Best Overall : AARP/UnitedHealthcare
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Why We Chose It
UnitedHealthcare offers the largest dental network of Medicare Advantage providers and many plans have no annual deductible for covered dental services. The company is well-rated and offers affordable plans.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Large network of dentists to choose from
Relatively strong overall cost score
Impressive Medicare and NCQA quality and customer satisfaction ratings
Some plans offer $0 copays for many dental services
Cons
Poor J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings in some regions
Overview
UnitedHealthcare has excellent customer satisfaction ratings relative to the industry. The company received 3.9 stars from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on average, and 3.8 stars from the NCQA on average. Both Medicare and the NCQA score on a 5-star scale.
While the company’s J.D. Power rankings vary by region, it scored above average in Florida and Texas. Note that these ratings are for Medicare Advantage plans in general, rather than dental coverage specifically, and that dental benefits vary widely between plans.
Still, UnitedHealthcare offers some great dental benefits, including some plans with no deductible or copays for preventive and even comprehensive services. And the company offers the largest Medicare Advantage dental network, so you should have plenty of dental provider choices. Still, check options in your area before selecting a plan. Exclusions also vary, so be sure to compare plans carefully.
UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans are affordable, with an average nationwide premium of about $17 and many plans with $0 premiums in some states. Some Medicare Advantage plans also come with a free gym membership. Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are also lower than average. You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealthcare.
UnitedHealthcare was also our top pick for the Best Medicare Advantage Plan Provider.
UnitedHealthcare Group is being sued for allegedly using a flawed artificial intelligence algorithm that denies rehabilitation care for Medicare Advantage patients, despite knowing that the algorithm has a 90% error rate.
Lowest Cost : Cigna
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Why We Chose It
Cigna had the best nationwide cost score of the Medicare Advantage insurance companies we reviewed, and some plans include comprehensive dental services such as dentures.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Offers the best value Medicare Advantage plans of the providers we reviewed
$7 average premium
Some plans include comprehensive dental services
Cons
Only available in 29 states
Quality ratings are about average relative to the industry
Overview
Cigna offers great pricing, with $0 or low-cost premiums, low annual drug deductibles, and a low average out-of-pocket maximum. The company has average quality ratings from the CMS and the NCQA, with an average Medicare rating of 3.7 stars and an average NCQA rating of 3.5 stars. Cigna is ranked above average by J.D. Power in regions where it offers Medicare Advantage plans, and the company received an A financial strength grade from AM Best.
Cigna offers in-network dental benefits with HMO plans and a dental allowance with PPO plans. Depending on the plan, you may have full coverage for any dentist, or you may only have coverage for in-network providers. Cigna’s Medicare Advantage plans also offer a number of extra benefits, like post-hospital in-home meal delivery and fitness benefits.
Best for Overall Customer Satisfaction : Kaiser Permanente
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Why We Chose It
Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage plans have the highest average quality and customer satisfaction ratings and offer the second-best value after Cigna.
Pros & Cons
Pros
High CMS and NCQA ratings
Great value plans with low out-of-pocket maximums
Most plans cover preventive dental at no cost
Cons
Comprehensive dental coverage only available for an extra monthly fee
Comprehensive coverage is limited relative to other providers
Limited state availability
Overview
Kaiser Permanente plans are rated an average of 4.8 stars by the CMS and 4.5 stars by the NCQA, the highest quality and customer satisfaction ratings of the providers we reviewed. While the average plan premium is higher than at some other providers, Kaiser plans offer a low average drug deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, along with $0 copays for preventive dental care with most plans. That makes the plans an excellent value.
However, Kaiser Permanente only offers plans in eight states and the District of Columbia. And if you want comprehensive dental plans covered, you’ll pay a fee for coverage that you may find included in other Medicare Advantage plans. For example, in Colorado, Advantage Plus Benefit plans that include dental coverage cost $36 to $39 per month and only cover 50% of major services, up to $1,000 per year.
Great for Nationwide Health Coverage : Humana
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Why We Chose It
Every Humana Medicare Advantage plan comes with dental insurance that offers $0 copays for preventive care and access to a nationwide dental network.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Available in 49 states
Access to a nationwide network of dentists
Offers PPO plans and HMO plans with travel benefits
High Medicare star ratings
100% of Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, and hearing
Cons
Below-average overall cost score
Overview
Humana is available in 49 states and offers Medicare Advantage policyholders access to a nationwide network of dental providers. The company is well-rated, with an A- financial strength grade from AM Best, an average 4.2-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and a 3.6-star average rating from the NCQA. Humana also ranks above average in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Medicare Advantage Study for every region except Pennsylvania. Note that these ratings refer to Medicare Advantage plans in general and aren’t specific to dental coverage.
Preventive dental services, along with vision and hearing services, are included with 100% of plans. If you want additional coverage beyond routine dental exams and extractions, plans may offer more comprehensive coverage for an additional premium. Plans have different annual limits, so compare your options. Humana plans are more costly on average than other Medicare Advantage provider plans, but $0 premium PPO plans are available in some states.
The Bottom Line
UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans offer a great combination of high ratings and strong value, and select plans have added benefits like an included gym membership and $0 copays for some comprehensive dental services. The company also has an extensive network of dentists. Humana is another good option that is widely available, especially if you want vision and hearing benefits with your Medicare Advantage plan as well. If you’re aiming for the lowest cost, Cigna might be your best bet if the company offers plans in your state. And if you’re aiming for the best customer experience, consider Kaiser Permanente, but compare standalone plans with the company’s comprehensive dental add-on.
Dental Insurance Options for Older Adults on Medicare
You have several options for getting dental coverage, which vary depending on the plan you have. Here’s what you need to know about what’s already covered and how to get additional coverage for dental services.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare only covers dental services that are necessary for a related Medicare service to be successful. For example, if it’s essential to clear up a dental infection before a covered surgery, Medicare will cover the required dental services. Otherwise, you’ll pay 100% of the cost for dental services, including routine dental, unless you choose one of the options below.
Medicare Advantage
Almost all Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for routine dental care, but they may limit the number of visits to your dentist each year. Some cover comprehensive services, like extractions and periodontics, which may be covered in part or in full. Some plans also cover dentures with a copayment or coinsurance. However, most plans have an annual dollar limit for covered dental services. In fact, more than half cap benefits at $1,000 or less. Many plans also limit coverage to in-network providers.
Medicare Advantage Dental Supplement Plans
Some Medicare Advantage providers charge extra for dental coverage in general, while others provide routine dental coverage and offer a rider for more comprehensive services. These supplement plans may include vision and hearing as well, but they come with an extra premium.
D-SNP / Medicaid
If you qualify for both Medicare and your state’s Medicaid program, a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) may offer more access to dental care with fewer costs to you. For example, UnitedHealthcare offers D-SNP plans in some states that cover up to $4,000 in dental services, including comprehensive services and dentures. That’s much more coverage than most Medicare Advantage plans offer.
Medicare Supplement Packages
Some Medigap plans offer a dental add-on or dental, vision, and hearing package for an extra premium, which can be an option if you have a Medigap plan rather than a Medicare Advantage plan. However, make sure to compare the coverage to the available standalone plans in your area.
Private Plans
You can also purchase a standalone dental plan from a health insurance agent, insurance aggregator site, or directly from a private company. You might consider this option if your Medicare Advantage Plan only offers routine care or if you have Original Medicare or a Medicare supplement plan. You’ll pay a premium, but you can often get more extensive coverage than what’s included in most Medicare Advantage plans.
For example, Cigna offers a plan with up to $3,000 in benefits that allows you to see any dentist. UnitedHealthcare also offers several standalone senior dental plans through a partnership with Golden Rule Insurance Company. Our list of the best dental insurance for older adults has more options.
If you’re going this route, you might ask your dentist what plan they recommend. That’s how Illinois resident B. Huskey, 75, chose her dental plan. “My dentist recommended Delta Dental,” says Huskey, who also has a Medicare Supplement plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield. “It covers the majority of services I need except for night guards and sufficient coverage for crowns.”
Discount Plans
Dental discount plans are not a type of insurance, but they can reduce the prices you pay for dental services. With a dental discount plan, you’ll pay a low monthly or annual fee for membership, and then cover all your dental services out of pocket at a discounted rate. There are typically no waiting periods, deductibles, or annual maximums with these programs, but you’ll pay for every service you receive.
Guide to Getting Dental Insurance With Medicare Advantage
Signing up for Medicare can be a complicated process, so we have outlined the basic steps below. Here are some tips to help you sign up for the best dental plan for you from the Medicare Advantage plan options.
Find Dental Plans for Medicare Near You
To find a dental plan near you, visit the websites of the companies offering Medicare Advantage plans to view the details of each plan. Many company websites also allow you to see if your dentist accepts the plan. If you’re not sure where to start, consider talking to a broker or consultant. Good resources include the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 877-839-2675; you can also call Medicare at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to get answers to questions not answered in your research.
Compare Medicare Advantage Dental Plans
Using Medicare’s Find a Medicare Plan tool, you can log in without an account, choose a Medicare Advantage plan, type in your ZIP code, and follow the simple instructions to get a list of the available plans. The “Plan Details” button helps you learn more about the coverage offered, such as preventive dental (exam, cleaning, X-rays) or comprehensive dental (extractions, periodontics, restorative services).
Step 1: Review the plans available in your area.
Under “Plan Benefits,” a green checkmark next to “Dental” indicates plans that include dental coverage.
Along with benefits, you will see other useful information, such as monthly premiums, the yearly maximum you pay for health costs, and the type of plan, such as:
- HMO (health maintenance organization)
- HMO-POS (health maintenance organization—point of service)
- PPO (preferred provider organization)
- PFFS (private fee-for-service)
- SNP (special needs plan)
Step 2: Find the plans with features that fit your needs.
The “Plan Details” button helps you learn more about the coverage offered, such as preventive dental (exam, cleaning, X-rays) or comprehensive dental (extractions, periodontics, implants, crowns).
When you’re choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure it covers the dental services that are most important to you, including routine dental exams, X-rays, gum disease treatment, fillings, or dentures. You should look for plans that have widespread availability and competitive pricing.
Step 3: Visit the websites of the companies offering the plans.
You can look at the details of each plan, and many company websites allow you to see if your dentist accepts the plan.
Step 4: Sign up.
Medicare provides excellent online resources, including details about enrollment periods for Medicare Advantage plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Medicare Advantage Plan With Dental Coverage Cost Out-of-Pocket Over the Monthly Premium?
Typically, copayment or coinsurance is due for most Medicare Advantage plan dental coverage, such as 50% coinsurance or a $50 copayment. Also, many plans cap the annual coverage amount. That being said, plans are different between providers and even between plans offered by the same provider. You should check the costs associated with your dental coverage before committing to a plan.
Is a Medicare Advantage Plan the Only Way to Get Dental Coverage With Medicare?
No. No matter what type of Medicare coverage you have, you can purchase a dental-only insurance plan. There is a variety of plans available offering different levels of coverage, premiums, copays, and spending caps. Examples include Delta Dental, Humana, and others.
What Are the Benefits of Buying a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Some people prefer a Medicare Advantage plan because it bundles all coverage under one plan that often includes a prescription drug program and added benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing care. Also, many prefer a lower monthly premium (sometimes $0) based on how they feel they will access the coverage.
How Much Does a Medicare Advantage Plan Typically Cost?
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the average Medicare Advantage premium is expected to increase slightly to $18.50 per month in 2024. Most Medicare Advantage recipients who choose to stay on their plan for 2024 won’t experience a premium increase. There may also be more supplemental benefit options for Medicare Advantage plans in 2024.
Can My Coverage Change?
Every January, Medicare Advantage plans can change their costs and their coverage for the new calendar year. You should review your coverage and compare your plan with other available plans to make sure you have the coverage you need at the best possible price.
Does Medicare Cover Dentures?
Original Medicare does not cover dentures. Some Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for dentures, but the scope varies widely between plans. Most plans that do offer the coverage limit how often you can get a new set—every five years is common. Coverage is also typically subject to a deductible and/or coinsurance, and many plans have an annual dollar limit. That means that even with coverage for dentures, you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket costs if you need the service.
How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance for Older Adults on Medicare
To create this list, we started with the best Medicare Advantage providers and examined the dental insurance offerings of those companies, looking at their coverage, costs, and network size.
To identify which Medicare insurance companies to review, we analyzed business and market insight databases including Statistia, Plunkett, and Gale. We also considered user-generated data from Google to determine public interest and trends in Medicare plans.
We collected data from third-party rating agencies like the credit rating agency AM Best and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an independent organization that rates health insurance plans on quality and customer satisfaction. We also gathered data from government websites and databases provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) such as CMS.gov and Healthcare.gov, and directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. The data collection process spanned Sept. 15 to Sept. 29, 2023.
We then developed a quantitative model that scores each Medicare Advantage provider based on four major categories and 22 criteria that are crucial in evaluating the company's offerings and benefits.
We weighted the four categories as follows for this article:
- Plan features: 35%
- Plan quality and customer satisfaction: 30%
- Cost: 20%
- Availability: 15%
Read our full methodology for reviewing Medicare insurance providers.
