Best Dental Insurance For Seniors on Medicare

All Ameritas dental plans increase benefits and coverage for basic and major procedures after the first year. Their annual maximums are also up to 60% higher than many competitors, and you can access your coverage immediately without any waiting periods.

Their basic plan starts at $25 per month, and they offer a family-friendly option that includes orthodontic care for children. The $3,000 annual maximum of the most comprehensive plan is valuable for major procedures or hearing benefits.

Ameritas has over 11 million members, and they prioritize member satisfaction with fast electronic claim processing and flexible submission options.

Our Favorite Ameritas Dental Plan:  PrimeStar® Complete

• Monthly premium: $57
• Annual maximum: $2,500 (increases to $3,000 in year 2)
• Coverage: 100% preventive, 80% basic (90% after year 1), 20% major (50% after year 1)
• Hearing benefits:  Includes coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids starting at $200 ($400 after year 2)
• Waiting periods:  None

The PrimeStar® Complete plan might be a little pricier, but it gives you the best coverage out there.

Ameritas Pros and Cons

Ameritas is often rated as one of the best dental insurance providers, particularly for its high annual maximums, no waiting periods, and increasing benefits over time. However, like any insurance plan, it has both strengths and weaknesses.

Pros of Ameritas Dental Insurance

1. No Waiting Periods for Most Services

   • Unlike many dental insurance providers, Ameritas offers next-day coverage, meaning you don’t have to wait months before using benefits for preventive or basic services.

2. High Annual Maximums

   • Depending on the plan, annual maximums range from $1,500 to $3,000, which is much higher than many Medicare Advantage dental plans (which often cap out at $1,000).

3. Preventive Care Doesn’t Count Toward Annual Maximum

   • Exams, cleanings, and X-rays don’t reduce your annual benefit amount, allowing you to use more of your coverage for other services.

4. Large Nationwide Network

   • Ameritas has one of the largest dental networks in the U.S., allowing members to access both in-network and out-of-network providers.

5. Flexible Plan Options

   • With three different plans (Lite, Boost, and Complete), you can choose a plan based on your budget and needs.
   • The Boost plan is ideal for families, as it includes orthodontia for kids.
   • The Complete plan offers hearing benefits in addition to comprehensive dental coverage.

6. Gradual Increase in Benefits Over Time

   • Basic and major care coverage percentages increase after the first year, making the plan more valuable long-term.
   • Example: On the Lite plan, major care starts at 10% in year one but increases to 20% in year two.

7. No Enrollment Fees & Quick Claims Processing

   • Ameritas does not charge an enrollment fee, and electronic claims processing is fast and hassle-free.

Cons of Ameritas Dental Insurance

Lower Coverage for Major Services in Year One

1. • If you need major procedures immediately, coverage is low:
     • Lite Plan: Only 10% coverage for major services in year one.
     • Boost & Complete Plans: Start at 20% for major work, increasing to 50% after year one.
   • If you need implants, crowns, or dentures right away, you’ll still have to pay a significant amount out-of-pocket.

2. Monthly Premiums Can Be High for Comprehensive Coverage

   • While the Lite plan is budget-friendly at $25.83/month, the Complete plan costs $57.26/month, which may be expensive for some seniors.

3. Limited Orthodontic Coverage

   • Only the Boost plan offers orthodontic benefits, and even then, it’s only for children, not adults.

4. Hearing Benefits Only Available on the Complete Plan

   • If you want hearing coverage, you’ll have to choose the most expensive plan.

5. Deductible Applies to All Plans

   • Each plan requires a $50 per person deductible, which can add up for families.

Should You Choose Ameritas?

Ameritas is a strong choice for standalone dental insurance, particularly because of its high annual maximums, no waiting periods, and comprehensive plan options.

It outperforms Medicare Advantage dental benefits, which tend to have low annual limits and fewer provider options.

Best for:

• Seniors who need comprehensive dental coverage beyond what Medicare Advantage offers.
• People looking for no waiting periods and high annual maximums.
• Families needing orthodontic coverage for kids.
• Those who also want hearing benefits (Complete plan only).

Not Ideal for:

• Someone needing major dental work immediately (low first-year coverage).
• Adults looking for orthodontic coverage.
• Budget-conscious seniors who only need basic preventive care (could consider a lower-cost option).

Cigna offers affordable dental plans starting at $19/month. With a network of over 18 million members, they’re one of the largest dental providers.

Cigna’s dental insurance is a solid choice for those needing basic preventive care. They offer low premiums and cover many common restorative services. You can also bundle vision and hearing coverage.

Just a heads up, though—some procedures like implants might not be covered, and there could be a 6-12 month waiting period for certain services.

Our Favorite Cigna Dental Plan:  Dental 1500

• Monthly premium: $39
• Annual maximum: $1,500
• Coverage: 100% preventive, 85% basic, 50% major
• Waiting periods: None for preventative care, 6 months for basic services, 12 months for major services

If long waiting periods don’t suit you and you’re willing to pay a little extra on your monthly premium, I suggest considering Ameritas instead.

Ameritas vs. Cigna Dental: Pros & Cons Comparison

Both Ameritas and Cigna offer strong dental insurance options in Florida, but they cater to different needs. Here’s a direct comparison of the pros and cons between these two providers.

Pros of Ameritas Compared to Cigna

1. Higher Annual Maximums

   • Ameritas: Up to $3,000 (after year one)
   • Cigna: Maxes out at $1,500 (Dental 1500 Plan)
   • Advantage: Ameritas allows more coverage for major dental procedures, making it better for those who anticipate significant dental work.

2. No Waiting Periods for Most Services

   • Ameritas: No waiting period for most services, allowing for next-day coverage.
   • Cigna: Often requires a 6–12 month waiting period for major services.
   • Advantage: If you need immediate dental work, Ameritas is a better choice.

3. Better Coverage for Major Procedures

   • Ameritas: Covers up to 50% of major services (after year one).
   • Cigna: Covers major services but with lower annual max limits and restrictions on procedures like implants.
   • Advantage: Ameritas is better for crowns, dentures, implants, and root canals over the long term.

4. Preventive Care Doesn’t Count Against the Annual Maximum

   • Ameritas: Routine check-ups and cleanings do not reduce your annual benefit amount.
   • Cigna: Preventive care is covered, but it does count toward your annual max.
   • Advantage: Ameritas allows you to use more of your benefits for fillings, crowns, and other procedures.

5. More Comprehensive Plan Options

   • Ameritas has plans with dental + hearing benefits (PrimeStar Complete), which Cigna does not offer.
   • Ameritas’ PrimeStar Boost plan includes orthodontic coverage for kids—while Cigna only includes orthodontia in its Dental 1500 Plan at a lower coverage rate.
   • Advantage: If you want more flexibility and additional benefits, Ameritas offers more comprehensive coverage.

Pros of Cigna Compared to Ameritas

1. Lower Monthly Premiums

   • Cigna: Offers a Preventive Plan at just $19/month, which is cheaper than Ameritas’ lowest-cost plan.
   • Ameritas: The cheapest plan (PrimeStar Lite) is $25.83/month.
   • Advantage: If you only need cleanings, exams, and X-rays, Cigna is the most affordable option.

2. No Deductible on the Preventive Plan

   • Cigna: The $19/month Preventive Plan has no deductible, making it a cost-effective choice for those who only need basic check-ups.
   • Ameritas: All plans require a $50 deductible per person.
   • Advantage: If you only need preventive care, Cigna is the cheaper and simpler choice.

3. Bundled Vision & Hearing Coverage Available

   • Cigna: Offers vision and hearing insurance bundles, which could be useful for seniors looking for multi-coverage savings.
   • Ameritas: Only offers hearing benefits in the PrimeStar Complete plan.
   • Advantage: Cigna is more flexible for those looking to bundle multiple types of insurance.

4. More Recognized National Brand

   • Cigna: Has over 18 million dental insurance members and is a well-known national provider.
   • Ameritas: Has a strong reputation but is less widely recognized than Cigna.
   • Advantage: Cigna might feel more familiar and trusted to some consumers.

Cons of Ameritas Compared to Cigna

1. Higher Monthly Premiums

   • Ameritas’ comprehensive plans cost more, with PrimeStar Complete at $57.26/month.
   • Cigna’s Dental 1500 Plan ($39/month) is significantly cheaper but offers less coverage.

2. No Bundled Vision Option

   • Ameritas only includes hearing benefits on one plan and does not offer vision bundling.
   • Cigna lets you add vision & hearing coverage to any plan.

3. $50 Deductible Required on All Plans

   • Even the most basic Ameritas plan requires a $50 deductible per person.
   • Cigna’s Preventive Plan has no deductible, making it cheaper for those who only need cleanings and check-ups.

Cons of Cigna Compared to Ameritas

1. Lower Annual Maximums

   • The most you can get from Cigna is $1,500 per year, while Ameritas goes up to $3,000.
   • If you need major dental work, Cigna’s lower cap means you’ll pay more out-of-pocket.

2. Waiting Periods for Major Services

   • Most Cigna plans require 6–12 months of waiting before major procedures like crowns or root canals are covered.
   • Ameritas has no waiting periods for most services, making it better for immediate needs.

3. Weaker Coverage for Major Procedures & Implants

• Cigna’s Dental 1000 Plan does not cover implants at all.
• Cigna’s Dental 1500 Plan covers major services but still has a lower max than Ameritas.
• Ameritas offers better major procedure coverage long-term.

Which One Is Best for You?

Who Should Choose Ameritas?

• You need high annual maximums ($2,000–$3,000).
• You want no waiting periods for most services.
• You need major dental work (crowns, root canals, implants).
• You want preventive care to not count against your max.

Who Should Choose Cigna?

• You only need preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays).
• You want a cheaper monthly premium (as low as $19/month).
• You want to bundle dental with vision & hearing coverage.
• You’re okay with lower annual maxes and waiting periods.

Recommendation

If you’re looking for comprehensive dental coverage, Ameritas is the clear winner due to its higher annual maximums, no waiting periods, and better major procedure coverage.

However, if you only need preventive care and are looking for the cheapest option, Cigna’s $19/month Preventive Plan is a solid budget-friendly choice.

Would you like help comparing more providers, or would you like recommendations based on your

Delta Dental Plans: Affordable & Reliable Coverage

Delta Dental is one of the most well-known names in dental insurance, offering a variety of plans to fit different budgets and coverage needs.

Whether you need basic preventive care or more comprehensive coverage, Delta Dental has an option. For this example, I am using a Delta Dental plan based in Florida. Let’s break down their three main individual plans:

1. Delta Dental PPO Individual – Basic Plan

• Cost: $22.43 per month
• Annual Maximum: $1,000
• Preventive Care: 100% covered (cleanings, exams, X-rays)
• Basic Services: Covered at a percentage (e.g., fillings, extractions)
• Major Services: Not covered
• Waiting Periods: Yes, for basic services
• Network: Large PPO network with the flexibility to choose any dentist

This plan is great if you want affordable preventive care and occasional basic dental work. However, with no major services covered and a lower annual max, it may not be ideal for those expecting extensive dental procedures.

2. Delta Dental PPO Individual – Premium Plan

• Cost: $55.74 per month
• Annual Maximum: $2,000
• Preventive Care: 100% covered
• Basic Services: Covered at a percentage
• Major Services: Covered at a percentage (e.g., crowns, root canals)
• Waiting Periods: Yes, for major services
• Network: Large PPO network

This plan offers double the annual maximum of the Basic Plan, plus coverage for major procedures. It’s a solid option for those who may need crowns, root canals, or other major dental work in the future.

3. DeltaCare® USA FLA70 Individual/Family Plan (DHMO)

• Cost: $8.92 per month
• Annual Maximum: No limit
• Preventive Care: Low copays
• Basic & Major Services: Fixed copay amounts instead of percentage coverage
• Waiting Periods: None
• Network: HMO-style, must-use network dentists

This DHMO plan is the most affordable and offers no annual max, but it comes with limitations – you must use in-network dentists and pay copays instead of percentage-based coverage.

While it’s great for those who want low, predictable costs, it’s not ideal for people who prefer PPO flexibility.

Pros and Cons of Delta Dental Plans

Delta Dental is a well-known dental insurance provider with a variety of plans designed to fit different budgets and coverage needs. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of their plans, specifically in Florida.

Pros of Delta Dental

• Multiple Plan Options – Delta Dental offers different plans, including PPO (Basic & Premium) and DHMO (DeltaCare USA), allowing individuals to choose a plan that best fits their needs.

• Affordable Preventive Care – All plans cover 100% of preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays), making it a great choice for those who prioritize regular check-ups.

• Nationwide PPO Network – Their PPO plans provide access to a large network of dentists while still allowing out-of-network flexibility.

• Low-Cost DHMO Option – The DeltaCare USA DHMO plan is highly affordable ($8.92/month) with no annual maximums, making it great for those who want predictable, low-cost care.

• Coverage for Major Services (Premium PPO Plan) – The Premium PPO Plan ($55.74/month) offers coverage for major services (e.g., crowns, and root canals), which is beneficial for those needing extensive dental work.

• No Waiting Periods for DHMO Plan – Unlike PPO plans, the DHMO option has no waiting periods, making it a good choice for those needing immediate coverage for basic and major services.

Cons of Delta Dental

• Lower Annual Maximums (PPO Plans) – Compared to competitors like Ameritas PPO (up to $2,500+), Delta Dental’s Basic ($1,000) and Premium ($2,000) annual maximums may be insufficient for people needing significant dental work.

• Waiting Periods for Basic & Major Services – Both Basic and Premium PPO plans have waiting periods (e.g., 6 months for basic services, and 12 months for major services), which could be a drawback for those needing immediate care.

• No Major Services on Basic PPO Plan – The Basic PPO Plan ($22.43/month) does not cover major services like crowns or root canals, which may not be ideal for those who need more than routine care.

• DHMO Requires In-Network Dentists – The DeltaCare USA DHMO Plan requires members to use in-network dentists, which can limit provider choices compared to PPO plans.

• Copays Instead of Percentage-Based Coverage (DHMO) – Unlike PPO plans that cover a percentage of costs, the DHMO plan uses fixed copay amounts, which may not always result in lower out-of-pocket expenses.

Final Verdict

• Best for Budget & No Annual Max: DeltaCare USA DHMO ($8.92/month)
• Best for Preventive Care with PPO Flexibility: Delta Dental Basic PPO ($22.43/month)
• Best for High Annual Maximums & Major Services: Ameritas PPO (up to $2,500+)
• Best Mid-Range Option: Delta Dental Premium PPO ($55.74/month) or Cigna PPO

Delta Dental is a strong choice for preventive and routine care but may not be the best option for those needing higher annual maximums or immediate major dental work due to waiting periods and plan limitations.

How Does Delta Dental Compare to Cigna & Ameritas?

Now that we’ve covered Delta Dental’s plans, let’s see how they stack up against Cigna and Ameritas, two other well-known providers.

Key Takeaways:

• Best for Budget: DeltaCare USA DHMO ($8.92/month, no annual max)
• Best for Preventive Care with PPO Flexibility: Delta Dental Basic PPO ($22.43/month)
• Best for High Annual Maximums & Major Services: Ameritas PPO (up to $2,500+)
• Best for Mid-Range Coverage: Delta Dental Premium PPO ($55.74/month) or Cigna PPO

Final Verdict: Which Plan is Right for You?

• If you only need routine cleanings and preventive care, the DeltaCare USA DHMO is the cheapest option with predictable copays.
• If you want PPO flexibility but don’t need major dental work, Delta Dental Basic PPO or Cigna PPO may be a good fit.
• If you expect major dental procedures, Ameritas PPO offers the highest annual maximums, followed by Delta Dental Premium PPO.

Ultimately, the best plan depends on your budget, expected dental needs, and whether you prefer PPO flexibility or lower DHMO costs.

This version provides more details on Delta Dental’s plans first, then compares them to Cigna and Ameritas using the table at the end.