Best Dental Plans for Seniors in 2024

Good oral healthcare is crucial for people over 65, and dental insurance can help seniors access affordable services. However, less than a third of seniors have dental insurance. 

Choosing and acquiring an insurance plan can be confusing, but our guide can help. We’ve selected the best dental insurance plans for seniors so you can save money during retirement while receiving quality dental care.

5 Best Dental Plans for Seniors in 2024

1. Best for Medicare: Aetna
2. Best for Preventative Care: Cigna
3. Best for Quick Coverage: United Healthcare
4. Best for AARP Members: Delta Dental
5. Best Value: Aflac

Best for Medicare: Aetna

Aetna is a primary health insurance provider whose history dates back to the 1800s. Now owned by CVS Health, the brand offers many insurance plans for seniors on Medicare.

The Basics

• No-cost preventative care
• Up to $2,000 in benefits
• Offers a dental discount card
• Network of 420,000 dental providers

Why We Picked It

• Offers 4 dental plans through Medicare
• Coverage in 49 states
• Will waive waiting periods if you switch from another provider

Best for Preventative Care: Cigna

Established in 1983, Cigna currently services over 15 million dental insurance customers in the United States, individually and through employee programs.

The brand is an excellent choice for preventative care for seniors.

The Basics

• Deductibles range from $0 to $250
• Up to $5,000 in benefits, depending on the plan
• Free preventative care
• Orthodontia is available on some plans
• Option to bundle medical, dental, & vision

Why We Picked It

• No deductible and no copay for basic preventive care, including cleanings and routine X-rays
• A nationwide network of over 90,000 dentists
• Your dentist submits claims for you
• The Brighter Score tool organizes network dentists based on affordability and patient experience
• 24-hour customer support 365 days a year

Best for Quick Coverage: United Healthcare

United Healthcare has been offering oral health insurance since 1974. This major provider offers four different plans specifically designed for seniors. Their policies come with senior-friendly additions such as vision and hearing aid advantages.

The Basics

• Annual maximums range from $1,000 to $2,000
• $100 deductible per person annually
• Preventive dental care is covered 100% on the Basic and Deluxe plans
• These plans cover complex and significant services at 10% on day 1

Why We Picked It

• Immediate coverage, with no waiting period for preventative care
• Essential services are available with waiting periods of 0 to 4 months
• Complex services available with a 6-month waiting period

Best for AARP Members: Delta Dental

Delta Dental is the prime dental health insurance provider in the United States. Deltacare provides coverage in every state and serves over 80 million people.

The company offers plans that cater to seniors through the AARP or its website.

The Basics

• Choose from PPO, HMO, fee-for-service, or discount plans
• Deductibles ranging from $0 to $90
• Annual maximums between $0 and $1,500
• Immediate coverage for oral health procedures like fillings and root canals

Why We Picked It

• Special pricing and plans for seniors
• Offers programs to AARP members
• No waiting periods for some services
• Some anesthesia coverage

Best Value: Aflac

Aflac has been a renowned name in health and dental coverage since 1955. Their dental insurance plans cover over 50 million patients.

The Basics

• $75 deductible that decreases every year
• Annual maximum increases over time
• Reduced cost for in-network providers
• Option to bundle with vision and hearing plans

Why We Picked It

• Reimburses you, not the dentist
• No waiting period for preventative care
• The deductible per person goes down to $25 at year 3

Is Dental Insurance Worth It for Seniors?

Dental insurance is worth it for seniors who primarily need preventative care. It is also worth it if you get a plan with excellent coverage for major services. 

If having dental insurance increases your likelihood of seeing a dentist, getting on a plan is worth it.

Does Medicare Cover Dental Care for Seniors?

No, Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care, major services, or procedures. This includes supplies, cleanings, fillings, dentures, or dental devices.

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) pays for specific dental services you receive in the hospital. For routine dental care, seniors with Medicare need an additional supplemental dental insurance plan.

To find a Medicare plan that’s suitable for you, take a look at easyMedicare. 

Discount Dental Plans for Seniors

A dental discount plan can be an excellent alternative if you don’t have dental insurance. However, it’s essential to understand that discount dental plans differ from dental insurance.

Dental discount plans are a type of membership you purchase yearly instead of paying monthly premiums. These programs offer reduced prices on dental services with an in-network dentist.

Dental discount plans can be a wise choice instead of insurance if you anticipate needing major dental work. You’ll get the discounts as soon as you join the plan, with no waiting period.

Summary

The best dental insurance plans for seniors in 2024 include Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, United Healthcare, and Aflac. Which provider you choose depends on your individual needs.

Dental insurance can help seniors access affordable dental care vital to their overall health. If you need preventative care, dental insurance can be a great choice.

An alternative to dental insurance is a dental savings plan, which is a membership that gives you discounts on in-network providers. A dental discount plan can be a good option if you need major work done quickly.