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Dental Discounts for Seniors
The older we get, the more we have to baby our teeth. Modern dentistry can keep teeth and gums healthy throughout your life, but it can be so expensive. Thankfully, you can get the affordable, quality dental care you deserve. Read on to explore your cost-saving options.
Seniors and Dental Health
Besides all the typical dental issues faced by people of any age, like plaque buildup (which can happen with dentures and implants, as well as natural teeth), seniors may face specific dental issues. These include:
- Dry mouth, which can lead to dental decay
- Periodontal disease (severe gum disease)
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss (typically due to gum disease or missing teeth)
- Weakened, loose or fragile teeth
- Tissue inflammation caused by dentures
- Oral fungus (also known as thrush, associated with weakened immune systems)
The good news is that modern dentistry can keep our teeth and gums healthy throughout our lives. And while dental care is expensive, there are new solutions, such as dental discount plans, that can greatly reduce the cost of dental treatment.
Sources: American Dental Association, Harvard Medical School, WebMD,
Best Dental Insurance for Seniors?
The best insurance is the one that fits your needs. Before purchasing, review the dental insurance policy's annual spending maximum, the type of insurance plan, the waiting period restrictions on how soon you can get specific procedures, and the "Fee Schedule" which will help you know whether the plan will help you reduce costs on the dental procedures you need.
Aetna Dental Direct Preferred PPO
Plan covers preventive
and restorative care
Delta Dental PPO Premium
Plan covers preventive care and restorative care, including braces and dental implants
Cost starts at $25.15 a month
View Plan
Humana Complete
Plan covers preventive
and restorative care.
Cost starts at $37.99 a month
View Plan
Renaissance Dental Insurance
Plan covers preventive
and restorative care.
Cost starts at $35.60 a month
View Plan
Other things to consider when searching for dental insurance.
Look at a plan's annual spending maximum, the type of insurance plan, waiting period,
and what procedures the plan covers as well as how that coverage aligns with your dental care needs.
| Aetna Dental Direct Preferred PPO | Delta Dental PPO Premium Plan | Humana Complete Dental Insurance | Renaissance Dental Insurance Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive Care (routine checkups, cleanings, bitewing x-rays) | |||
| 100% | 100% | Covered 100% and deducible waived with in-network providers | Covered 100% and deducible waived with in-network providers |
| Basic Procedures (fillings, extractions, emergency care for pain relief) | |||
| 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% in-network 60% out of network (100% for pain relief care in network) |
| Major Procedures (Root canals, crowns, dentures, bridges, etc) | |||
| 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% with in-and out of network providers |
| Orthodontic (Braces) | |||
| No | Yes (50%) | No | No |
| Cosmetic services | |||
| No | No | No | No |
| Dental Implants | |||
| No | Yes (50%) | No | Yes (50%) |
| Annual Benefit Maximum (per person) | |||
| $1,250 | $1,500 | $1,250 Year 1, $1,500 Year 2 and after | $1,000 |
| Deductible | |||
| $50 per person $150 per family | $50 per person $150 per family | $50 per person $150 per family | $50 per person $150 per family |
| Waiting Period? | |||
| 6 months for basic 12 months for major | 6 months for basic 12 months for major | 6 months for basic 12 months for major | 6 months for basic 12 months for major |
| Cost | |||
| Starting at $24.22 a month | Starting at $25.15 a month | Starting at $37.99 a month | Starting at $35.60 per month |
| Aetna Dental Direct Preferred PPO | Delta Dental PPO Premium Plan | Humana Complete Dental Insurance | Renaissance Dental Insurance Plan |
| View Plan | View Plan | View Plan | View Plan |
Is Dental Insurance Worth It for Seniors?
If your oral health is excellent,dental insurance can be a great choice. Preventive care such as cleanings and checkups is often free if you have dental insurance, and your insurance picks up part of the cost of restorative care after an initial waiting period of 6-12 months. Be aware that dental insurance typically has an annual spending limit of $1,000-$1,500 – about the cost of a single root canal and crown. Once you have exceeded your annual limit, you pay out of pocket for your dental care for the rest of the year (plus you have to pay your plan premiums too!)
If you have dental health issues that need immediate treatment or will cost more than about $1,000 to address, a Dental Savings Plan may be the best way to save on your dental care. Dental Savings Plans are an alternative to dental insurance and have several unique advantages which include no restrictions on how soon and how often you can save on dental care, and no annual spending limits.
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Source: https://www.dentalplans.com/dental-plans-for-seniors