Jesse Smedley
Jesse Smedley is the Principal Broker for iHealthBrokers and the founder, president, and CEO of Smedley Insurance Group, Inc. and iHealthBrokers.com. Since the inception of SIG in 2007, Jesse has been dedicated to helping people save money on their health insurance by providing them with resources to educate themselves on all their health insurance options, both under age 65 and Medicare beneficiaries. He is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for expert columns regarding health insurance and Medicare.
Dental hygiene plays an essential role in maintaining overall health, but unfortunately, it’s not covered by standard health insurance, and Original Medicare doesn’t provide dental coverage either. So, what are the best dental plans for seniors, and how can you ensure you’re choosing the right one?
Medicare Advantage and Dental Coverage
One option to consider is Medicare Advantage, which serves as an alternative to Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits like dental coverage. However, before jumping into a Medicare Advantage plan based on its dental benefits, it’s important to note a few key considerations.
First, don’t select a Medicare Advantage plan purely for its fringe benefits like dental, vision, or hearing coverage. While these benefits can be helpful, it’s far more important to choose a plan based on core benefits that align with your basic healthcare needs. If you decide to go the Medicare Advantage route, make sure the plan offers prescription drug coverage, as that’s essential for most seniors.
Next, if your plan offers dental coverage, ensure your dentist accepts the plan. Additionally, check if the plan provides DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) or PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) benefits. DHMO plans tend to have a higher dissatisfaction rate among users, though this isn’t universally true. It’s crucial to understand the details of your plan, including:
- What benefits are covered
- How often can you access these services
- Any waiting periods
- Coverage limits
Knowing these details will help you determine if the dental coverage is worth it for you.
Private Dental Insurance: A Better Option for Some
In many cases, a private dental insurance plan may offer a better deal than a Medicare Advantage plan, especially if you’re looking for more flexibility. While private dental insurance is often more affordable than private health insurance, it can still provide comprehensive coverage. In fact, some plans can cost as little as $20 per month. However, remember that lower-cost plans may not offer extensive coverage, so you’ll want to balance affordability with your specific needs.
Private dental plans offer much more flexibility, particularly if you’re looking for PPO options, which provide more freedom in choosing your dentist. If you’re anticipating the need for more extensive dental work down the line, such as dental implants or dentures, ensure you select a plan that includes these services at reasonable rates. However, be mindful that most private dental insurance plans come with waiting periods for major services, so it’s essential to factor this into your decision.
Also, keep in mind that many plans have annual coverage limits, typically between $1,000 to $1,500. This can fall short if you need significant dental work. That’s why a plan with a higher annual limit—like NCD, which offers limits up to $5,000 or even $10,000—is ideal for those who require extensive dental treatments.
Dental Savings Plans
Another option to explore is a dental savings plan, which is not technically dental insurance but offers some similar benefits. Instead of paying a monthly premium, you pay a membership fee and receive discounted rates on dental services.
The main advantage of dental savings plans is that they have no deductibles, no co-pays, and no waiting periods. However, they also have less flexibility than traditional insurance plans, as you typically have to use a dentist within their network. If you find a dentist who accepts a dental savings plan, this can be a great option, especially if you don’t anticipate needing major dental work.
However, when comparing dental savings plans with traditional dental insurance, the co-pays and co-insurance of a dental insurance plan are often less expensive than the discounted rates offered by a savings plan. If cost is your main concern, be sure to compare the two options carefully.
Dentist-Specific Plans
Some dentists offer their own in-house dDental and Visionental plans, which can be a great option for patients who prefer to stick with their current provider. These plans often work similarly to dental savings plans, with a membership fee or monthly fee that gives you access to discounted services. This can be an excellent option if you have a trusted dentist who offers such a plan.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right dental plan as a senior largely depends on your specific needs. If you anticipate needing significant dental work, a private dental insurance plan with a higher coverage limit may be the best option. For those with more limited needs, a dental savings plan or a dentist-specific plan could be a more affordable and flexible choice.
