Top 4 Medicare Dental Coverage Options for Seniors
Explore four top Medicare dental plans designed for seniors, including options from Aetna, Delta Dental, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare. These plans offer comprehensive dental coverage, such as exams, fillings, dentures, and preventive care, often with low copays and no waiting periods. Medicare Advantage plans provide an affordable way for seniors to access essential dental services alongside their Medicare benefits, ensuring better oral health during retirement.
Top 4 Medicare Dental Plans for Seniors' Dental Care
Since its inception in 1965, Medicare has provided affordable healthcare solutions to older adults. Funded federally, it helps seniors manage medical expenses in retirement. With the aging Baby Boomer population, nearly 64 million Americans are projected to enroll by 2020, including some younger individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Standard Medicare covers hospital stays, outpatient services, doctor visits, preventive care, and medical supplies under Part A and B. Prescription drug coverage is available via Part D, but dental care is not included in the basic plans. To access dental benefits, seniors can opt for Medicare Part C, known as Medicare Advantage.
Medicare benefits encompass hospital stays, outpatient treatment, physician services, preventive measures, and certain medical supplies—covered under Parts A and B. Medicare Part D handles prescriptions but does not include dental coverage. For dental needs, seniors should consider enrolling in Medicare Part C, provided by private insurers. These Medicare Advantage plans combine benefits from Parts A, B, and D and often include additional services like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs. Here are some leading private providers offering Medicare-approved dental coverage:
Aetna Medicare Dental
While Aetna doesn't offer a dedicated dental-only plan, its Medicare Advantage plan covers routine dental procedures such as exams, X-rays, cleaning, fillings, extractions, and some periodontal work. Coverage specifics may vary by location and plan.
Delta Dental Medicare Advantage
Partnered with Sharp Health Plan, Delta Dental offers an HMO plan with extensive coverage including crowns, fillings, and dentures. Copays are low, with dental visits costing as little as $5 and preventive cleanings around $15. No waiting period applies, so benefits start immediately after enrollment.
Humana MyOption Dental
This plan provides full coverage for basic dental services like cleanings, exams, fillings, and crowns, with partial coverage for major procedures such as extractions. There is no deductible or waiting period, but services are available only at participating Humana dentists.
UnitedHealthcare Dental Plans
Offering routine dental coverage via two options—either with standard benefits or a supplemental rider—UnitedHealthcare covers exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, and minor periodontal treatments. Benefits may vary depending on the chosen plan.
