Ameritas Dental Insurance Review - A Top Choice
Ameritas offers dental plans with monthly premiums starting at $25. With all of their dental plans, you’ll see benefits and coverage increase for basic and major procedures after the first year of enrollment.
They also provide family-friendly plans that include orthodontic care for kids.
While their top-tier plan has a higher premium, its $3,000 annual maximum and comprehensive coverage for preventive, basic, and major services may justify that cost.
To give you a complete picture of what Ameritas offers, I will compare it with Delta Dental, another popular dental insurance provider. We’ll look at things like coverage, cost, and waiting periods.
My goal is to help you make an informed decision about choosing a dental insurance provider, so let’s dive into some highlights of Ameritas.
Types of Dental Plans Offered by Ameritas
Let’s explore the dental plans provided by Ameritas, including a breakdown of each plan’s specific coverage details.
#1. PrimeStar® Lite
The PrimeStar® Lite plan is your most budget-friendly option. It provides 100% coverage for preventive care, such as exams and cleanings. A standout feature of this plan is its increasing annual maximum benefit and coverage for basic and major procedures after the first year.
- Maximum Benefit: Up to $1,500/year after the first year
- Deductible: $50 (per benefit year)
- Preventive (Type 1): 100% in-network, 70% out-of-network
- Basic (Type 2): Starts at 50% in-network, increasing to 80% after year one
- Major (Type 3): Starts at 10% in-network, increasing to 20% after year one
#2. PrimeStar® Boost
The PrimeStar® Boost plan is a great option for family coverage. It offers unique benefits like teeth whitening and orthodontic care coverage for kids. The plan also has comprehensive coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major services.
- Maximum Benefit: Up to $2,000/year after the first year
- Deductible: $50 (per benefit year)
- Preventive (Type 1): 100% in-network, 80% out-of-network
- Basic (Type 2): Starts at 65% in-network, increasing to 80% after year one
- Major (Type 3): Starts at 20% in-network, increasing to 50% after year one
- Child Orthodontia: 50% coverage
#3. PrimeStar® Complete
The PrimeStar® Complete plan may be the pricier option, but it offers the most comprehensive coverage with a high annual maximum benefit of up to $3,000 after the first year. Hearing benefits are also available to plan members of all ages, covering exams and hearing aids. Coverage for basic and major procedures also increases after the first year.
- Maximum Benefit: Up to $3,000/year after the first year
- Deductible: $50 (per benefit year)
- Preventive (Type 1): 100% in-network, 90% out-of-network
- Basic (Type 2): Starts at 80% in-network, increasing to 90% after year one
- Major (Type 3): Starts at 20% in-network, increasing to 50% after year one
- Hearing Benefits: Coverage for exams and aids
How Much Does Ameritas Dental Insurance Cost?
When choosing a dental plan, understanding the monthly cost is crucial. Below is a breakdown of the average monthly cost for each Ameritas dental plan:
- PrimeStar® Lite: $25.83/month – A budget-friendly option covering preventive care with increasing benefits for basic and major procedures after the first year.
- PrimeStar® Boost: $48.66/month – Ideal for families, offering coverage for teeth whitening, child orthodontia, and comprehensive dental care.
- PrimeStar® Complete: $57.26/month – The most comprehensive plan, including a high annual maximum and hearing benefits in addition to dental coverage.
Each plan varies in terms of coverage levels, annual maximums, and benefits, making it essential to select the one that best fits your dental care needs.
Pros and Cons of Ameritas
Ameritas has built a strong reputation for providing quality dental insurance with comprehensive benefits and flexible options. If you’re looking for reliable coverage, here are some key advantages of Ameritas:
Pros of Ameritas Dental Insurance
Dental Care Estimator Tool – Ameritas provides a Dental Care Estimator, a valuable tool that helps policyholders anticipate out-of-pocket costs before visiting the dentist. This transparency allows for better budgeting and financial planning.
Immediate Coverage with No Enrollment Fees – Many Ameritas plans offer next-day coverage, so you don’t have to wait weeks or months to access benefits. Plus, there are no hidden enrollment fees, making it easier to get started without upfront financial strain.
Lifetime Coverage Flexibility – Once enrolled, your Ameritas policy stays with you no matter how your life circumstances change. Whether you move, switch jobs, or retire, your coverage remains intact. Additionally, you can cancel anytime if your needs change.
Vision Coverage Options – In most states, Ameritas allows you to bundle your dental plan with vision coverage from either VSP or EyeMed. This means you can get benefits for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, adding more value to your policy.
Expansive Provider Network – Ameritas has an extensive network of dentists, meaning it’s easy to find a provider that accepts your insurance. Even if your preferred dentist is out of network, Ameritas plans often include competitive reimbursement levels.
Exceptional Customer Support – All Ameritas call centers are based in the United States, ensuring that you get direct assistance from knowledgeable representatives without outsourced support.
Potential Drawbacks (That May Not Be Deal-Breakers)
While Ameritas is a strong choice for dental insurance, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Premiums May Be Higher Than Some Competitors – Ameritas plans sometimes have slightly higher monthly premiums compared to some budget-friendly competitors. However, these costs often reflect superior coverage, higher annual maximums, and lower out-of-pocket expenses, making the investment worthwhile.
Not All Plans Cover Orthodontics – While Ameritas offers strong general dental benefits, orthodontic coverage may be limited or unavailable on certain plans. If braces or Invisalign are a priority, it’s essential to review plan options carefully. That said, Ameritas does offer some plans with orthodontic benefits for both adults and children.
Out-of-Network Costs May Be Higher – Ameritas provides out-of-network coverage, but in some cases, you may pay more if you visit a dentist outside their preferred provider network. However, the large network size reduces the likelihood of needing an out-of-network provider.
If you’re looking for a reputable company that prioritizes transparency, strong dental and vision coverage, and flexibility, Ameritas is a solid choice. The small trade-offs in cost are often outweighed by the superior coverage and long-term savings.
Ameritas vs. Delta Dental
When checking out dental insurance options, it’s helpful to directly compare what other leading providers offer, like Delta Dental.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of how these companies two stack up:
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Ameritas:
- Waiting Periods: No
- Vision & Hearing Coverage: Yes
- Increasing Benefits: Yes
- Preventative Services Covered: 100% (no waiting)
- Exams & Cleanings: 3 times a year (included)
- Basic Services Covered: 65%; 80% (no waiting)
- Major Services Covered: 20%; 50% (no waiting)
- Implants: Yes (select plans)
- Orthodontia: Yes (child only)
- Teeth Whitening: Yes
- Annual Maximums: $1,500 – $3,000
-
Delta Dental:
- Waiting Periods: Yes
- Vision & Hearing Coverage: No
- Increasing Benefits: No
- Preventative Services Covered: 100% (no waiting)
- Exams & Cleanings: 2 times a year (included)
- Basic Services Covered: 80% (6-month waiting period)
- Major Services Covered: 50% (12-month waiting period)
- Implants: Yes (select plans)
- Orthodontia: Yes
- Teeth Whitening: Yes
- Annual Maximums: $1,000 – $2,000
When comparing Ameritas and Delta Dental, Ameritas stands out as the better choice for several reasons. No waiting periods mean you get immediate coverage for basic and major services, while Delta Dental makes you wait six months to a year.
Ameritas also offers higher annual maximums (up to $3,000) and covers three cleanings per year, compared to Delta Dental’s two.
Beyond dental, Ameritas includes vision and hearing coverage, plus increasing benefits over time, giving you more value the longer you stay on the plan.
Both providers cover implants and orthodontics, but Ameritas offers more flexibility. With better coverage, fewer restrictions, and added perks like teeth whitening, Ameritas is the clear winner.
Overall, Ameritas provides more immediate coverage, greater financial benefits, and additional perks like vision and hearing coverage, making it the superior choice over Delta Dental.
Ameritas Has No Waiting Periods: A Major Advantage
One of the standout features of Ameritas dental insurance is the complete absence of waiting periods. Unlike many other dental insurance providers, Ameritas allows policyholders to access benefits immediately, eliminating the frustration of waiting months for coverage to kick in for essential services.
How Ameritas Stands Out
Most dental insurance providers impose waiting periods before they cover basic and major procedures. These waiting periods can range from six months for basic services to a full year for major treatments like crowns, root canals, and dentures.
With Ameritas, however, policyholders enjoy next-day coverage on all covered services, making it a more convenient option for those needing immediate dental care.
Ameritas vs Delta Dental Waiting Periods
To better understand the advantage Ameritas provides, let’s compare its waiting period policy to Delta Dental, one of the other major players in the dental insurance market:
| Coverage Type | Ameritas Waiting Period | Delta Dental Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive Services | No Waiting Period | No Waiting Period |
| Basic Services | No Waiting Period | 6 Months |
| Major Services | No Waiting Period | 12 Months |
As you can see, Ameritas offers a clear advantage by allowing immediate access to all benefits, including basic and major services. This feature can be particularly beneficial for individuals who require urgent dental work and do not want to delay treatment due to insurance restrictions.
The Impact of No Waiting Periods
Skipping the waiting periods makes Ameritas an excellent choice for those who need immediate dental care. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden cavity, need a root canal, or require a crown, you won’t have to wait months to receive the necessary treatment.
This makes Ameritas a particularly attractive option for new enrollees who need to start treatment right away.
Additionally, no waiting periods mean that individuals switching dental insurance providers won’t experience a gap in coverage. This flexibility allows Ameritas members to maintain consistent access to essential dental care without unnecessary delays.
By eliminating waiting periods, Ameritas provides a hassle-free experience for members and ensures that dental care remains accessible and convenient from day one.
In a nutshell:
Ameritas is the better pick for dental insurance compared to Delta Dental, mainly because it skips the waiting periods and lets you access care immediately. Ameritas has more benefits, including vision and hearing, and offers increasing coverage after the first year.
How Do I Enroll In a Ameritas Dental Plan?
If you’re looking to enroll in Ameritas Dental Insurance, the process is simple, and as independent agents working directly with Ameritas, we can assist clients with the entire process.
Here’s how:
How to Enroll in Ameritas Dental Insurance
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Fact-Finding & Plan Selection
- We start by assessing your needs, including budget, dental care expectations, and provider preferences.
- Compare different Ameritas plans to find the best fit based on coverage for routine cleanings, major dental work, orthodontics, etc.
- Verify if your preferred dentists are in-network.
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Providing a Quote & Explaining Benefits
- Go over premium costs, deductibles, waiting periods, and coverage details.
- Answer any questions about annual maximums, exclusions, or special discounts.
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Completing the Enrollment
- Once you select a plan, enrollment can be completed over the phone with our assistance.
- Ameritas typically offers an easy online application that can be completed in minutes.
- We ensure accurate input of personal details, effective date selection, and payment information.
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Confirmation & Next Steps
- You will receive an email confirmation and an ID card.
- Explain how to access the Ameritas member portal for claims, provider search, and policy details.
Since we work directly with Ameritas, we can provide seamless support from plan selection to enrollment.
Member Service and Support
Ameritas has a reputation for top-notch customer service, especially its claims contact center, which has received the Benchmark Portal’s Center of Excellence award every year since 2006.
They really focus on keeping members happy with quick electronic claim processing and flexible submission options. Plus, their customer service reps are available for extended hours during the week, so you can receive support right when you need it.
Bottom Line
Ameritas is a popular choice with over 11 million members and has a large network of dentists.
Their basic plan starts at around $25 a month and still offers increasing benefits and coverage for basic and major procedures after the first year. They even have family-friendly plans with orthodontic care for the kids.
The $3,000 annual maximum on their most comprehensive plan is worth the higher monthly premium if you expect major procedures or need hearing benefits.
Compared to Delta Dental, Ameritas stands out by offering more cleanings and exams without waiting periods. On the other hand, Delta Dental might make you wait 6-12 months.
If you need help comparing dental plans, just give us a call. We’d love to help!
Sources: Delta Dental | Ameritas Dental
FAQs
- How do I enroll in an Ameritas dental plan?
- Are there any waiting periods for Ameritas dental plans?
- What are the key features of Ameritas dental plans?
