines for your belief in the ability to properly budget and buy the right dental insurance plan.
Why Seniors Need Dental Insurance
Aging poses new risks to an oral environment already at risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and loss of teeth. Seniors have unique problems which may include gum recession, root decay, and restorative treatments like crowns or dentures, if not implants. Regular office visits do not cover oral health alone. Still, as well as general healthy living since poor oral hygiene can result in life-threatening health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
Medicare does not cover any part of the process involved in routine dental care; these investments in dental insurance are very important in such a case for seniors. Many of these plans also cover preventive services in addition to fillings, extractions, and even major procedures. Many of these costs are reduced to out-of-pocket amounts. Most insurance policies come with waiting periods before critical treatments are covered; hence, insurance must be purchased soonest before old benefits expire. Acquiring the right plan enables seniors to access care without the financial aspects that deny them healthy, confident smiles.
READ MORE: AARP Dental Plans for Seniors
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
1. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans
- Provides a network of dentists at negotiated fees
- Benefits cover preventive, essential, and significant services at varying co-pays.
- Permits out-of-network services, generally at increased costs.
2. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans
- Due to which the dentists who are part of the network must be used so that there will be coverage.
- Generally lower premium, no deductible would be fair to those policies.
- But on the other hand, provider choices might be limited.
3. Indemnity Dental Plans
- Allows visiting any dentist
- Reimburses a percentage of the cost after the patient pays upfront
- Often has higher premiums and deductibles
4. Discount Dental Plans
- Not insurance but offers discounted rates at participating dentists
- No waiting periods or deductibles
- Requires an annual membership fee
Dental Insurence Coverage and Benefits
Most dental insurance plans for seniors offer three levels of coverage:
- Preventive Care: Includes routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays (often covered at 100%)
- Basic Services: Includes fillings, extractions, and root canals (typically covered at 50-80%)
- Major Services: Includes crowns, dentures, and implants (usually covered at 30-50%)
Best 7 Dental Insurance For Seniors
Various insurance providers offer plans for seniors, all widely varying in terms of coverage, price, and network options. The selection of the appropriate provider depends on the coverage requirement, budget of the individual, and choice of available in-network dentists.
1. AARP Dental Insurance (through Delta Dental)
Under AARP, seniors can get dental plans for patients insured with Delta Dental. The plans are very useful for older adults in managing their dental expenses, which cover preventive services like cleaning and examination as well as extensive treatment such as filling, crowns, dentures, and implants.
AARP members can choose from a range of Delta Dental PPO plans with various levels of coverage, making it easy to go with or out of network. Most of the time, the plans cover 100 percent preventive care, while there are sharing costs for both basic and major procedures. Some treatments may, however, have waiting periods, and to prevent lapses in care, it is advisable to enroll in the plan even before the other one terminates.
It is one of the options; therefore, AARP dental insurance is very useful to seniors because it helps maintain good oral health at a low cost. This covers a broad range of networks and coverage options available. This makes the AARP Dental Insurance through Delta Dental a very strong option for seniors that are taking care of their oral health.
Pros & Cons of AARP Dental Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services | Waiting periods apply for major procedures (e.g., crowns, dentures, implants) |
| Large network of Delta Dental providers nationwide | Monthly premiums may be higher than discount dental plans |
| No age restrictions – designed specifically for seniors | Limited coverage for some procedures like cosmetic dentistry |
| PPO plans offer flexibility to see out-of-network dentists | Annual maximum coverage limits may apply |
| 100% coverage for preventive services like cleanings and exams | Not available in all states |
| Reliable coverage from a trusted provider (Delta Dental) | Some plans have higher out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network services |
2. Humana Dental Insurance
Humana offers different dental insurance plans to meet customers’ varied needs and budgets. The policy covers preventive, basic, and major services; thus, individuals and families can manage the costs of dental treatments.
Most Humana plans would include the following:
- Preventive coverage (100% cleanings, exams, and X-rays)
- Basic procedures (fillings, extractions, and a little simple dental work) Major treatments (crowns, dentures, and root canals, often with waiting periods)
- Discount and PPO plan options on the dentist of your choice.
No-waiting-period plans for immediate access to certain benefits are prominent features of Humana. It also offers a cost-effective alternative through its dental discount plans for those who do not necessarily want standard coverage.
Humana provides extensive options for dental insurance, which include networks of dentists that can serve the patient on many plans designed specifically for seniors, families, and individuals. This makes it a good option for affordable and flexible dental care.
Pros & Cons of Humana Dental Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide range of plans, including PPOs and dental discount plans | Some plans have waiting periods for major procedures |
| Some plans offer no waiting periods for preventive and basic care | Coverage for major services may be limited or require higher cost-sharing |
| Large network of dentists nationwide | Annual maximum benefit limits may apply |
| Affordable options with competitive pricing | Not all plans cover orthodontics or cosmetic procedures |
| 100% coverage for preventive care on most plans | Out-of-network costs may be higher |
| Some plans include vision and hearing benefits | Availability and benefits vary by location |
3. Cigna Dental Insurance
Cigna has several dental policies that are affordable and complete, supporting individuals, families, and more senior citizens. A common list of their covers includes:
- Preventive care – 100% coverage for cleanings, routine examinations, and x-rays.
- Basic services – coverage of fillings, extractions, and other straightforward procedures.
- Major treatments – crowns and root canals, dentures, and bridges (most requiring a waiting period).
- Orthodontic coverage – available under certain plans like adult coverage.
Cigna Dental PPO (DPPO): allows members to go to any licensed dentist, although costs are lower if in-network. Another plan is the Cigna Dental Savings. This is a proposal to obtain a reduced price on dental services.
One very great thing with Cigna is that it has a huge network nationwide, and it provides preventive care without charge to its members to maintain good oral health affordably. Cigna may offer additional features in their plans, including 24/7 customer service and wellness programs access.
Pros & Cons of Cigna Dental Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| 100% coverage for preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) | Waiting periods apply for major procedures on most plans |
| Large nationwide network of dentists | Orthodontic coverage is only available on select plans |
| PPO plans offer flexibility to visit any dentist | Annual maximum benefit limits may apply |
| Some plans offer no waiting periods for preventive and basic care | Out-of-network costs can be higher |
| Additional wellness perks, such as 24/7 customer support | Limited coverage for cosmetic procedures |
| Cigna Dental Savings Plan provides discounts for those without insurance | Availability and pricing may vary by location |
4. Spirit Dental Insurance
If you are looking for a dental insurance which covers immediately without waiting periods, then Spirit Dental is the best possible solution for individuals, families, and senior citizens who want quick access to their dental care. The Spirit Dental plans are available as a PPO insurance and refer to the following services:
- Preventive care – 100 % coverage for exams, cleanings, and X-rays.
- Essential services – Fillings, extractions, and other general dental work.
- Significant procedures – Crowns, dentures, implants, and root canals.
- Orthodontic coverage – Available on select plans, including for adults.
One of the most significant features of Spirit Dental is its high annual maximums (up to $5,000 per year), and they are much more than most others in the market. On top of that, the plans provide two free cleanings every year.
This, therefore, includes no waiting period, very high coverage limits, and even orthodontic options at Spirit Dental. This is to say that Spirit Dental is really great for people who need dental coverage immediately and comprehensively.
Pros & Cons of Spirit Dental Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| No waiting periods for coverage, including for major procedures | Premiums can be higher compared to some other dental plans |
| High annual maximums (up to $5,000) | Limited availability in some states |
| 100% coverage for preventive care (exams, cleanings, X-rays) | Orthodontic coverage is not available on all plans |
| Includes two free cleanings per year | Some major dental work may still require significant cost-sharing |
| Flexible PPO plan with the option to visit any dentist | Some plans have higher out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network providers |
| Orthodontic coverage available on select plans, including for adults | Coverage for cosmetic procedures may be limited or excluded |
5. MetLife Dental Insurance
MetLife has a large number of extensive dental insurance plans that can offer complete protection for preventive, basic, and major dental services. Both DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO plans can be taken according to what you require from your dental insurer.
Some of the features that come with MetLife Dental Insurance are:
- Preventive care- 100% coverage for exams, cleanings, and X-rays.
- Essential services- Fillings, extractions, and the like.
- Primary treatments- Crowns, bridges, root canals, and dentures usually have waiting periods before they are approved.
- Orthodontics– Coverage is available on select plans for children and adults.
Visiting any dentist you want while insured under MetLife PPO’s benefits costs you more than visiting in-network providers. However, DHMO plans generally have lower premiums; the insured individual must designate a primary care dentist and use referrals from that dentist for any specialized care received.
MetLife boasts a significant number of networks for dentists and has competitive premiums, thereby proving to be a one-hub-of-a-kind in all the segments looking for affordable and easy-going dental insurance.
Pros & Cons of MetLife Dental Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| 100% coverage for preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) | Some plans have waiting periods for major treatments like crowns and root canals |
| Flexible PPO plans allow you to visit any dentist | Higher premiums for PPO plans compared to DHMO plans |
| Extensive network of dentists nationwide | DHMO plans limit choice of dentist and require referrals for specialists |
| Orthodontic coverage available on select plans for both adults and children | Out-of-network care may result in higher out-of-pocket costs |
| Affordable premiums on DHMO plans | Coverage for cosmetic procedures is typically not included |
| Competitive pricing and strong customer service | Some plans may have annual maximum coverage limits |
6. Guardian Dental Insurance
According to Guardian’s dental insurance plans, they have established plans here that cater to any type of need in dental coverage, from regular preventive care to more complicated treatment. Two types of plans can be offered as PPOs or DHMOs so that care can be either flexible or affordably accessed depending on the type of care needed.
Essential features of Guardian Dental Insurance comprise:
- Preventive care – 100% coverage for routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays.
- Basic services – Coverage for fillings, extractions, and some simple dental procedures.
- Major treatments – Crowns, bridges, root canals, dentures, and any other restorative dental work (with waiting periods for some services).
- Orthodontics – For children and adults with some selected plans.
Guardian’s PPO plans offer the flexibility to visit any licensed dentist; however, seeing an in-network provider reduces out-of-pocket costs. DHMO plans provide lower premiums, but members get limited access to in-network dentists and require referrals for any specialty services.
Guardian prides itself on great customer service and has a substantial network of providers that make it a trusted choice for one seeking affordable yet comprehensive dental insurance.
Pros & Cons of Guardian Dental Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| 100% coverage for preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) | Some plans have waiting periods for major treatments like crowns and root canals |
| Flexible PPO plans with the option to visit any dentist | DHMO plans limit your choice of dentists and require referrals for specialists |
| Extensive network of dentists nationwide | PPO plans may have higher premiums compared to DHMO plans |
| Orthodontic coverage available on select plans for both adults and children | Limited coverage for cosmetic dentistry |
| Affordable premiums on DHMO plans | Out-of-network care may result in higher out-of-pocket costs |
| Strong customer service and reliable claims process | Some plans have annual maximum coverage limits |
7. Anthem Dental Insurance
From Anthem comes a fully covered dental insurance plan, which is available for an individual, family, or senior citizen. They offer PPO or HMO plans, depending to specific needs or budgets. Anthem is popularly known for providing strong dental coverage related to in-network and out-of-network services.
The main features of Anthem dental insurance:
- Preventive care– 100% cleanings, exams, and X-rays.
- Basic services– Fillings, extractions, and other routine dental work.
- Major treatments include crowds, bridges, dentures, and root canals (some plans might have waiting periods).
- Orthodontics- Available in selected plans for kids and adults.
Members are free to see whichever dentist they want as part of their PPO plans from Anthem; however, they would pay less out of pocket by going in-network. Anthem’s HMO plans generally cost less, but they come with restrictions to a particular network of dentists and referrals for specialists.
Anthem also has additional benefits such as having access to wellness programs as well as discounts towards members, making it a good dental care choice for those looking for flexibility and affordable options.
Pros & Cons of Anthem Dental Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| 100% coverage for preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) | PPO plans can have higher premiums compared to HMO plans |
| Flexible PPO plans allow you to visit any licensed dentist | HMO plans restrict you to a specific network of dentists |
| Extensive network of dentists nationwide | Some plans have waiting periods for major treatments like crowns and root canals |
| Orthodontic coverage available on select plans for both adults and children | Out-of-network care can result in higher out-of-pocket costs |
| Affordable premiums on HMO plans | Limited coverage for cosmetic procedures |
| Access to additional wellness programs and member discounts | Some plans have annual maximum coverage limits |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plan
- Premiums and Deductibles: Ensure the monthly costs fit your budget.
- Coverage Limits: Check the annual maximum payout and what services are covered.
- Network Dentists: Verify if your preferred dentist is in the plan’s network.
- Waiting Periods: Some plans have waiting periods for major procedures.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Review co-pays and cost-sharing structures.
Alternative Options for Dental Care
For seniors who cannot afford traditional dental insurance, consider:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Some plans include limited dental benefits.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Dental Benefits: Available for eligible veterans.
- Community Health Clinics: Offer low-cost or free dental services.
- Dental Schools: Provide discounted treatment from supervised students.
- Offers for Cash Payment Discounts: Many dentists discount for cash pay patients. However, you may need to remember to bring enough cash or a check, as this does not apply if you pay by credit or debit card due to processing fees. You may also want to ask your dentist if they give savings to seniors.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: If you use a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) through your employer, it is a fantastic way to pay for dental costs. Accelerated Keller IRS-approved expenses are dental expenses within an FSA or HSA.
- In-House Membership Scheme: In fact, one does not need to subscribe to a traditional insurance plan for accessing quality dental treatment. Many dentists offer in-house dental membership programs to patients without insurance. Similar to regular insurance policies, dental memberships provide benefits of discounts that mostly equal or surpass the costs incurred under conventional insurance policies.
How Much Does Senior Dental Insurance Cost?
The cost of dental health insurance for seniors is determined by the following factors: type of plan, level of coverage, and location. Premiums typically average between $20 and $50 per month for senior dental insurance for the elementary plan. The high deductibles and coverage for crowns, dentures, or implants under the warranty may cost from $50 to 100+ dollars a month.
Plans that have high premiums usually have lower costs to pay out and much more comprehensive coverage for treatments, such as orthodontics and cosmetic processes. Some plans even impose waiting periods before primary services are available, and prices may vary depending on the plan’s annual maximum benefits and network restrictions. Therefore, a comparison must be made to the various plans before a decision is reached regarding which one is most affordable as well as best suited for personal dental needs.
Conclusion
Dental insurance is an essential investment for older adults who wish to keep their mouths healthy but avoid running up huge bills out-of-pocket. Compare plans, look for individual needs, and find affordable insurance that offers the best coverage to suit dental care needs.