Are you a senior on Medicare seeking the best dental plans for 2023? You're not alone. Dental care is crucial at any age, but it becomes even more important as we get older. Unfortunately, Original Medicare doesn't cover most dental services, leaving many seniors wondering how to afford necessary dental work. That's where Medicare Advantage and standalone dental plans come in. Let's dive into the best dental plans for seniors on Medicare for the coming year.
Before we explore specific plans, let's understand what you should look for in a dental plan.ideally, you want comprehensive coverage that includes preventive care, extractions, fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures, and periodic-X-rays. Some plans may also cover orthodontics or cosmetic procedures. Consider your personal dental health needs and budget when choosing a plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans with Built-in Dental Coverage
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans combine hospital and medical coverage with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. These plans are offered by private insurers contracted with Medicare, and each plan has its own level and type of dental coverage.
For 2023, several MA plans are expected to offer improved dental benefits. Here are some examples of MA plans that typically provide dental coverage:
Humana Medicare Advantage Plans
Humana offers various MA plans, many of which include dental benefits. Humana's dental coverage often includes preventive services, basic care, major services, and orthodontia for children and teens. Some plans may even cover annual dental exams and cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals.
Humana's Dental Blue program is unique, offering additional annual benefits for adult restorative services. Be sure to check specific plan details and availability in your area.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) has a wide range of MA plans, many of which include dental benefits. UHC's dental coverage usually includes preventive and diagnostic services, basic restorative services, and major services. Some plans may also cover orthodontia for children and teens.
UHC's AARP Medicare Advantage plans often provide more comprehensive dental coverage, with some plans offering benefits for adult restorative services, annual exams, and necessary X-rays. Make sure to check UHC's plan offerings in your area.
Standalone Dental Plans for Medicare Beneficiaries
If you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't cover dental, consider a standalone dental plan. These plans are designed specifically for Medicare beneficiaries and, like MA plans, vary in coverage and costs from one provider to another.
Some popular standalone dental plans for seniors include those offered by dental insurance companies like Delta Dental, Cigna, and Aetna. These plans typically cover preventive care and offer reduced costs for basic and major dental services. Some standalone plans may even provide coverage for orthodontia and cosmetic procedures.
Delta Dental Plans
Delta Dental offers a variety of standalone dental plans for Medicare beneficiaries. Their plans typically cover preventive services, basic care, and major services. Delta Dental's Plus plan often includes coverage for adult dental implant procedures and oral epidemiology services. Be sure to check Delta Dental's plan offerings in your area and choose a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Delta Dental's Dental Insurance Marketplace website can help you compare plans side-by-side and enroll in the one that suits your needs best.
Cigna Standalone Dental Plans
Cigna offers several standalone dental plans for Medicare beneficiaries. Their plans typically cover preventive services, basic care, and major services. Cigna's most comprehensive plans often include coverage for adult orthodontia, tooth whitening, and even sedation dentistry.
Cigna's dental plans may also offer discounts on vision and hearing services. To find the best Cigna dental plan for you, visit their website and explore their plan options.
When looking for the best dental plans for seniors on Medicare in 2023, remember that every plan is unique. Take the time to research and compare plans from various providers until you find the one that best fits your dental needs and budget. Don't hesitate to reach out to dental insurance providers or Medicare Advantage plans directly for clarification on coverage and benefits.
In the meantime, take care of your smile, and look forward to affordable dental care in 2023 with the best dental plans tailored for seniors on Medicare.