Best For Quick Coverage: United Healthcare
United Healthcare has been offering oral health insurance since 1974. United Healthcare provides dental insurance in 40 states with four different plans.
These four plans are specifically designed for seniors. The policies come with senior-friendly additions such as vision and hearing aid advantages.
United Healthcare stands out because of its immediate insurance coverage. There is no waiting period for preventative care across all the Gen Plans. Likewise, essential services are available either with no waiting period or up to a four-month waiting period.
Complex or major services have a six-month waiting period if theyre covered. With accessibility to quick coverage, this is convenient for seniors who require services immediately.
Other dental benefits include:
- Gen Plans offer annual maximums ranging from $1,000 to $2,000
- Gen Basic, Saver, and Plus plans provide a $100 deductible per person annually
- Preventive dental care is covered 100% on the Basic and Deluxe plans. It is covered at 60% on the Saver and Plus plans
- Complex and major services on these plans are covered at 10% on day one. This rises to 40% in a year and 50% in two
Preventative And Diagnostic Services
At Aflac, we offer a range of standard preventative services like cleanings, x-rays, and topical fluoride. We also provide services for tailored preventative care like periodontal evaluations, nutritional counseling, and tobacco counseling too. This can be particularly helpful when assessing what the best dental insurance for seniors is.
Additionally, we can help provide coverage for fillings and other basic services, but this is only available on certain plans. We recommend chatting with an agent about our basic plans, standard plans, and premier plans.
Best For Annual Maximums: Renaissance Dental
Renaissance
With a high annual maximum of $3,000, Renaissance Dental is a good choice for seniors who have a major dental expense coming up.
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Plans with no waiting period
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Participating dentists submit the claim for you
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Loyalty program with increasing annual maximums
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Possibility to bundle dental with vision care
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Cleanings covered up to twice a year on some plans
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Annual maximum of $3,000 is only available in the Max Plus Plan
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Can be expensive depending on the state
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No orthodontics for seniors
Renaissance was founded in 1957 and covers over 13 million people for dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. They have an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of A+ .
Premiums for Renaissance plans can vary a lot. You can see your price on their website.
Renaissance has no waiting periods on cleanings on any plan. Nor is there a waiting period for fillings or crowns on the MAX Choice Plan and MAX Choice Plus.Annual maximums range from $1,000 on their very basic plans up to $3,000 on the top tier plan. There is a $50 deductible for individual plans and a $150 deductible for family plans.
Some of Renaissances basic plans exclude major work like root canals or crowns. However, if you remain insured with them, they reward loyalty with a coverage increase on major work each year, providing up to 50% coverage for major work starting at year two.
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Why Seniors Need To Have A Dental Insurance Plan
Is it worth it to have dental insurance as you get older? Guardian studies and a growing body of third-party research show the benefits of good oral health in helping adults avoid or better manage serious health-related issues:
- Diabetes – Periodontal infections contribute to problems with glycemic control, which compromises the health of diabetic patients.
- Heart disease – The inflammation associated with periodontal disease has a high potential to contribute to coronary artery disease. Good oral health can lower that risk.
- Self-esteem – Research shows that teeth, gums, and dental health in general are important to a persons self-esteem and how they feel about themselves.
Dental health shouldnt be considered optional or secondary, since all of these issues can impact your life expectancy and quality of life. The CDC reports that gum disease and dry mouth are especially common for older Americans. Despite this, 1 in 4 seniors havent seen a dentist in the last five years. The reality is, too many people put off needed dental care because they are concerned about the cost.
Its hard to have a happy, active retirement when your mouth hurts and youre worried about whats happening with your teeth. Dental insurance can help take care of all these issues, and affordable plans can be easy to find no matter your age.
Where Can I Get Dental Insurance For Seniors Over 65
Its simple: those who have access to dental benefits are more likely to receive dental care. If you are over 65, you may still be eligible to receive the same benefits from your employer. Once you retire and are no longer employed, you may be able to purchase individual dental coverage or obtain coverage through a supplemental benefit in a Medicare Advantage plan.
The CDC reports that 65.6% of adults 65+ had a dental visit in the past 12 monthsand you should, too. If youre worried about being able to afford treatment, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains different ways seniors can find low-cost dental care at HHS.gov. Some options they discuss include:
- Dental schools and dental hygiene schools The American Dental Association has teaching facilities where students conduct clinics as a way to gain experience while also providing care at a reduced cost. These clinics are closely supervised by licensed, experienced dentists or dental hygienists.
- Clinical trials When the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research needs volunteers for research studies, they might provide the study participants with free or low-cost dental treatments for the specific condition theyre studying.
- Medicaid Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is a state-run financial assistance program. States set their own limits regarding which benefits are available to eligible, low-income individuals, and what services are covered.
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The Best Dental Insurance For Seniors In Canada
You can’t afford to neglect your oral health, especially after retirement. A dental insurance should be a priority, even if it costs a little bit more money. After all, what price can you put on preserving your health for years to come?
Wondering what the best dental plans for seniors are? We have some great options for you – contact us to learn more.
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.
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Several plans to choose from
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Waiting periods may be waived with proof of prior insurance
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Loyalty plans with increasing maximum benefits
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Some plans offer lifetime deductibles
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Up to six-month waiting period for fillings
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Annual plan maximum $1,000 in the first year
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Some states charge enrollment fees of $35
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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.
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Should Seniors Purchase Dental Insurance
The older we get, the more we have to baby our teeth. Seniors are often faced with a myriad of dental issues from dry mouth to dental decay that can take a toll on your health and your smile.
The good news is that modern dentistry can keep our teeth and gums healthy throughout our lives. The bad news is that well probably be paying for that dental care out-of-pocket. Most of the traditional dental insurance optionsthat specifically serve seniors, like Medicare, do not cover senior dental care. Thankfully, there are solutions, such as dental savings plans, also known as dental discount plans, that can reduce the cost of dental treatment.
Best For Low Deductible: Spirit Dental
Spirit Dental
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Not all plans available in every state
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It takes three years to hit a 50% coinsurance amount
Spirit Dental is a nationwide provider offered by Ameritas Life Insurance Corp and has high ratings from both Standard & Poors and AM Best. Coverage is available directly and through an employer and includes policies for individuals, families, kids, and seniors.
Spirit Dental has a $100-lifetime deductible and excellent value for its subscribers. With eight plans available, there are many options for dental care coverage. The Network 3500 plan can be a place to start your search as coverage begins on your first effective date. Preventative care is covered 100%, while Basic and Major services have increased coverage amounts for the first three years on most policies.
The annual maximum ranges from roughly $1,200 to $5,000, depending on your plan. However, not all plans are available in every state. Their premium rates vary based on where you live and other variables however, based on a preliminary search, you can expect something in the range of about $50 to $110 per month, depending on the plan and coverage you choose.
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Blueprint: Retirement Blueprint Development And Review
A meticulous step-by-step Retirement Blueprint is crafted and reviewed with you answering your most important questions:
- Can we afford to stop working and retire ?
- How much can we afford to spend without running out of money?
- What investment rate of return do we have to earn to outpace inflation and protect our purchasing power?
- What evidence-based system should we use to help our Retirement Bucket of investments last in all market conditions?
- Which investment accounts should we draw from to support our spending needs each year?
- When should we strategically begin accessing social security?
- What is our short and long-term strategy to reduce our income taxes and increase cash flow?
- What are cost-effective ways to protect ourselves if we get sick and need care?
- What steps should we take to protect my spouse when Im not here?
- How can we make sure that everything weve worked so hard for seamlessly passes to who we want without delays, probate fees and estate taxes?
- Can we afford to buy a vacation home or should we rent?
- Can we afford to help our grandchildren with college costs?
Dental Or Hygiene Schools
If you live near a university with a dental or hygiene school, cash in on dental care at a significantly lower price! Keep in mind, many schools do not accept insurance, so you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket. Patience is key, as there may be a wait or limited availability when scheduling an appointment.
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What Does Dental Insurance Cover
Most dental insurance plans cover a few basic and major services. These can include things like:
Some dental insurance plans might extend coverage or partial coverage for more advanced services such as endodontics, dentures, implants, cosmetic procedures and more. Its important when shopping for dental insurance to consider each plans coverage details for any anticipated procedures.
Many plans categorize orthodontic treatment as a Class IV service, which are frequently covered from 25 percent to 50 percent. Supplemental dental insurance plans for braces may also involve a separate lifetime maximum that applies to the entire course of orthodontic treatment and is not part of your annual dollar maximum.
Cost Of Dental Insurance
The average cost of dental insurance is around $360 per year. However, plans vary depending on the coverage you choose, so prices differ between $15 to $50 a month.
Furthermore, the average cost might differ for certain groups of people due to age and/or location:
Examples of the average price difference depending on location:
The average cost of dental insurance truly does depend on age, location, employment, and group discounts.
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How We Chose The Best Dental Insurance Plans Of 2022
To rank the best dental insurance plans of 2022, we evaluated:
- Coverage benefits for preventive, basic and major services – Our top picks offer 100% coverage on all preventive services and offer at least one plan that covers 50% of basic and major procedures.
- Annual maximum limits – Most dental plans limit payouts to $1,500 or $2,000 per year. Providers that set annual limits under $1,000 didnt make the cut.
- Premium rates – We excluded plans that charged high premium rates and didnt offer more affordable options. Paying over $70 a month for dental insurance is not feasible for many, even if the plan offers unique benefits such as no waiting periods or high payouts.
- Multiple plan options – Dental care needs vary a lot per person. We selected providers that offer something for everyone, be it prevention-focused plans or more comprehensive benefits.
- Customer satisfaction – We cite the complaint index set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and each companys ranking in J.D Powers 2021 U.S Dental Plan Satisfaction. We didnt exclude companies based on consumer satisfaction due to limited data. Instead, we list the available information in the pro and con section.
What Dental Services Are Covered
Your dental insurance policy will most likely have three tiers of services: preventative, basic restorative, and major. Some tiers are covered at 100 percent , while others are only covered at 50 percent
Ask potential carriers these questions:
Do the math to see if your monthly dental insurance premiums will make up for the savings on the treatment. If they don’t, consider a dental insurance alternative.
Did You Know: Our list of the top 10 highest-ranked senior dental plans for 2022 is based on in-depth research, including benefits and discounts, premiums, and wait periods.
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Option : Standalone Dental Plan For Seniors
Some health insurers offer dental coverage for seniors as standalone dental plans. These add-on plans are a great choice for dental coverage if you only have Original Medicare or if you have a Medicare Supplement plan.
When selecting a plan, compare coverage details and plan specifics because there is a broad range of policies on access and restrictions. Each plan will specify how much it covers for preventative dental care, basic services or major services. Most plans have a network of providers, and checking this list can make sure you have access to your preferred dentist.
The best dental insurance plans for seniors are from DentaQuest, Aetna and Humana.
DentaQuest: best customer satisfaction
Remember to compare plans based on the waiting period, and some policies may not cover major services until you’ve had the policy for several months. Humana is a great option if you need dental care immediately because most plans have no waiting period for major services like root canals, crowns and dentures.
Many providers may also offer an alternative to dental insurance called a dental discount program. These dental network programs aren’t the best fit for everyone, but we recommend them as one of the five ways to get a cheap dental cleaning without insurance.
Dental Discount Plans Vs Dental Insurance For Seniors
Dental discount plans, also known as dental savings plans, are the affordable alternative to dental insurance.
Plan members pay a low annual membership fee for access to an extensive network of participating dentists and dental specialists that provide discounts 10%-60% – on dental care. Dental discount plans do not have deductibles, waiting periods, paperwork hassles or annual spending limits. And you can save on treatment for dental troubles that you had before joining a plan.
Dental discount plans are easy to use. You simply pay the discounted fee to the dentist whenever you get treatment. You can use your plan as often as you wish. And many of the plans on dentalplans.com include, at no extra costs, savings on health and wellness services such as vision and hearing care, and discounts on prescription medications. Select plans offer savings on telemedicine, diagnostic tests, and fitness programs.
Everyone qualifies for a dental discount plan. There are no age or health restrictions. You can find out more about dental discount plans at dentalplans.com, or by calling 1-800-238-5163.
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