Best Dental Insurance For Seniors on Medicare

All Ameritas dental plans increase benefits and coverage for basic and major procedures after the first year. Their annual maximums are also up to 60% higher than many competitors, and you can access your coverage immediately without any waiting periods.

Their basic plan starts at $25 per month, and they offer a family-friendly option that includes orthodontic care for children. The $3,500 annual maximum of the most comprehensive plan is valuable for major procedures or hearing benefits.

Ameritas has over 11 million members, and they prioritize member satisfaction with fast electronic claim processing and flexible submission options.

Our Favorite Ameritas Dental Plan:  PrimeStar® Complete

• Monthly premium: as low as $46
• Annual maximum: $2,000 (increases to $3,500 in year 2)
• Coverage: 100% preventive, 80% basic (90% after year 1), 20% major (50% after year 1)
• Hearing benefits:  Includes coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids starting at $200 ($400 after year 2)
• Waiting periods:  None

The PrimeStar® Complete plan might be a little pricier, but it gives you the best coverage out there.

Ameritas Pros and Cons

Ameritas is often rated as one of the best dental insurance providers, particularly for its high annual maximums, no waiting periods, and increasing benefits over time. However, like any insurance plan, it has both strengths and weaknesses.

Pros of Ameritas Dental Insurance

No Waiting Periods for Most Services

Unlike many dental insurance providers, Ameritas offers next-day coverage, meaning you don’t have to wait months before using benefits for preventive or basic services.

High Annual Maximums

Depending on the plan, annual maximums range from $750 to $3,500, which is much higher than many Medicare Advantage dental plans (which often cap out at $1,000).

Preventive Care Doesn’t Count Toward Annual Maximum

Exams, cleanings, and X-rays don’t reduce your annual benefit amount, allowing you to use more of your coverage for other services.

Large Nationwide Network

Ameritas has one of the largest dental networks in the U.S., allowing members to access both in-network and out-of-network providers.

Flexible Plan Options

With three different plans (Lite, Boost, and Complete), you can choose a plan based on your budget and needs.

The Boost plan is ideal for families, as it includes orthodontia for kids. The Complete plan offers hearing benefits in addition to comprehensive dental coverage.

Gradual Increase in Benefits Over Time

Basic and major care coverage percentages increase after the first year, making the plan more valuable long-term.

Example: On the Lite plan, major care starts at 10% in year one but increases to 20% in year two.

No Enrollment Fees and Quick Claims Processing

Ameritas does not charge an enrollment fee, and electronic claims processing is fast and hassle-free.

Credit for Prior Coverage (CPC)

In most states, Ameritas Dental provides a credit for having 12 months of prior PPO coverage. This credit allows second-year benefits to begin on day one. However, this benefit is not available in New Mexico, New York, and Washington State.

Cons of Ameritas Dental Insurance

Lower Coverage for Major Services in Year One

If you need major procedures immediately, coverage is low:

• Lite Plan: Only 10% coverage for major services in year one.
• Boost and Complete Plans: Start at 20% for major work, increasing to 50% after year one.

If you need implants, crowns, or dentures right away, you’ll still have to pay a significant amount out-of-pocket.

Monthly Premiums Can Be High for Comprehensive Coverage

While the Lite plan is budget-friendly at $22/month, the Complete plan costs $46/month, which may be expensive for some seniors.

Limited Orthodontic Coverage

Only the Boost plan offers orthodontic benefits, and even then, it’s only for children, not adults.

Hearing Benefits Only Available on the Complete Plan

If you want hearing coverage, you’ll have to choose the most expensive plan.

Deductible Applies to All Plans

Each plan requires a $50 per person deductible, which can add up for families.

Should You Choose Ameritas?

Ameritas is a strong choice for standalone dental insurance, particularly because of its high annual maximums, no waiting periods, and comprehensive plan options.

It outperforms Medicare Advantage dental benefits, which tend to have low annual limits and fewer provider options.

Best for:

• Seniors who need comprehensive dental coverage beyond what Medicare Advantage offers.
• People looking for no waiting periods and high annual maximums.
• Families needing orthodontic coverage for kids.
• Those who also want hearing benefits (Complete plan only).

Not Ideal for:

• Someone needing major dental work immediately (low first-year coverage).
• Adults looking for orthodontic coverage.
• Budget-conscious seniors who only need basic preventive care (could consider a lower-cost option).

Cigna offers flexible bundled dental, vision, and hearing coverage designed for individuals and families looking for preventive care and affordable protection.

At this time, the plans available through us are:

• Cigna HealthSpring Flexible Choice Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plus

This bundled plan combines preventive dental care with vision and hearing benefits into one convenient monthly premium.

Cigna is a solid choice for people who want affordable bundled coverage and simplified protection under one carrier.

Cigna HealthSpring Dental Vision and Hearing Plus:

• Monthly premium: approximately $34–$60/month
• Coverage includes: preventive dental care, fillings, major dental services with reduced benefits for the first 12 months, vision, and hearing benefits
• Vision benefits: 6-month waiting, coverage percentage up to $200 every two years
• Hearing benefits: 12-month waiting, coverage percentage up to $500 every year
• Waiting periods: may apply for restorative and major dental services
• Available in 48 states

The Flexible Choice Plus plan is ideal for seniors or families who want broader bundled protection across dental, vision, and hearing services.

Unlike purchasing separate policies from multiple carriers, Cigna simplifies coverage with one monthly premium and one provider network.

Cigna vs. Ameritas Dental: Pros and Cons Comparison

Both Cigna and Ameritas offer strong dental insurance options, but they cater to different needs. Here’s a direct comparison of the pros and cons of these two providers.

Pros of Cigna Compared to Ameritas

1. Higher Annual Maximums

   • Ameritas: Up to $3,500 (after year one)
   • Cigna: Up to $5,000
   • Advantage: Cigna allows more coverage for major dental procedures, making it better for those who anticipate significant dental work.

2. No Waiting Periods for Most Services

   • Ameritas: No waiting period for most services, allowing for next-day coverage, reduced for the first 12-months.
   • Cigna:  No waiting period for most services, allowing for next-day coverage, reduced for the first 12-months.
   • Advantage:  Cigna is a better choice because its benefit percentages are higher after the first 12 months.

3. Better Coverage for Major Procedures

   • Ameritas: Covers up to 50% of major services (after year one).
   • Cigna: Covers up to 60% of major services (after year one).
   • Advantage: Cigna is better for crowns, dentures, implants, and root canals over the long term.

4. Bundled Hearing Option

   • Cigna includes vision and hearing coverage in any plan.
   • Ameritas only includes hearing benefits on one plan, and vision is a separate policy to add.

Cons of Cigna Compared to Ameritas

1. Higher Monthly Premiums

   • Ameritas’ comprehensive plans cost less, with PrimeStar Complete at $46/month.
   • Cigna’s bundled plans range from $34-$60/month, with the Ameritas Complete equivalent benefit level being closer to $60.

2. Preventive Care Doesn’t Count Against the Annual Maximum

   • Ameritas: Routine check-ups and cleanings do not reduce your annual benefit amount.
   • Cigna: Preventive care is covered, but it does count toward your annual max.
   • Advantage: Ameritas allows you to use more of your benefits for fillings, crowns, and other procedures.

3. Less Comprehensive Plan Options

   • Ameritas’ PrimeStar Boost plan includes orthodontic coverage for kids and includes coverage for teeth whitening.
   • Advantage: If you want more flexibility and additional benefits, Ameritas offers more comprehensive coverage.

4. Smaller Provider Network

   • Ameritas has a larger network of doctors, facilities, and access points.
   • Advantage: If you want more choice and selection when it comes to providers, Ameritas has a broader network.

Which One Is Best for You?

Who Should Choose Cigna?

• You need high annual maximums ($5,000).
• You want no waiting periods for most services.
• You need major dental work (crowns, root canals, implants).
• You want to bundle dental with vision and hearing coverage.

Who Should Choose Ameritas?

• You only need preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays).
• You want a cheaper monthly premium.
• You’re okay with lower annual maxes and waiting periods.
• You want preventive care to not count against your max.
• You want access to a larger provider network.

Recommendation

If you’re looking for comprehensive dental coverage, Cigna is slightly better due to its higher annual maximums, no waiting periods, and better major procedure coverage.

However, if you need coverage for implants, teeth whitening, child orthodontia, or simply access to a larger list of providers, Ameritas’ plans are a solid, budget-friendly choice.

Delta Dental Plans: Affordable and Reliable Coverage

Delta Dental is one of the most well-known names in dental insurance, offering a variety of plans to fit different budgets and coverage needs.

Whether you need basic preventive care or more comprehensive coverage, Delta Dental has an option. For this example, I am using a Delta Dental plan based in Florida. Let’s break down their three main individual plans:

1. Delta Dental PPO Individual – Basic Plan

• Cost: $22.43 per month
• Annual Maximum: $1,000
• Preventive Care: 100% covered (cleanings, exams, X-rays)
• Basic Services: Covered at a percentage (e.g., fillings, extractions)
• Major Services: Not covered
• Waiting Periods: Yes, for basic services
• Network: Large PPO network with the flexibility to choose any dentist

This plan is great if you want affordable preventive care and occasional basic dental work. However, with no major services covered and a lower annual max, it may not be ideal for those expecting extensive dental procedures.

2. Delta Dental PPO Individual – Premium Plan

• Cost: $55.74 per month
• Annual Maximum: $2,000
• Preventive Care: 100% covered
• Basic Services: Covered at a percentage
• Major Services: Covered at a percentage (e.g., crowns, root canals)
• Waiting Periods: Yes, for major services
• Network: Large PPO network

This plan offers double the annual maximum of the Basic Plan, plus coverage for major procedures. It’s a solid option for those who may need crowns, root canals, or other major dental work in the future.

3. DeltaCare® USA FLA70 Individual/Family Plan (DHMO)

• Cost: $8.92 per month
• Annual Maximum: No limit
• Preventive Care: Low copays
• Basic & Major Services: Fixed copay amounts instead of percentage coverage
• Waiting Periods: None
• Network: HMO-style, must-use network dentists

This DHMO plan is the most affordable and offers no annual max, but it comes with limitations – you must use in-network dentists and pay copays instead of percentage-based coverage.

While it’s great for those who want low, predictable costs, it’s not ideal for people who prefer PPO flexibility.

Pros and Cons of Delta Dental Plans

Delta Dental is a well-known dental insurance provider with a variety of plans designed to fit different budgets and coverage needs. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of their plans, specifically in Florida.

Pros of Delta Dental

• Multiple Plan Options – Delta Dental offers different plans, including PPO (Basic & Premium) and DHMO (DeltaCare USA), allowing individuals to choose a plan that best fits their needs.

• Affordable Preventive Care – All plans cover 100% of preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays), making it a great choice for those who prioritize regular check-ups.

• Nationwide PPO Network – Their PPO plans provide access to a large network of dentists while still allowing out-of-network flexibility.

• Low-Cost DHMO Option – The DeltaCare USA DHMO plan is highly affordable ($8.92/month) with no annual maximums, making it great for those who want predictable, low-cost care.

• Coverage for Major Services (Premium PPO Plan) – The Premium PPO Plan ($55.74/month) offers coverage for major services (e.g., crowns, and root canals), which is beneficial for those needing extensive dental work.

• No Waiting Periods for DHMO Plan – Unlike PPO plans, the DHMO option has no waiting periods, making it a good choice for those needing immediate coverage for basic and major services.

Cons of Delta Dental

• Lower Annual Maximums (PPO Plans) – Compared to competitors like Ameritas PPO (up to $3,500), Delta Dental’s Basic ($1,000) and Premium ($2,000) annual maximums may be insufficient for people needing significant dental work.

• Waiting Periods for Basic & Major Services – Both Basic and Premium PPO plans have waiting periods (e.g., 6 months for basic services, and 12 months for major services), which could be a drawback for those needing immediate care.

• No Major Services on Basic PPO Plan – The Basic PPO Plan ($22.43/month) does not cover major services like crowns or root canals, which may not be ideal for those who need more than routine care.

• DHMO Requires In-Network Dentists – The DeltaCare USA DHMO Plan requires members to use in-network dentists, which can limit provider choices compared to PPO plans.

• Copays Instead of Percentage-Based Coverage (DHMO) – Unlike PPO plans that cover a percentage of costs, the DHMO plan uses fixed copay amounts, which may not always result in lower out-of-pocket expenses.

Final Verdict

• Best for Budget & No Annual Max: DeltaCare USA DHMO ($8.92/month)
• Best for Preventive Care with PPO Flexibility: Delta Dental Basic PPO ($22.43/month)
• Best for High Annual Maximums & Major Services: Cigna (up to $5,000)
• Best Mid-Range Option: Delta Dental Premium PPO ($55.74/month) or Cigna PPO

Delta Dental is a strong choice for preventive and routine care but may not be the best option for those needing higher annual maximums or immediate major dental work due to waiting periods and plan limitations.

How Does Delta Dental Compare to Cigna and Ameritas?

Now that we’ve covered Delta Dental’s plans, let’s see how they stack up against Cigna and Ameritas, two other well-known providers.

Key Takeaways:

• Best for Budget: DeltaCare USA DHMO ($8.92/month, no annual max)
• Best for Preventive Care with PPO Flexibility: Delta Dental Basic PPO ($22.43/month)
• Best for High Annual Maximums & Major Services: Cigna (up to $5,000)
• Best for Mid-Range Coverage: Delta Dental Premium PPO ($55.74/month) or Cigna Flexible Choice Plus

Final Verdict: Which Plan is Right for You?

• If you only need routine cleanings and preventive care, the DeltaCare USA DHMO is the cheapest option with predictable copays.
• If you want PPO flexibility but don’t need major dental work, Delta Dental Basic PPO or Cigna Flexible Choice Plus may be a good fit.
• If you expect major dental procedures, Cigna Flexible Choice Plus offers the highest annual maximums, followed by Delta Dental Premium PPO.

Ultimately, the best plan depends on your budget, expected dental needs, and whether you prefer PPO flexibility or lower DHMO costs.

This version provides more details on Delta Dental’s plans first, then compares them to Cigna and Ameritas using the table at the end.