Delta Dental Plan For Seniors

Are Adult Orthodontics More Expensive Than Treatment For Kids

The cost of braces depends on your plan. A pre-treatment estimate can provide employees a good sense of how much the costs will be before treatment begins. All employees need to do is ask their orthodontists office to submit a pre-treatment estimate to Delta Dental.

Members can also use the Cost Estimator to get a sense of how much their orthodontic treatment will cost.

How Should Seniors Use Dental Insurance

As a senior, its important to stay on top of preventive care in order to prevent future dental problems down the line. Many dental insurance plans offer free preventive care services with no waiting period. If you know youll need dental work in the future, its a good idea to purchase dental insurance as soon as possible since some plans have waiting periods of up to two years for major services.

How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost For Seniors

The average cost of dental insurance for seniors can start as low as $20 per month for very basic preventive plans for routine services like cleanings, x-rays, and check-ups. Costs can go up to around $80 a month for full-access coverage, including preventive, basic, and major dental work. Your choice of waiting periods, level of coverage , and whether you will use in-network dentists will make a difference in the premium you pay.

Don’t Miss: Senior Software Engineer Salary California

Best For Affordable Options: Humana

Humana

Humana offers several plan options with loyalty advantages, lifetime deductibles, and the ability to add vision coverage. With so many options to choose from, Humana is our top pick for the best affordable options because seniors can find the plan that meets their needs and budgets.

• Several plans to choose from

• Waiting periods may be waived with proof of prior insurance

• Loyalty plans with increasing maximum benefits

• Some plans offer lifetime deductibles

• Up to six-month waiting period for fillings

• Annual plan maximum $1,000 in the first year

• Some states charge enrollment fees of $35

• Not all plans are available in all states

Founded in 1961 with headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, Humana has a long history in health insurance. Their excellent reputation has earned them a solid A- financial strength rating from AM Best. Humana’s complaints trend with the NAIC shows them receiving a slightly above average number of complaints.

Humana offers dental insurance plans in most states and with several options, whether you want a preventive-only policy or more extensive coverage.

There’s a variety of options from Humana that will help save you money, and you can find exactly which ones fit your personal needs and work within your budget. For instance, you can add vision coverage to your plan for as little as $15 per month on average.

Keeping Employees Safe Through Enhanced Pregnancy Benefits

Dental health is an important part of overall health. Its also an important part of pregnancy care.

Make sure your employees are aware of the importance of taking care of their oral health during pregnancy and let them know how Delta Dentals enhanced pregnancy benefit can help protect expectant mothers. Remind them about Delta Dentals enhanced pregnancy benefit with a flyer, and encourage them to make use of the benefit to help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Adult orthodontics has become a popular benefit enhancement in recent years. Adults are opting for orthodontic treatments at higher numbers than ever before, and the number seeking treatment is expected to grow in the next decade.

If your plan covers adult orthodontics, your employees will have different questions than they would if they were seeking treatment for their kids. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about adult orthodontics.

Also Check: Life Insurance Seniors Over 70

Manage Your Medicare Benefits And View Personalized Plan Information

* HMO and HMO-POS Plan disclaimer: Services received from a nonparticipating dentist are not covered. You will be responsible for the full cost of the services that are not covered.

** PPO Plan disclaimer: Services received from a nonparticipating dentist may result in higher out-of-pocket costs. You will be responsible for the difference between Delta Dentals payment and the amount charged by the nonparticipating dentist.

*** Services received from a nonparticipating dentist may result in higher out-of-pocket costs. You will be responsible for the difference between Delta Dentals payment and the amount charged by the nonparticipating dentist.

Y0076_HAPWebsite_2022

Health Alliance Plan has HMO, HMO-POS, PPO plans with Medicare contracts. HAP Empowered Duals is a Medicare health plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Michigan Medicaid Program. Enrollment depends on contract renewals.

Get Help

Seniors Face Unique Dental Health Risks

Oral health problems common among seniors include the following:

• Cavities. More than a quarter of people aged 65 or older have untreated tooth decay.
• Gum disease. About two-thirds of people 65 and older have some form of gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in seniors. Gum disease includes gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease caused by the bacteria found in plaque, and the more serious periodontitis, in which bacterial infection causes the gums and bone supporting the teeth to break down.
• Oral cancer. Cancers of the mouth, including oral and pharyngeal cancer, are most commonly diagnosed in seniors, with a median age at diagnosis of 64 years old.
• Tooth loss. More than 10% of people between 65 and 74 have lost all their teeth, and that number increases to nearly a quarter for people more than 75 years old.
• Dry mouth. Many of the prescription and over-the-counter medications seniors take can decrease saliva, which can lead to tooth decay. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids and rinsing away bacteria and food particles.
• Difficulty brushing and flossing. Older patients with physical impairments such as arthritis, or mental impairments such as dementia, may have difficulty brushing, flossing and maintaining their oral hygiene.
• Limited dentist access. Seniors may have difficulty visiting the dentist because of medical or mobility issues, or because they dont access to transportation.

Also Check: The Learning Channel Sunrise Senior Living

Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program

For veterans enrolled in VA Health Care, or civilians enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs , we offer three plan options via VADIP:

• The Prime Plan option offers the greatest coverage including cleanings, xrays and oral exams for in-network dentists and an annual maximum of $3,000.
• The Comprehensive Plan covers the same procedures as the Prime Plan but at a slightly lower coverage percentage level, lower premium cost and an annual maximum of $1,500.
• The Enhanced Plan offers quality dental coverage excluding major restorative and prosthodontic services, has the lowest premium of all VADIP options and an annual maximum of $1,000.

All three plans feature 100% coverage for preventive care when plan members visit an in-network dentist. Your employees can find out more about these plans on our Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program website.

Ok But Will Offering A Dual Choice Plan Create A Lot Of Paperwork And Headaches For Me

Relax administration is painless!

For more information about dual choice, contact your account manager. To help your employees learn more about dual choice, heres a useful flyer you can share and a pair of videos that explain each type of plan. You can also refer employees to this helpful site for more information about their plans.

Teledentistry became popular in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but even as businesses and workplaces have reopened, it remains relevant to employees and businesses alike.

The ability to receive a remote dental evaluation is a valuable benefit for employees who might otherwise not use their diagnostic benefits.

Don’t Miss: Dedicated Senior Medical Center Cincinnati

Is Paying For Dental Insurance As A Senior Worth It

Regular preventive care and treatment contribute to helping you maintain a better quality of life. Dental work such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or most dental devices are not covered by Medicare and can be expensive. Finding an affordable dental insurance company is important if you are not prepared to pay these costs out of pocket.

For example, bridgework can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000. Dental insurance with benefit caps may not cover the entire cost but will help offset it. If you anticipate needing dental work, youll want to run some numbers to see how much you would anticipate paying with the premiums plus any copays and out-of-pocket costs compared to the cost of the work to determine its overall value to you.

Why Is Dental Insurance Important For Older Adults

Taking care of our oral health becomes more important as we age. Older adults have specific needs, such as dealing with gum disease, root decay, broken or lost teeth, and even arthritic conditions that can lead to dental problems. People near retirement age, especially, need to begin looking for a plan to avoid costly coverage gaps, since Medicare doesnt offer dental coverage.

Most dental insurance companies offer an array of 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. That makes finding a new policy before losing any current coverage essential for older adults.

Also Check: Basic Cell Phones For Seniors

Best For Preventive Care: Cigna

Cigna

We selected Cigna as the best for preventive care because they are not only affordable, but they have $0 deductible and $0 copay preventive dental plans and make life easy with 24/7 customer service and zero-paperwork claims.

• In-network preventive care paid at 100%

• No waiting period for preventive/diagnostic care

• Online claims handling and an app to manage claims

• 24/7 service and access to a health information line

• Basic plan only covers preventive services

• $1,000/$1,500 maximum annual benefit

Cigna has been in business for more than 225 years and currently serves over 17 million U.S. dental insurance customers individually and through employee benefit programs. AM Best gives Cigna an A rating for financial strength. Cigna was our number-one choice for best for preventive care for seniors based on several factors, which include:

• No deductible and no copay for preventive care that includes cleanings and routine x-rays
• A nationwide network of over 92,700+ dentists
• No need to file claims in-networkyour dentist does it for you
• Their Brighter Score tool rates dentists based on affordability and patient experience
• 24/7/365 customer support and more

There is a six-month waiting period for basic coverages and 12 months for major work. If you have 12 months of prior continuous insurance with another provider, you can make the switch to Cigna, and the waiting periods may be waived.

Can Employees Visit Any Orthodontist How Can They Find An Orthodontist

Employees with a Delta Dental PPO plan can see any licensed orthodontist, and theyll usually save the most when they choose a Delta Dental orthodontist. To find one, employees can use the online dentist directory to search for dentists in the Delta Dental PPO network and then filter their results to orthodontists.

Employees with a DeltaCare® USA plan must see their chosen DeltaCare USA dentist for care or get a referral to a specialist for their care to be covered by their plan. If theyve already begun orthodontic treatment outside of the DeltaCare USA network and have been banded, most plans allow them to continue that treatment with the same coverage and copayments as their previous plan. If banding has not yet taken place, the employee must visit a DeltaCare USA orthodontist and pay the copayments listed in their DeltaCare USA plan booklet.

Recommended Reading: Now Fresh Grain Free Senior/weight Management Recipe

Delta Dentals Commitment To Seniors

Were dedicated to protecting seniors oral health. Through our Senior Oral Health Program, we partner with community-based coalitions to focus on improving access to dental care, particularly for those seniors in marginalized communities. Our goals are to reduce oral care disparities, address the causes of poor oral health among older adults, particularly those living in poverty, and create a replicable model for oral health solutions.

After the time and effort your employees have dedicated to your company, why not help ensure that their smiles remain bright and healthy long into retirement? Support your employees by giving them the resources to protect their teeth for years to come.

Its getting close to open enrollment, and that means youll be fielding questions from employees who are trying to choose their benefits for the coming year. Luckily, Delta Dental has your back. You can find everything you need to answer those questions and help your employees make informed decisions.

What Does A Aarp Dental Plan Cover

Coverage varies according to the type of plan you choose, and there may be variances in the plans offered in your state. In general, though AARPs basic, preventive and restorative dental coverage is very comprehensive.

If you opt for a DPPO plan, basic and preventive are covered as soon as you meet your deductible. There is, however, a 12-month waiting period before you are covered for restorative care, which includes crowns, inlays and onlays, bridges, dentures, dental implants, Periodontics treatment or treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction . The waiting period is enforced even if you have had continuous dental coverage from another provider. And if you switch to another AARP DPPO plan, your waiting period begins again.

With the Prepaid plan, as noted above, there is no waiting period. Basic, preventive and restorative care are covered right from the start. Depending on when you enroll, your plan may not activate for over a month though. For example, joining after the 21st of August means your plan doesnt activate until October.

You can also see what dentists near you are in the plans networks, something that you should check prior to purchasing. You can see reviews of the dentists on social media just by clicking the number of dentists near you option. Checking reviews is especially critical if youre choosing the Prepaid plan option, since the Prepaid network is smaller than the DPPO one, and Prepaid members must see an in-network dentist.

You May Like: Consumer Cellular Flip Phones For Seniors

How Can Dental Plans Make Dental Care More Affordable

Dental plans can help you manage your dental care costs better because the cost of not taking care of your oral health could be more.

• People without individual dental coverage are less likely to get routine dental care
• Waiting until theres a problem means that dental treatment will often be more involved and expensive
• Major problems linked to poor oral health are more likely to appear3

How Does It Work

As the name suggests, when an employer offers dual choice, employees have the freedom to select between either a PPO or HMO-type plan. With this flexibility, employees can decide for themselves which plan is the best fit, and can switch from one plan to another during open enrollment if they change their mind.

You May Like: Ca State Park Senior Pass

Why Would An Adult Need Braces

Braces can help to treat problems that werent treated when employees were younger. An adult with an overbite or underbite, crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw may benefit from orthodontic treatment. Left untreated, these issues may contribute to serious conditions such as tooth decay, headaches and earaches, chewing issues and gum disease.

Protect Your Smile For Years To Come With Coverage Designed Just For You

Whether youre planning for retirement or researching your Medicare options, youre probably wondering, Do I need dental coverage?What you might not know is that oral health conditions like gum disease are linked to issues like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimers. This means that maintaining a healthy smile is part of a happy and healthy life.But Medicare plans do not cover most dental services, so the cost of dental treatments necessary to keep your smile healthy is paid totally out-of-pocket.So, shop our plans below. And whether youre ready to set sail into your golden years or looking for that little something extra, you can do so knowing your smile is in good hands.

Connect with us

Delta Dental of Washington is a part of Delta Dental Plans Association. Through our national network of Delta Dental companies, we offer dental coverage in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. © 2001 – 2022 Delta Dental of Washington.All rights reserved.

Recommended Reading: Lutheran Senior Services Mason Pointe

What Teledentistry Resources Does Delta Dental Offer

• Toothpic is a photo-based teledentistry platform that offers a virtual dental assessment from a Delta Dental dentist. Employees answer questions about their oral health history and the reason for their visit. Toothpic will help employees take photos of their mouth, which will be sent securely to a Delta Dental dentist for review. In less than 24 hours, employees will receive a comprehensive diagnostic report with their results, treatment options and cost estimates.
• Delta Dental Virtual Consult connects Delta Dental members and dentists for real-time video appointments. Its totally secure and HIPAA-compliant. Virtual Consult makes it easy for employees to connect with a dentist in real time to get virtual consultations, eprescriptions and check-ins.

Other Senior Oral Health Partners

The UCLA School of Dentistry MINDFUL Project addresses the public health crisis facing older adults by increasing access to comprehensive oral health care.

Meals on Wheels San Francisco works on the front lines to support the critical nutritional needs of low-income seniors with health challenges, including poor oral health, facing limited or no access to food.

Utilizing new biomedical technology, Emory University monitors, diagnoses and treats senior adults and expectant mothers who face oral health disparities.

The State University of New York at Buffalo provides care to seniors and individuals living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, educates providers to care for these populations, and promotes prevention and oral health literacy.

Also Check: Car Insurance For Seniors Over 60