Which Medicare Advantage Plans Has the Best Dental
Did you know that oral health is a crucial component of overall well-being, especially for people on Medicare?
If you’ve been wondering “which Medicare Advantage plans has the best dental in 2025,” you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s dive into an in-depth exploration of the expected top plans offering exceptional dental benefits in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Wellcare, and Humana are some of the top Medicare Advantage plans known for offering superior dental coverage, providing services ranging from preventive care to comprehensive procedures.
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare stands out for its extensive network of dental providers, offering nationwide coverage with a diverse array of dental services, including routine exams and comprehensive treatments, with a focus on customer satisfaction.
- The cost of dental services under Medicare Advantage plans can vary based on coinsurance, copayments, and fixed amounts, with many plans offering $0-premium options that include a range of dental services from routine to comprehensive care.
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Top Medicare Advantage Plans with Superior Dental Benefits in 2025
When it comes to top-notch dental coverage, not all Medicare Advantage plans are created equal. The best Medicare Advantage plans that stand head and shoulders above the rest in 2024 are:
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Wellcare
- Humana
These heavyweights cater to a wide range of dental services, from preventive measures like cleanings and X-rays to comprehensive procedures such as fillings and root canals.
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary seeking broad dental coverage, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna should be at the top of your list, thanks to their extensive networks and $0-premium plans.
Evaluating Dental Coverage Depth
A close examination of the depth of dental coverage is crucial when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. After all, this determines how extensive the covered dental services are, ranging from routine preventive care to more comprehensive procedures.
Wellcare’s Medicare Advantage plans, for instance, cover both preventive and comprehensive services, with each plan offering more than six comprehensive services on average.
Similarly, Humana’s plans provide a wide range of dental services. Furthermore, Cigna’s plans offer preventive and comprehensive coverage, including essential services like extractions, and restorative treatments.
For those needing more extensive dental care, Anthem’s plans offer optional increased dental benefits that expand the range of services covered.
Comparing Plan Accessibility
Evaluating Medicare Advantage plans also involves assessing their accessibility. To compare Medicare Advantage plans, consider the following examples:
- Humana’s plans are available in approximately 85% of counties across the country
- Wellcare is available in 37 states
- Cigna’s plans feature a myriad of benefits, including preventive and comprehensive dental care, 24/7 telehealth services, meal delivery, and more, with over 8 in 10 plans featuring a $0 premium
- Kaiser Permanente’s plan may have a limited provider network, making Humana’s plan with its extensive network of dental providers a popular choice
Analyzing Customer Experiences
The plan’s overall performance can be gauged by its customer satisfaction levels. Here are the top performers:
- Kaiser Permanente
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Aetna
Humana’s plans also have ratings that exceed industry averages, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Cigna’s member experience ratings are also above average, thanks to its strong focus on care coordination and customer service.
Unveiling the Leader in Medicare Advantage Dental Coverage
When it comes to Medicare Advantage dental coverage, the AARP/UnitedHealthcare plan distinguishes itself from others.
Renowned for its outstanding dental benefits, it boasts the largest network of dental providers, making it an obvious choice for those seeking top-tier dental coverage. And the best part? It’s available nationwide, ensuring that its 1.3 million providers are within easy reach of beneficiaries.
This extensive network of dental providers sets UnitedHealthcare’s dental coverage apart from the competition.
Breakdown of Dental Services Offered
Let’s examine more closely the specific dental services provided by the AARP/UnitedHealthcare plan. Preventive dental care, such as routine exams, forms an integral part of its benefits.
In terms of comprehensive coverage, Humana Medicare Advantage plans offer members:
- Annual exams
- Two cleanings a year
- Dental X-rays once every 5 years
- Routine and advanced dental services
- And much more
All with a maximum of $1,500 in combined preventive and comprehensive dental coverage.
Understanding the Costs
Undeniably, cost plays a pivotal role in selecting a dental plan. Under Humana’s Gold Choice PFFS plan, in-network dentist visits typically have a copayment of $45, while out-of-network visits for Medicare-covered dental services usually have a copayment of $50.
The variation in costs for routine dental services within Medicare Advantage plans can be attributed to factors such as coinsurance, copayments, and fixed amounts.
Comprehensive Dental Care: Plan Providers That Excel
Some Medicare Advantage plan providers that excel in offering comprehensive dental care include:
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Humana
- Highmark
Among these Medicare advantage providers, you can find a suitable Medicare Advantage plan to meet your dental care needs.
These plans cover a range of services from routine dental care to more complex procedures.
For example, Humana’s MyOption Dental – High DEN838 plan, which is an alternative to Cross Blue Shield plans, provides benefits for both preventive and comprehensive services at in-network and out-of-network dentists.
Spotlight on In-Network Dental Providers
Several factors, like the provider-to-patient ratio and the reachability of in-network providers, can affect the quality of a dental provider network in Medicare Advantage plans.
For example, Aetna boasts a network of over 1.2 million healthcare professionals, including a significant number of dental providers.
Exclusive Health and Wellness Discounts
Apart from dental coverage, premier Medicare Advantage plans also provide prescription drug coverage and other health and wellness benefits for Medicare Advantage members.
These include fitness program benefits like SilverSneakers and Renew Active, offering gym access, fitness classes, and a dedicated app for seniors. Some plans, like those provided by Aetna, even offer the convenience of home delivery of prescription drugs.
These exclusive health and wellness discounts, provided by CVS Health Company, offer additional services and programs that promote physical health, convenience, and overall well-being.
Affordable Dental Options in Medicare Advantage Plans
A plethora of affordable dental coverage options are available in many Medicare Advantage plans. For example, Humana’s $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans provide an affordable dental coverage option for enrollees and are available in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
These $0 monthly premiums are a strategy to attract more enrollees in a competitive market, providing an affordable option for beneficiaries.
Zero-Premium Plans with Dental
Approximately 75% of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. have a zero premium and offer dental coverage.
These plans generally include:
- Routine dental services
- Preventive dental services
- Comprehensive dental services such as X-rays, fillings, root canal treatments, tooth extractions, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and more.
Out-of-Pocket Considerations
Despite the allure of zero-premium plans, it’s vital to keep out-of-pocket costs in mind. Under Humana’s Gold Choice PFFS plan, in-network dentist visits typically have a copayment of $45, while out-of-network visits for Medicare-covered dental services usually have a copayment of $50.
The variation in costs for routine dental services within Medicare Advantage plans can be attributed to factors such as coinsurance, copayments, and fixed amounts.
Specialized Dental Needs: Plans with a Focus
Medicare beneficiaries with specific dental needs are also accommodated by Medicare Advantage plans, which provide coverage for access difficulties, regular services, and dental insurance designed for seniors.
Targeted Dental Services
When it comes to specialized dental services, select Medicare Advantage plans offer a range of services including:
- Restorative services
- Extractions
However, the coverage for such services can vary from plan to plan. Some plans include these treatments in routine dental care, while others may restrict coverage to preventive services only.
Provider Expertise and Availability
The expertise and availability of dental providers in these specialized plans is also crucial. Most Medicare Advantage enrollees have access to dental benefits that are not covered by traditional Medicare, with the coverage of dental providers in specialized Medicare Advantage plans varying depending on the specific plan.
The Impact of Location on Dental Coverage
The availability and quality of Medicare Advantage dental coverage are greatly impacted by location. Generally, the quality of dental coverage can vary by state due to differences in the mandatory supplemental dental benefit limits and common benefit limits.
State-by-State Comparison
Looking at dental coverage on a state-by-state basis, the top providers of comprehensive dental coverage across various states in 2024 are:
- AARP
- Aetna
- Highmark
- Manhattan Life
- Mutual of Omaha
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
Finding Local Dental Providers
To locate dentists within your Medicare Advantage plan’s network, you can visit the plan’s website. There, you will be able to access a directory of network dental providers who accept your coverage.
Navigating Dental Insurance Beyond Medicare Advantage
Although Medicare Advantage plans provide excellent dental coverage options, you can also obtain dental coverage independently by purchasing a separate dental insurance policy.
Standalone Dental Insurance vs. Medicare Advantage
Standalone dental insurance is a distinct plan that is tailored to provide coverage for dental services, with its own coverage limit and premium, while dental coverage in a Medicare Advantage plan is integrated into a comprehensive healthcare plan.
Supplemental Coverage Options
Supplemental dental coverage offers extra benefits that are not part of Original Medicare, including routine dental services like exams, cleanings, fillings, and crowns. Some Medicare Advantage plans include this supplemental dental coverage.
How to Compare and Choose the Best Dental Coverage
If you’re seeking the best dental coverage in Medicare Advantage plans, begin your search with Medicare.gov’s plan finder tool to discover the plans available in your locality.
Then, review each plan’s Evidence of Coverage document to understand the specifics of the dental coverage offered.
Importance of Personal Health Needs Assessment
Conducting a personal health needs assessment is a key step in choosing coverage. This entails evaluating your specific oral health needs and challenges, considering factors such as specific patient populations and the need for effective care coordination and support.
Utilizing Online Tools for Plan Comparison
Online tools like the Medicare.gov comparison tool and the MedicareAdvantage.com plan comparison tool can be very helpful when comparing Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage.
Maximizing Your Dental Benefits Within Medicare Advantage
If your plan doesn’t provide enough coverage, you might want to consider buying additional dental coverage to maximize your benefits. Also, take advantage of any preventive dental services provided by your plan, as many Medicare Advantage plans include such benefits.
Leveraging Preventive Dental Care
Preventive dental care has a significant impact on oral health. It includes regular dental check-ups and the adoption of effective oral hygiene practices.
Its importance lies in preserving dental health and minimizing the necessity for extensive dental procedures.
Managing Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Despite the allure of zero-premium plans, it’s vital to keep out-of-pocket costs in mind. Under Humana’s Gold Choice PFFS plan, in-network dentist visits typically have a copayment of $45, while out-of-network visits for Medicare-covered dental services usually have a copayment of $50.
The variation in costs for routine dental services within Medicare Advantage plans can be attributed to factors such as coinsurance, copayments, and fixed amounts.
Summary
In summary, when it comes to dental coverage, Medicare Advantage plans offer a myriad of options to suit various needs and budgets. From comprehensive dental care providers to zero-premium plans, there’s a plan for every senior seeking to maintain their oral health.
Remember, the best plan for you is the one that aligns with your specific dental needs and financial considerations. So, take the time to assess your needs, compare plans, and make an informed choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What is the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plan for 2025?
Although not released yet, it’s likely the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plan for 2025 will be offered by Humana, known for its overall dental coverage, low premium plans, member experience, and prescription coverage.
→ What are the top Medicare Advantage plans for dental coverage in 2025?
Consider UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Wellcare, and Humana for the top Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage.
→ How can I find dental providers within my Medicare Advantage plan’s network?
Visit your Medicare Advantage plan’s website and access their directory of network dental providers to find the information you need.
→ What is the difference between standalone dental insurance and dental coverage in a Medicare Advantage plan?
Standalone dental insurance focuses solely on dental services, while dental coverage in a Medicare Advantage plan is part of a more comprehensive healthcare plan. Choose based on your specific needs.
→ How often should I utilize preventive dental services for optimal oral health?
For optimal oral health, it’s recommended to utilize preventive dental services every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings.
ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company
Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, and head content editor of several Medicare insurance online publications. He has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Medicare insurance broker helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.