We evaluated 24 dental insurance companies and found the three top choices for seniors based on the cost of premiums, the number of in-network dentists and overall cost savings. Our top three picks are DentalPlans.com, Spirit Dental and 1Dental.com. In this guide, we will discuss what you need to look for in dental insurance, why seniors need dental insurance and we’ll share details about the top companies. We included helpful frequently asked questions about dental insurance as well. Top tips:. Make sure you know what your dental insurance policy limits are. Be aware and of dental procedure costs and be realistic about possible dental costs vs.
Premiums. Ask about pre-existing condition restrictions (most dental insurances have none)Tips for a Wise BuyerThe Mayo Clinic advises that, including causing heart disease and endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining.
Delta Dental PPO Value for Seniors has nationwide coverage, but may only be purchased for seniors whose primary residence is in Massachusetts. Delta Dental of Massachusetts PPO insurance products are offered by Dental Service of Massachusetts, Inc. Currently, 21 states offer comprehensive dental benefits. Senior Dental Savings Plans. Many seniors have dental health issues, and hope that by purchasing a standard insurance plan they will be able to afford to get treatments that they have been delaying due to cost.
Diseases which often affect us as we age like osteoporosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few, frequently cause dental problems that eventually become too painful to ignore. Seniors often need more dental care than younger generations because of softening bones and teeth or a dry mouth, which can lead to an assortment of oral health problems.
Regular visits to the dentist can save money down the road while reducing the risk of painful dental problems.While general dental care like regular cleanings is not expensive, you could be out thousands of dollars for dental implants, dentures, bone grafts, tooth extractions or other procedures. Our best dental insurance companies offer affordable insurance plans that help with managing dental costs as you age. Dental X-ray. Source: Getty Government Dental Insurance PlansWhen you near the age of 65, you need to sign up for. However, Medicare or other procedures such as fillings, tooth extractions, dentures or other dental devices. If you have a complicated or emergency dental procedure that requires hospitalization, Medicare Part A will likely cover the cost, but it is obviously preferable to avoid hospitalization if you can with regularly-scheduled dental care.Medicaid, if you qualify for it, is unlikely to cover dental costs as well. The Center for Healthcare Strategies released a fact sheet dated January 2018 that reveals only via Medicaid, and just 14 of those states do so if the individual was eligible for Medicaid as a low-income adult without children.
How Dental Insurance WorksDental Insurance is affordable for most seniors but it has varying levels of coverage, called class of service, within one policy. You will receive some procedures at no cost beyond your premium but will share the expense of others with your insurance company.Dental insurance almost always picks up 100 percent of the bill for routine checkups and cleanings. Coverage for common procedures like root canals and fillings are typically covered at 80 percent, although policies with higher premiums cover up to 90 percent. You are then responsible for the remaining 10 to 20 percent of the cost, called coinsurance. Most plans cover higher-priced and more involved procedures at 50 percent, so you should have some savings set aside for what your insurance does not cover. Still, with relatively low premiums, having dental insurance is far less expensive on average than paying cash for all dental procedures.Orthodontia is another class of service, and typically has a lifetime rather than an annual maximum.
You can buy dental insurance that excludes this coverage if it is doubtful that you will need it. Is Dental Insurance Worth the Cost? LessonDental insurance often pays off for seniorsDental insurance can be had for under $100 a month, paying out a maximum of $1,000 to $5,000 annually.We used independent non-profit to get cost estimates of some dental procedures and came up with the following chart. Your costs may be higher or lower because costs vary across states and regions. Keep in mind that one dental procedure can include multiple fees, like X-ray and fillings for example.
Dental ProcedureUninsured CostBridges and Implants$1,000 and upFillings$177 to $278Simple Adult Cleaning$97Root Canal, MolarAround $2,000Dentures$1,700 and upDental X-rays$50 to $200Medications$180Anesthesia$250PPO, HMO or Dental Discount Plan. LessonKnow the type of plan you’re buyingDental insurance companies use a variety of strategies to fine-tune coverage that meets your needs for care and your budget. Part of that strategy involves how the dental providers are structured.A PPO, or preferred provider organization, is the most common type of dental insurance. This plan has arranged reduced rates with dentists. These dentists are called in-network because they will work with the insurance company. You can go out of network if you have a PPO plan, but you will not get the benefit of the reduced rates. It’s best to check to see if your preferred dentist is in-network before you buy insurance.An HMO, or health maintenance organization, is typically not a suitable dental insurance plan for seniors.
While it is a very low-cost alternative, it covers little to nothing other than routine visits and cleanings.A dental discount plan is a newer concept being rolled out by insurance companies. With this plan, you pay a minimal premium and choose from a select group of dentists who have agreed to a reduced payment schedule. You pay the dentist the reduced rate at the time of service.Questions to Ask About Dental Insurance. LessonDont be afraid to ask questions to get the right coverageBefore you buy dental insurance, ask all the questions you need to until you understand what the policies you are considering cover and how the claims process works.
We provided you the three best dental insurance companies to choose from.Dental Insurance Company ReviewsThere are over 100 dental insurance companies or brokers selling policies to seniors. Knowing where to start with getting quotes can make you feel like your head is spinning. Fortunately, we narrowed down the best dental insurance companies by focusing on value to the consumer, industry reputation, levels of coverage and other criteria.After our evaluation, we chose the best dental insurance and discount plan providers: DentalPlans.com, Spirit Dental, and 1Dental. Each of these companies stood out as dental insurance companies selling policies directly to seniors.Guardian DentalMost Affordable. Screenshot: Guardian DentalGuardian dental offers affordable dental insurance with a large in-network selection of dental professionals. The low premiums in their Guardian Direct plan often resembles those available only through group coverage.With an extensive network of more than 100,000 participating dentists at more than 300,000 locations nationwide, there is likely an in-network dentist in your area.
When you combine the ability to choose your preferred dentist with the kind of comprehensive coverage available through one of the largest providers in the dental insurance sector, you’ll find Guardian dental is tough to beat.To learn more about the plans available at Guardian Dental, or call.Read our comprehensive.DentalPlans.comBest Network. Screenshot: Dentalplans.comDentalPlans.com plans provide coverage to more than 1 million Americans by servicing nearly all 50 states, with the exception of South Dakota and Vermont. More than 100,000 dentists practicing in the U.S. Are in-network with DentalPlans.com and the company can save plan holders 10-60% on dental services.DentalPlans.com isn’t an insurance company, but they work with dental service providers to reduce the cost to see an out-of-network dentists. In this way the company gives access to some of the same dental benefits offered by employers through typical group insurance, but more closely resembles a prescription discount card. For example, the estimate we received for a 6-month checkup was only $15.
The annual cost for the plans range from $100 – $175 depending on the location and number of people covered.To learn more about Dentalplans.com, or call.Read our comprehensive.Spirit Dental ReviewBest Loyalty Benefits. Screenshot: Spirit Choice 3500 Plan.Spirit Dental is a broker for Ameritas dental plan and is backed by Ameritas Life Insurance company, which receives the highest ratings for financial stability from AM Best and Standard & Poor’s.
There is no waiting period for basic, preventative or major dental services like crowns or bridges. Orthodontia has a waiting period in some states.Other features of Spirit Dental plans:. All applications are accepted. Three free dental cleanings and two exams per year for seniors.
30-day guarantee. Use an out-of-network dentist, although at a higher premium. $100 lifetime deductibleSpirit Dental insurance plans for seniors are available for two people, meaning you do not have to sign up for a more expensive family plan. We completed a quote for a senior resulting in six options with costs from $36 to $74 per month. Maximum annual benefits ranged from $1,200 to $5,000, and each policy included a $100 lifetime deductible.The longer you stay with Spirit Dental, more each plan pays out and the higher your savings. For example, with one plan’s basic dental procedures are covered at 65 percent the first year, 80 percent the second year and 90 percent the third year.
Major procedures on that plan follow the same timeline at 25 to 65 percent coverage. All plans cover preventative care at 100 percent. You can bundle EyeMed vision insurance for $7 per month with each plan.If you’re interested in learning more about Spirit Dental, call or visit their website.1Dental.com ReviewBest Discounts. Screenshot: Dental Access Plan.1Dental.com offers what is probably the most affordable senior dental discount plan, which is an alternative to regular dental insurance. With 1Dental plans, you pay a membership fee to receive big discounts from dentists who participate in the Careington International network, or plan partners like Aetna.Annual membership fees for seniors are $99 for an individual to $179 for a family of three or more, with a $20 processing fee. If you need to make monthly payments, the processing fee rises to $30, and payments are from $9.95 to $17.95 per month.
Memberships include these benefits:. Use benefits immediately, including major procedures. Immediate acceptance. No pre-existing condition exclusions. 30-day cancellation for refund, less $5 processing feeExamples of dental costs with the Careington 500 plan are $15 for an oral exam, $31 for a cleaning, $483 for a crown and 64 percent off of dentures. The prices quoted on the website are in the Fort Worth, Texas area, with savings of 60 to 74 percent off dental services and 20 percent off orthodontia. Cost of procedures may vary depending on your location.The Aetna Dental Access prices quoted are based on national averages, so your costs could be higher or lower.
Aetna Dental Access offers 50% off dentures, an oral exam is $30, cleaning is $59 and a crown is $757.Aetna’s dental discount network includes over 161,000 dentists, and Careington says over 100,000 dentists participate in their plan. We searched for providers from a less populated location in the U.S. And found no dentists from the Aetna plan while the Careington plan had four dentists, although the offices were located 100 miles from the zip we used. If there are no providers available in a reasonable distance from your home, you can nominate dentists, and Careington will contact them to request participation. Dental providers usually join the network within 60-90 days.1Dental and Careington both have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, with EyeMed vision insurance included with each plan.If you’re interested in learning more about 1Dental.com, call or visit their website.Additional Dental Insurance Resources. More Related Articles.Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Insurance for SeniorsWhy does dental insurance have a waiting period?Most dental insurance companies have a waiting period after your application is accepted.
This practice is so the customer doesn’t wait until they have accumulated the need for several procedures to buy and use dental insurance to cover the costs. Most plans have a waiting period for some procedures but not others, like a regular checkup. One of our best dental insurance companies has no waiting period for just about any procedure. How long does it take to get a dental insurance application approved?Some dental insurance companies approve your application immediately, while others take up to two or three weeks to notify you of approval. What if I need a dental procedure during the waiting period?Contact the insurer to see if you can appeal the waiting period. It is unlikely that they will accommodate you, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Alternatively, talk to your dentist about getting the work done at a reduced rate for a cash payment or setting up a payment plan that you can manage.
Most dentists will work with you.What is coinsurance on a dental plan?Coinsurance is the term used for the portion of a bill that is your responsibility. For example, if your dental insurance covers 60 percent of the cost of a root canal, you must pay for 40 percent of the bill for the procedure. What if I expect to need extensive dental work?Be sure you know the benefits and how service levels work before you buy a policy.
The limit for all dental expenses covered in one year can be as low as $500 on an inexpensive policy. If you are sure you will have high dental bills down the road, it is almost always worth it to pay a higher monthly premium to get a higher annual maximum. Does dental insurance include coverage for oral surgery?Whether or not dental insurance or medical insurance covers oral surgery can be confusing.
Do not assume that surgery around the teeth is a dental issue. For example, medical insurance often covers wisdom teeth extractions, but sometimes dental insurance covers this surgery.Surgery to correct an abscessed tooth is usually considered a health issue and medical insurance covers the cost. Procedures to correct trauma to the mouth are considered medical and not dental, even if lost teeth are involved. Our best advice is to talk to both your medical and dental insurance carriers to determine where coverage falls, so you are prepared for out of pocket costs. Conclusion on Dental Insurance. Bottom Line:Cost and coverage are the two most important factors to consider when searching for dental insurance companies.Our top three choices offer an excellent selection of policies and discounts that can protect your savings without requiring you to pay excessive premiums.
The companies service almost all markets in the U.S. Remember that you can probably go out of network to see the dentist you prefer, but you will pay more out of pocket for doing so.
If you have a favorite dentist, call their office to ask what dental insurances consider them in-network.Senior citizens are very likely to have dental care expenses that could increase as the years go by and they currently can’t rely on Medicare to cover the costs. Dental insurance and dental discount memberships are an affordable way to manage these costs but know what you are buying and understand the levels of coverage before you buy a plan.
The Best Dental Insurance CompaniesExpert ReviewCompany1Most AffordableGuardian2Best Network3Best Loyalty BenefitsSpirit Dental4Best Discounts1Dental.com5Best Family RatesCareington.
:DP SavingsCalculatorPowered by DentalPlans.com What is the Best Dental Insurance for Seniors?The short answer here is that there isn't one. In fact, a better question to ask is “What is the best dental insurance for me?”. One key point that is important for seniors to understand about is the fact that we are all unique and individual. When you consider dental insurance your choice should be 100 percent about you. Even the best plan for your spouse might not be.Think about:. Your Current Dental Health – Do you have pending dental needs, such as, extractions, crown replacement, etc?
This is all about the state of your mouth, teeth, and oral tissue today and for the next six months. That time frame is important because many dental insurance policies have a waiting period before you can use their benefits. For most, that period is six months.
Future Dental Health – Consider the types of dental treatments that you will need in the future. In this case, the future is more than six months from now. Future dental issues might include needing dentures, crown repair, or extractions. Routine Care – A good dental plan covers all of the that you should need – cleaning, x-rays, evaluations, and more. If you have dental insurance now, then put that routine care to good use and ask your dentist for a short- and long-term projection of your dental needs. With that information, you can better evaluate dental plans.Your goal is to gather information so that you can make an informed decision about the best dental plan for you.Who Are Some Senior Dental Insurance Providers?There are many insurance companies that offer dental services to seniors.
Many are part of the group of insurance companies that fall under. While every insurance company under Medicare Part C offers the same medical coverage as Medicare and, they sometimes offer additional services such as dental coverage. Even so, the types of dental coverages that they offer are not identical.Dental insurance also gets a little more confusing because if you are age 62 and still working, you might be covered by your employers medical and dental plan or a plan that is offered through a retirement package from your employer, union, or other entity.AARP, Aetna, Blue Cross, Humana, and Delta Dental are a few of the many insurance companies that offer dental plans to seniors. Each company may offer more than one type of dental plan and it is important to pay close attention to more than just the cost of the dental policy. Choosing the best dental plan for a senior is a balancing act between cost, affordability, and need. A good approach is to start by understanding what the senior's dental needs are and then make a table so that as you begin to compare the different dental plans you can narrow down those plans that are good and remove those plans that are either too costly for the coverage they provide or that do not fit the senior's dental needs.How Does Dental Insurance Work with Medicare?For the most part, Medicare does not cover dental services with the exception of those services that are required due to another covered medical issue. There are exceptions but seniors should not expect Medicare to cover routine dental care or services such as cleaning, extractions, dentures, or even fillings.
If you have an alternative insurance to Medicare B then that policy might cover dental, but again, that only works in certain circumstances, such as if you are not yet retired even though you are age 62 or older.A good tip for understanding how Medicare and Dental Insurance work is to talk directly with Medicare or visit their page online.Are There Low-cost or Discount Dental Insurance Options for Seniors?Yes. Plans vary by state and not all discount or low-cost senior dental plans cover the same services. Some have limited services or only pay so much per year before they max out on benefits. Some may not cover routine care, such as cleanings. It is important to compare dental plans and look for value rather than just for lower monthly premiums. Your goal is always to find the best plan that fits your dental needs and budget.How Much Does Senior Dental Insurance Cost?A basic Google search produced results for senior dental insurance with rates as low as $7 per month. So, dental insurance and add value to your insurance coverage if it offers coverage that you need.What Do Dental Plans Cover for Seniors?Each plan will provide dental coverage for a variety of dental needs, but are not always the same.
What they might or might not cover includes dental services such as root canals, deep cleanings, and restorative procedures. When they do cover these services they do so only partially and the senior must either pay out of pocket or have a secondary dental insurance plan.
Most plans for seniors pay for routine care, such as an annual cleaning, but require a copayment or co-insurance for other services.This is one reason why it is important to really understand what the dental needs are for the senior, both in the short-term and the long-term. By doing so, each plan can be fully evaluated for costs vs.
Care.Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?Not all senior dental plans cover dentures. Some do, and some can help make dentures more affordable.
Coverage for insurance typically varies from one state to the next so fully explore each senior plan offered in your state.How Much Would Dentures Cost Without Insurance?How you define “cost” is important. Generally a single plate – upper or lower- costs between $1,200 and $3,800. So, for a full set of dentures could cost in the $7,500 range. Those higher costs usually include other services such as extractions, mold production, and fittings. Again, the actual cost is dependent upon the senior's oral health, and the amount of service needed. Don't be afraid to shop around from one dentist to the next to see if there is a price break.There are other options too for dental coverage.
For seniors who qualify, other programs can help cover the cost of dentures and major dental services.As you look for senior dental insurance either for yourself or for a loved one, make sure to focus on the individual. Because we are all unique, so are the dental challenges that we face. Quality dental insurance should fit the needs of the senior and their budget too.