Aetna Dental Insurance Review For Seniors
At Policy Guide, we believe Aetna offers some of the strongest bundled Dental, Vision, and Hearing (DVH) coverage options available for seniors today. Rather than offering every Aetna dental product on the market, we focus specifically on the plan we feel provide the best value and overall protection for our clients:
- Protection Series – Dental Vision and Hearing Flex (approx $28-$60/month)
This plan combines dental, vision, and hearing benefits into one easy-to-manage policy, making it an attractive option for seniors who want convenient coverage and predictable healthcare costs.
One of the biggest advantages of this plan is its flexibility. Members can access a large provider network nationwide, but it is extremely important to verify that your dentist, eye doctor, or hearing provider participates in the network before enrolling.
Like most insurance plans, this policy works best when you stay in-network, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs and maximize benefits.
In this review, we’ll walk through the Aetna plan we offer and explain pricing expectations. Additionally, we’ll compare Aetna with Ameritas Dental to see how they stack up and why Ameritas might deliver even greater value for your dental insurance needs.
Let’s dive into Aetna’s dental plan offering to see what they bring to the table.
Protection Series - Dental Vision and Hearing Flex
The Protection Series Flex plan is designed for seniors who want dependable everyday coverage at an affordable monthly cost with customizable options to suit their individual needs.
This plan focuses heavily on preventive care, which is one of the most important parts of maintaining long-term oral health, typically covering the following from day one:
- Routine exams
- Cleanings
- Bitewing X-rays
The plan also includes benefits for basic dental services such as fillings and simple extractions. Major services are covered from day one, including crowns and root canals. With these flex options, you can choose your level of coverage for each of these areas while also adding coverage for teeth whitening and implants. This plan also bundles vision and hearing benefits that can help offset the costs of eye exams, glasses, hearing evaluations, and hearing devices.
Pricing varies depending on age, ZIP code, and coverage selection, but many seniors find the monthly premiums very reasonable for bundled DVH protection. In many areas, the Protection Series Flex plan typically ranges from $28–$60 per month for adults ages 18-89, with annual costs averaging $336–$720, depending on the selected benefit level and state availability.
The plan offers annual maximum levels ranging from approximately $1,000 to $5,000, with deductible options ranging from $0-$100 and also the option for a vanishing deductible. Many clients appreciate that bundled coverage can often cost less than purchasing standalone dental, vision, and hearing policies separately.
Aetna Dental Insurance: Pros and Cons
Let’s summarize some pros and cons of Aetna’s dental plan.
-
Pros:
- Extensive Provider Network: Aetna boasts a vast network of over 445,000 in-network dental providers nationwide, offering members a wide selection of dentists and specialists.
- Comprehensive Preventive Care Coverage: Preventive services, including routine exams, cleanings, and bitewing X-rays, are covered at 100%.
- Affordable Premiums: Aetna offers competitively priced plans, with options starting as low as $28 per month.
- No Referral Requirement: Members can visit any in-network specialist without needing a referral.
- Additional Benefits: Optional credit for prior coverage, as well as the ability to add coverage for teeth whitening and implants.
-
Cons:
- Reduced Coverage Waiting Periods for Basic and Major Services: The plan imposes a coverage reduction waiting period for the first 12 months for basic and major dental services.
- Waiting Period for Vision Service: There is a 6-month waiting period for all vision services, and benefits are covered at 50% from months 7-12.
- Annual Maximum Benefit Limits: Aetna’s plan has annual maximum benefit limits typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Limited Availability in Certain Areas: While Aetna has a broad network, some regions may have limited provider options.
Why We Like Aetna’s Protection Series Flex Plan
As agents, we’ve worked with many dental and ancillary carriers over the years, and we believe Aetna’s Protection Series Flex plan does a great job balancing affordability with practical coverage.
Many seniors prefer the simplicity of having dental, vision, and hearing benefits bundled into one policy instead of managing multiple separate plans. This Aetna option helps make that possible while still providing access to preventive care and broader protection for services that become more important as we age.
Another reason we like this plan is the affordability. Monthly premiums are generally competitive for bundled coverage, especially when compared to purchasing standalone dental, vision, and hearing policies separately. The Protection Series Flex lineup also gives clients the flexibility to choose between a more budget-friendly option and a richer customized version with enhanced benefits.
Confirm Your Providers Are In-Network
Before enrolling in the Aetna plan, one of the most important steps is confirming your providers are in-network.
Even excellent insurance coverage can become frustrating if your dentist or specialist does not participate in the network. Staying in-network can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs and help ensure the plan functions the way it was intended.
We always encourage clients to verify their dentist, eye doctor, and hearing provider before making a final enrollment decision. This simple step can make a major difference in overall satisfaction with the plan.
Are There Waiting Periods With Aetna’s Plan?
Yes, some services within Aetna’s Protection Series Flex plan may include waiting periods, particularly for major dental procedures and certain vision or hearing benefits.
In most cases, preventive dental services such as routine exams, cleanings, and bitewing X-rays are available immediately after coverage begins. This is one reason many seniors appreciate this plan for ongoing preventive care.
However, more advanced dental procedures – including crowns, dentures, root canals, bridges, and some periodontal services – may require a waiting period before full benefits become available. Depending on the plan and state, basic and major dental services have a reduced coverage waiting period of up to 12 months. Basic services are covered from day one at 50-70%, which increases to 70-80% after a year. Major services are covered from day one at 10-25%, which increases to 25-50% after a year. Certain vision and hearing benefits may also include waiting periods in some plan versions.
One important exception is that one option of the Protection Series – Dental Vision and Hearing Flex plan offers credit for prior coverage, allowing you to receive 2nd year level dental benefits from day one. This is especially attractive for individuals who anticipate needing dental work sooner rather than later. Availability and plan details can vary by state.
As agents, we always encourage clients to review the plan details carefully and compare options side-by-side. If you expect to need major dental work in the near future, understanding waiting periods ahead of time can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
-
In a nutshell:
Aetna’s Protection Series Flex plan offers several advantages that make it appealing for seniors. The bundled design simplifies coverage while helping members manage dental, vision, and hearing expenses under one policy. The plan also features competitive pricing, immediate preventive care benefits, and access to a large national network.
At the same time, there are some limitations to understand. Certain services may involve waiting periods, annual maximums still apply on many benefits, and out-of-network usage can increase costs substantially. Like most dental insurance products, cosmetic procedures are generally not covered unless added.
Overall, we believe these plans provide strong value for many seniors, particularly those seeking affordable bundled ancillary coverage.
Aetna vs. Ameritas Dental Insurance
Ameritas is known for its accessibility and flexibility, especially with its PrimeStar® dental plans offering next-day benefits. This means members don’t have to wait to get the care they need – whether it’s a routine cleaning or a more involved procedure, they’re covered right away.
Plus, no enrollment fees make starting coverage easy without extra costs. With over 149,000 in-network providers and 727,000 dental access points nationwide, finding a dentist that works for you is hassle-free.
Ameritas has been a trusted name in insurance since 1887, and it has grown over the decades into a nationwide provider of insurance and financial services.
Today, Ameritas serves over 6 million customers nationwide and also offers products such as life insurance, annuities, disability income insurance, vision, and hearing care. This broad customer base reflects the trust policyholders place in Ameritas to deliver reliable coverage.
Ameritas offers three tiers of dental plans:
#1. PrimeStar® Lite ($22/month) – Covers 100% preventive care, 50-80% basic, and 10-20% major with a $750-$1,500 annual max.
#2. PrimeStar® Boost ($40/month) – Covers 100% preventive, 65-80% basic, 20-50% major, 15-50% child orthodontia, with a $1,000-$2,500 max.
#3. PrimeStar® Complete ($46/month) – Covers 100% preventive, 80-90% basic, 20-50% major, with a $2,000-$3,500 max, plus hearing benefits.
All plans have a $50 deductible and access to a large dental network.
Let’s compare the most important deal-breakers between Aetna and Ameritas.
Waiting Periods
One of the differences between Aetna and Ameritas is their waiting period policies. While both have a reduced coverage waiting period for the first 12 months, Ameritas also has a lower benefit maximum for that period as well.
On the other hand, Ameritas eliminates waiting periods altogether for all of its plans with proof of prior coverage (varies by state). Aetna only does this as an upgraded option.
This minor contrast makes Ameritas the preferred choice for individuals needing urgent dental care and not wanting to wait months for necessary procedures.
Annual Maximums
Another compelling feature of Ameritas is its increasing annual maximum benefits. In the first year, the maximum benefit is $750-2,000, but it gradually increases to $1,500-3,500 in the second year and beyond, rewarding long-term members with higher coverage limits.
In contrast, Aetna’s annual maximum benefits range from $1,000 to $5,000, and there is no built-in increase over time. It’s important to select your preferred benefit amount up front.
Customer Experience
Aetna’s customer service experience has received mixed reviews from members. Some policyholders praise the helpfulness and efficiency of Aetna’s support team, citing quick claims processing and a wide range of coverage options.
However, some members report frequent claim denials, communication difficulties, and long wait times when reaching customer support. One of the most common complaints involves policy cancellations and unexpected charges, which have led to frustration among members.
Despite these challenges, Aetna offers digital tools to improve the member experience. Their provider search tool lets users quickly locate in-network dentists, access patient reviews and ratings, and compare costs, making it easier for members to make informed decisions about their dental care.
Ameritas has consistently been recognized for its customer service quality, particularly its claims contact center, which has received the Benchmark Portal’s Center of Excellence award annually since 2006. This distinction reflects Ameritas’s commitment to efficient claims processing and superior customer support.
Ameritas provides multiple contact channels, including phone and email support, ensuring members can access assistance when needed.
However, one noted limitation is that 24/7 customer service is unavailable, which may be a drawback for policyholders who require immediate support outside standard business hours.
Final Verdict: Ameritas Wins
In summary, we believe that Ameritas is a better choice than Aetna, although the difference is not significant. Both companies have strong offerings and unique advantages. Generally, we recommend Ameritas over Aetna for most of our clients. Here’s a breakdown of why we consider Ameritas to be the best option available:
| Category | Ameritas | Aetna |
| Annual Maximums | Up to $3,500 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Major Procedures Coverage | Strong | Strong |
| Preventive Care | 100% Coverage | 100% Coverage |
| Monthly Premiums | Affordable | Affordable |
| Waiting Period for Major Services | 12 months | 12 months |
| Customer Satisfaction | High Ratings, Fewer Issues | Claim Denials and Billing Problems |
Bottom Line: Ameritas is #1
When it comes to dental insurance, Aetna and Ameritas are two top providers worth considering. They both offer large networks and comprehensive coverage designed to meet a variety of customer needs.
Aetna is widely recognized for its broad range of options and a large network of over 445,000 providers, ensuring members have ample choices for their dental care needs.
One of Ameritas’s most significant advantages is its no-waiting-period policy on all of its plans with credit for prior coverage. Ameritas allows members to access preventive, basic, and major services immediately upon enrollment.
Ameritas also provides one of the most extensive provider networks in the industry, with approximately 727,000 access points.
While both companies have strong customer service reputations, member experiences vary. Aetna excels in digital tools and online resources, making it easy for members to find providers and compare costs. Ameritas has been recognized for superior claims processing efficiency.
Which Provider Is Right for You?
- Choose Aetna if you prioritize a selection of structured coverage at competitive rates.
- Choose Ameritas if you want immediate access to dental services, increasing annual benefits, and an extensive provider network.
Need help comparing dental plans? Give us a call – we’re here to help!
Sources: Ameritas Dental | Aetna Dental
FAQs
- How much are dental implants?
- Does Aetna dental insurance cover crowns?
- What is a good dental insurance deductible?
- How can I pay my dentist without insurance?
- What happens if I miss a premium payment for my Aetna dental insurance?
