Top 5 Dental Insurance for Seniors Questions and Answers
Clear up misconceptions about dental coverage for seniors
By Karla Walsh
It’s clear that dental health care matters as you age. But understanding options for dental insurance for seniors may not be as clear.
Nearly 1 in 5 Americans over age 65 have untreated tooth decay and 66% of seniors have gum disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And the American Cancer Society reports that 62 is the average age for most people diagnosed with mouth, throat, and tongue cancer.
But many health insurance options, including Medicare, don’t include coverage for regular dental treatment, including routine cleanings, dentures, fillings, and more.
“Typically, Medicare and other health insurance cover services that impact a person’s health and not their oral health. Also, there would be an additional cost to those plans to cover dental,” says Erin Bueltel, product specialist with Medico.
That’s where a supplemental health insurance in the form of dental insurance comes in clutch; and it doesn’t have to break your budget. Read on to get answers to the most common questions related to dental coverage for seniors.
1. How does dental insurance work?
Dental insurance plans are supplemental, which means they’re a separate investment from regular health insurance to complete your overall insurance portfolio. As you select your dental insurance plan, examine the policy to ensure it covers the basics (cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals, TMJ, extractions, etc.), and keep in mind that this can be packaged with vision and hearing coverage if desired. If you’re on the fence about the right dental insurance plan for you, survey the percentage of each service the policy pays, the bonus benefits included, and if there is a waiting period for the supplemental dental insurance to begin.
Dental insurance for seniors is an investment in total body health. Skip regular cleanings and you’ll be at higher risk for an accumulation of bacteria that can trigger decay, cavities, and tooth loss. Poor oral health has been correlated to a whole host of other serious health challenges, according to the Mayo Clinic, including pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more.
“There are bills being proposed to have Medicare cover dental services as there are studies being done that link oral health into overall health and how problems with teeth and gums can lead to certain health conditions,” says Bueltel.
2. Is there dental insurance with no waiting period?
Absolutely, full coverage dental plans without a waiting period exist. The waiting period is the length between the dental insurance plan’s start date and when your covered care can begin. Most plans will include preventive care immediately, but may delay more expensive care, such as a crown or an extraction, until a later date. Check the dental insurance policy for plan specifics.
3. Is there full coverage dental insurance?
“Full coverage” refers to benefits that cover a wide variety of procedures — although it doesn’t mean that the dental insurance plan covers every dollar of your dental bill. Full coverage dental insurance plans are available and include preventive care (cleanings and fluoride treatments), basic care (fillings, extractions, and x-rays), major restorative care (crowns, bridges, and denture) and sometimes orthodontic care (braces).
Full coverage dental plans differ in price depending on the plan. For example, some are more expensive if they pay fully or partially for more elaborate treatments, like implants, dentures, cosmetic dental procedures, and root canals.
You might recognize similar terms from your health insurance policy on your dental insurance plan:
- Deductible: The amount the insured pays before the plan pays.
- Premium: The amount the insured pays monthly to keep the dental insurance plan active.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of costs the insured and the plan share after the insured has reached the deductible.
- Annual maximum: The amount the plan pays for dental coverage over the course of the year. (The insured is responsible for paying the rest out-of-pocket.)
4. How much is dental insurance?
Costs vary depending on your state and specific dental insurance plan, but most average $15–$50 a month. Most come with a maximum annual benefit or coverage limit around $1,000 to $2,000, and the insured is responsible for any additional bills over that amount.
5. Which dental insurance carrier offers the best coverage?
It can be a challenge to pinpoint the best dental insurance for seniors. As you weigh your options, keep in mind that Medico offers its Gold and Platinum dental plans to individuals ages 18 to 89 in the states shown below.
Medico plans allow you to use whatever dentist you prefer, and you’ll score extra savings if you use an in-network dental provider. You can rest assured that if you cancel your policy within 30 days of signing up, you’ll receive a refund (minus any claims paid) if you aren’t satisfied.
Medico's Gold and Platinum dental plans not only include first-day coverage on all three service levels but also first dollar coverage on preventive services. You can also choose one of two additional benefits for an additional fee at the time of application:
- The Buyup benefit rider adds $1,000 of coverage to maximize policy benefits. For example, the Gold $1,000 plan plus $1,000 buyup is $2,000 of coverage. The buyup is available for both levels in each plan.
- If you think you may not use your plan’s full benefits during the year, you can add the Calendar Year Maximum Carry-over benefit rider to your plan. The carry-over amount accumulates until it reaches a max of $3,000. For example, if the Gold $1,000 plan has an unused benefit balance of $500, you can use the extra $500 in the next calendar year.
For more information on our products and what is available in your state:
Medico Insurance Company disclosures
Florida does not offer the DVA58, DVA59, DA108V, or DA108P plans.
New Mexico does not offer the Gold and Platinum Plans. The DVH plans are underwritten by Medico Insurance Company.
This webpage is intended to provide a general description of the plan benefits. Plan provisions and benefits may vary from state to state. This plan has exclusions and limitations. For costs and further details of coverage, see your agent or write to the Company at Medico Insurance Company, P.O. Box 10386, Des Moines, IA 50306-0686 or call 800-228-6080.
This is a limited policy/certificate. If there is a discrepancy between the webpage and the contract, the contract language prevails. This is a solicitation of insurance and a licensed producer may contact you.
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04-15-21