Most people go to the dentist at least once or twice per year just for routine care. That doesn’t even include all the visits they may make if they need work done on their teeth. This can be quite costly, with routine visits ranging anywhere from $100 to over $500. The best route to take is to have dental insurance, which will help cover some of the costs for routine care, as well as make dental work that is needed more affordable.
It is not difficult for seniors to find good dental insurance. It will take a little effort to seek and compare quotes and then get signed up once you determine which provider you would like to go with, but it is not a difficult process. It is a good idea to get rate quotes from at least a few different insurance companies and then compare them. When comparing the rate quotes, be sure to consider the costs as well as what you get with each plan. Simply looking at the rate is not going to tell the whole story. Be sure to look at other things as well, including deductibles and what is covered with routine care plans.
Dental Insurance Options for Seniors
Check out the dental insurance options below and get information from each of them to see which one will provide you with the best plan. The rates will vary on these plans, making it important to also consider what the plan provides. At the minimum, you want to make sure you are getting routine preventative care included in the premium, including teeth cleanings and yearly X-rays.
Medicare – Seniors who are over the age of 65 and are citizens or legal non-citizens may be able to get the federal program Medicare to help with their dental bills. Not all dental care is covered by Medicare, but there are some exceptions to this. Seniors who have Medicare should check with their plan to see if it covers any type of dental care. There are no income requirements that need to be met in order to qualify for the Medicare program. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medicaid – Seniors who are under the age of 65 and have a low income may qualify for the Medicaid program. This federally funded program will help those who are qualified to pay for a wide range of medical bills, including some dental bills. This insurance typically pays for dental exams, x-rays, dentures, extractions, and more. Medicaid is an insurance program that is available to those in the country who meet the qualifications. To get more information about the program, click here.
Marketplace – This government website is a good place to find some of the best dental insurance for seniors. You will have access to quotes from a variety of dental insurance providers. The Marketplace will also tell you if you qualify for any assistance paying for the insurance from the federal government. Once you answer all the questions and work your way through the system, you will be presented with a variety of insurance options. The information will show you what your rate would be and what the coverage provides. If you decide to purchase one of the plans, you can sign up for it and get the enrollment process started. There may be open enrollment periods when people can sign up for programs. This website is a service provided by the federal government. To get more information and apply for a dental insurance plan, click here.
Delta Dental – This is a dental insurance provider that seniors can sign up for. They offer great plans for individuals and families and have affordable rates. They have plans for retirees and seniors that are over the age of 65. The plans will help ensure that you maintain your overall dental health and wellness. They offer different plans to choose from and their insurance is widely accepted around the country. To get more information, click here.
United Healthcare – This insurance provider offers dental insurance for seniors and others around the country. The dental plans cover preventative care, including routine cleanings and fluoride treatments, basic services, major services, and more. Their insurance is accepted at many dental offices around the country, and there are no age limits for qualifying. You can easily get rate and plan information by submitting the state that you live in. To get more information about the dental insurance offered through United Healthcare, click here.
Cigna Healthcare – This insurance company offers dental plans for seniors. Their plans cover routine care, extractions and fillings, root canals, bridges and repairs, dentures, and more. They also have coverage for things like dental implants. Most dental care needs that seniors have can be met through the insurance plans offered by Cigna Healthcare. To get more information about their plans, click here.
While this list offers some of the best dental insurance for seniors, there are also other options available. Those who cannot afford to purchase a dental insurance plan should consider contacting their local health department. Most health departments will provide people who have a low income with some basic dental insurance.
There are also free and low-cost dental care clinics that are offered throughout the year in many cities around the country. Watch for those to see when they are held in your area. They will provide you with free or low-cost dental care services that will help you get the necessary care. These are typically open to people who have a low income.
Some dental offices also offer their own senior dental care plans in-house. Call around to see if any of the dentist offices in your area offer care plans. This would be a plan where you pay their office a monthly premium and it includes a variety of dental care services all year long. This is a good way to keep in touch with a local dental office that you can turn to each time you need dental services.