Is Humana Dental Insurance Good?
One major advantage of choosing a Humana dental insurance plan is access to a network of over 335,000 dentists and specialists. Humana’s Preventive Value Plan is a great option if you’re looking for coverage mainly for routine preventive care without expecting major dental procedures.
It has a low monthly premium of only $18, no annual maximum, and covers 100% of essential services like cleanings, exams, and x-rays.
However, keep in mind that Humana’s higher-tier plans often come with waiting periods, which may not fit everyone’s needs.
To thoroughly assess Humana’s dental plans, I will compare them with those offered by Delta Dental, a highly regarded dental insurance provider. I will take into account various factors, including coverage, cost, and waiting periods.
Humana provides dental plans with monthly costs ranging from $18 to $44.
These plans include:
- Preventive Value: most budget-friendly
- Complete Value: most comprehensive
- Loyalty Plus: long-term rewards
Let’s dig into some more details about Humana’s dental insurance offerings.
- Humana offers a vast network of over 335,000 dentists and specialists.
- Humana offers competitively priced dental plans like the Preventive Value Plan, which offers insurance at a cheaper rate.
- There is no limit for preventive and basic care.
- Limited options beyond basic dental coverage.
- Some plans may have waiting periods for basic and primary services.
Humana offers a wide range of dental plan options, an extensive provider network, and comprehensive coverage, including 100% preventive care with most plans.
Unique features like lifetime deductibles and increasing annual maximums add value. However, some plans have waiting periods, limited orthodontic coverage, and varying benefits by state.
Overall, Humana provides a solid balance of coverage, affordability, and customer satisfaction.
Humana Dental Plans
Humana dental insurance is popular among individuals seeking comprehensive dental care at an affordable price.
But what exactly does Humana offer that makes it stand out in the crowded market of dental insurance providers?
Their comprehensive plans cover various dental services, from preventive care to major services and orthodontic treatment.
Moreover, Humana’s dental insurance costs are influenced by many factors, including coverage levels, the insured’s location, and the specific type of dental plan chosen.
Comparing Humana Dental Plans
Humana offers various dental plans, including Preventive Value, Complete Value, and Loyalty Plus.
Preventive Value Plan
The Preventive Value Plan is a budget-friendly option for those seeking coverage for routine dental care and preventive services. This plan stands out for its low monthly premiums and the absence of an annual maximum, making dental care more affordable and predictable.
It ensures 100% coverage for essential preventive services such as cleanings, exams, and x-rays, encouraging regular dental visits and early detection of potential issues.
For those requiring more than preventive care, the plan offers 50% coverage for essential services like fillings and extractions, providing a safety net without significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Additionally, the Preventive Value Plan features a lifetime deductible of only $50 for individuals and $150 for families, making it an attractive option for maintaining dental health without financial strain.
Complete Dental Plan
Humana’s most comprehensive dental coverage is the Complete Dental Plan. This plan offers an annual maximum benefit of $1,250 in the first year, increasing to $1,500 in the second year, making it a robust option for those anticipating higher dental costs.
The Complete Dental Plan includes the following benefits:
- 100% coverage for preventive services includes routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and limited evaluations with no waiting period. In-network coverage: fully covered with no deductible (some limits apply).
- Basic care services are covered at 80%, with a 6-month waiting period, which can be waived with prior coverage. This includes emergency care, one filling per tooth every two years, space maintainers for children under 14, and prefabricated stainless steel crowns. In-network coverage is also 80% after the deductible, with some limitations.
- Major dental services have a 12-month waiting period, which may be waived with prior continuous coverage. Included are oral surgery (1 root canal per tooth per lifetime), dentures (once per 5 years), and crowns/onlays/inlays (1 per tooth per 5 years). No waiting period applies to periodontal maintenance (2 per year) and scaling/root planing (1 per quadrant every 3 years). In-network coverage is also 50% after the deductible, with some limitations.
Loyalty Plus Plan
The Loyalty Plus Plan is designed to reward long-term customers with increasing benefits over time, making it an excellent choice for those committed to their dental health. This plan stands out with its increasing annual maximum benefit, which grows the longer you stay enrolled.
Key features of the Loyalty Plus Plan include:
- Your annual benefit maximum increases over three years: $1,000 in the first year, $1,250 in the second year, and $1,500 in the third year onward.
- Offers immediate access to dental care with no waiting periods for services.
- Basic dental services cover fillings, extractions, and X-rays up to the annual benefit maximum. Coverage increases over time: 40% in the 1st year, 55% in the 2nd year, and 70% from the 3rd year onward.
- Major dental services coverage includes root canals, crowns, and dentures, with benefits up to the annual maximum: 20% coverage in the first year, 30% coverage in the second year, and 50% coverage in the third year onward.
The Loyalty Plus Plan is a unique offering that rewards continued members with enhanced benefits and coverage, ensuring that your dental care adapts to your needs over time.
Humana Dental plan costs:
-
Preventive Value Plan
$18/Month
-
Loyalty Plus
$28/Month
-
Complete Dental
$44/Month
Network Size and Accessibility
One significant advantage of choosing Humana is the accessibility to a vast network of over 335,000 dentists and specialists. This extensive network ensures easier access to a convenient in-network provider and can lead to potential cost savings for the insured.
You may still receive coverage if your current dentist is not part of Humana’s network, but you may have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs.
So, your preferred dentist’s network affiliation should be considered when selecting your dental insurance.
Comparing Humana vs. Delta Dental Plans
When comparing Humana’s Basic Dental and Complete Dental Plans with Delta Dental’s Basic and Premier Plans, several factors must be considered, including coverage, cost, and waiting periods.
Humana Basic Dental Plan vs. Delta Dental Basic Plan
-
Humana Preventive Value Plan:
Coverage:
- 100% coverage for preventive services such as cleanings, exams, and x-rays.
- 50% coverage for essential services like fillings and extractions.
- Major services are not covered.
Annual Maximums:
- There is no annual maximum for preventive services.
Deductibles:
- $50 for individuals and $150 for families (lifetime deductible).
Waiting Period:
- No waiting periods.
-
Delta Dental Basic Plan:
Coverage:
- 100% coverage for preventive care.
- 80% coverage for basic services after a 6-month waiting period.
Annual Maximums:
- Typically, around $1,000 per year.
Deductibles:
- It is often $50 per person, but family deductibles may vary.
Waiting Period:
- 6 months.
Humana Wins in the Lower Cost Plan
When evaluating the lower-cost plans, Humana’s Preventive Value Plan stands out primarily due to two distinct advantages: no waiting periods and no annual maximum for preventive services.
Humana Complete Dental Plan vs. Delta Dental Premier Plan
-
Humana Complete Dental Plan:
Coverage:
- 100% coverage for preventive services.
- 80% coverage for essential services after a 6-month waiting period.
- 50% coverage for major services after a 12-month waiting period.
Annual Maximums:
- $1,250 in the first year, increasing to $1,500 in the second year.
Deductibles:
- $50 for individuals and $150 for families (annual deductible).
Waiting Periods:
- 6 months for essential services and 12 months for primary services.
-
Delta Dental Premier Plan:
Coverage:
- 100% coverage for preventive care.
- 80% coverage for basic services and 50% for major services after a 6-month waiting period.
- Includes coverage for more complex procedures like crowns and root canals.
Annual Maximums:
- $2,000.
Deductibles:
- $50 per person, $150 for family.
Waiting Period:
- 6-12 months.
Delta Dental’s Premier Plan offers superior coverage with a $2,000 annual maximum, shorter waiting periods for significant services, and quicker access to essential treatments than Humana.
It provides more comprehensive dental coverage despite potentially higher premiums.
Bottom Line
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all dental plan, but Humana offers great options to fit different needs and budgets.
Humana’s Preventive Value Plan is a great pick if you don’t anticipate any major dental procedures and need coverage for routine preventative care. It has a low $18 monthly premium and no annual maximum, and it covers 100% of essential services like cleanings, exams, and x-rays.
Just keep in mind that Humana’s higher-tiered plans often include waiting periods, which might not work for everyone. Delta Dental’s Premier Plan will likely be a better fit if that’s a dealbreaker for you and/or you think you’ll need coverage for more complex procedures.
Sources: Delta Dental | Humana Dental
FAQs
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