The post AARP Dental Insurance Review by Janet Hunt, Insurance Agent appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.
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For AARP members looking to get a quote for dental insurance, the process is fairly straightforward. You start the process from the AARP website by clicking on the prominent “Get a quote” box. You can also choose your state to see which plan options are available in your local area. If you prefer, you can also enroll by mail or by telephone by calling Delta Dental toll-free at (800) 735-2929.
In the United States, Delta Dental has a network of 39 independently owned and operated dental care providers. To find the BBB rating for a certain location, you must enter the location here. The majority of Delta Dental insurance firms had an “A+” BBB rating, while many were not BBB accredited.
Delta Dental Insurance has 47 customer reviews on Consumer Affairs, with an overall satisfaction rating of 2.5 stars. Delays in payment or denials of claims were among the most common complaints.
Several Delta Dental organizations received “A” or “A-” Excellent financial strength ratings from A.M. Best. A.M. Best does not rate every Delta Dental Group.
AARP’s Delta Dental insurance plans are designed for budget-minded people and offer a wide range of coverage options. For example, choosing a dentist out of the large preferred provider network will help seniors realize the greatest savings for dental care. Pricing varies by state and by plan. Not all policy options are available in every state. Here are two example PPO dental insurance plans for a single female, age 55:
- Plan A: $63.94 per month includes comprehensive coverage, low out-of-pocket costs, free preventive care, optional accident coverage, teeth whitening and veneers services.
- Plan B: $44.84 per month includes routine checkups, cleaning, fillings and root canals. This plan features a low monthly premium with a slightly higher than average out-of-pocket cost.
The DeltaCare USA plan does not have an annual maximum or deductible. There is a $1,000 to $1,500 annual cap with deductibles (usually per person per year) ranging from $40 to $90, depending on the procedure and the plan you choose.
Delta Dental offers a mobile app compatible with iOS (Apple) and Android devices. From the mobile app, you can:
- Obtain a mobile ID card
- Locate a dentist near you
- Locate an in-network dentist
- Use the dental care cost estimator to find estimated price ranges for common dental services.
You can download the Delta Dental mobile app from App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).
The DeltaCare USA Plan does not have a waiting time, and neither do PPO Plans A or B’s diagnostic and preventive. Major restorative procedures such as periodontics, prosthodontics and other dental treatments require an additional year of wait time of one year under Plan A. A common exclusion in other dental insurance policies is anesthesia, which Delta Dental covers to a limited extent. Users will receive added savings by choosing a network provider, but they have the freedom to choose any licensed dentist.
Besides offering plans oriented at seniors through the AARP, Delta Dental offers plans directly on their website. In addition to providing a wealth of information and tools for retirees on their website, the AARP Plan is one of the few insurers Benzinga researched that provides instant coverage for fillings, denture repair, tooth removal and root canals.
The Delta Dental insurance plans are shown below. Plan information was found on the Delta Dental Plan Association website. Each state has its own Delta Dental company that runs the plans and prices.
| Delta Dental PPO™ | Delta Dental Premier® | Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier™ | DeltaCare® USA (HMO) | Delta Dental Patient Direct | |
| With the Preferred Provider Program, you can get access to a dental network of dentists who will accept lower fees. Ensures that there aren’t any out-of-pocket costs. | Delta Dental Premier has the largest dentist network. It is the initial fee-for-service plan of the company. You only have to pay your deductible and copay. | The Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier network combines the Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier networks to provide you with all of the benefits of a dental PPO plus more. You get the benefit of the out-of-network dentist’s contracted cost if you go to an out-of-network dentist. | DeltaCare USA is a health maintenance organization (HMO) that provides low-cost dental coverage with a focus on preventative treatment. Preventive treatment will cost you little or nothing, and you’ll be able to choose from a network of dentists. | Delta Dental Patient Direct is a dental discount plan offered by Delta Dental. You select a dentist from the participating network who offers reduced rates. There is no paperwork to file because you pay the dentist directly. | |
| Dental plan type | PPO | Managed fee for service | PPO | Dental HMO | Discount plan |
| Annual max | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Deductible | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Copayment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not applicable |
AARP Delta Dental vs. Competitors
The chart below depicts the AARP Delta Dental Insurance and its competitors as well as the price differences between each of the companies. The amount you pay for dental insurance is determined by a number of factors, including your location and the level of coverage you require or choose.
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Ameritas offers trusted health, dental and vision insurance plans. Find a provider in your area using America’s largest network.
- Orthodontic benefits
- People who have health or vision insurance with Ameritas
- Large provider network
- AM Best Rating A
- Wide range of coverage options
- Ortho coverage up to 50%
Delta Dental is a dental insurance company with over 80 million members and a network of nearly 339,000 dentists nationwide. As the largest dental insurer in the U.S., Delta Dental offers coverage for individuals and families and small businesses and retirees. With over 60 years of experience, Delta Dental offers some of America’s best dental insurance plans.
- Orthodontic procedures
- Cleaning and exams
- Nationwide coverage available
- Multiple dental insurance options
- Price matches discount providers
- No waiting period for preventative treatments
- Availability varies by state
Guardian provides comprehensive dental insurance you can buy independently or through your employer. It covers basic and preventive care, as well as more advanced services like root canals, crowns, bridges and dentures.
Guardian has an extensive network of more than 120,000 providers. It offers a range of plans so you can choose a plan that fits your budget and your dental needs. Guardian’s plans start at just over $8 per month.
The plans that Guardian sells directly are PPOs, which means you can see dentists outside the network, but you’ll pay more than if you see an in-network dentist. Guardian also offers HMOs through employers. HMOs may not pay if you see an out-of-network dentist.
Guardian also offers teledentistry, so you can consult with a dentist from home if you’re experiencing issues.
While everyone should consider dental insurance, Guardian’s affordable plans are especially good for young adults who might have a limited budget and limited dental care needs. Guardian also offers plans with orthodontic care (braces) and regular, preventive service for families.
- Families with children and teens
- Young adults
- Teledentistry
- Range of plan options
- Affordable basic plan
- Mobile app has limited functionality
The Cigna Dental Savings Plan is a more affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance. Like traditional health or dental insurance, you’ll pay a premium to keep your discount plan current. However, instead of paying a premium every month, you’ll pay off your entire annual premium when you sign up for coverage. When you need dental treatment, you can use your Cigna Dental Savings plan to receive a discount on services. Fees vary by region, but on average, dental plan holders save about 35% on their treatments. Using a dental plan in lieu of insurance also allows you to get the services you need without the hassle of filing a claim.
While not a form of dental insurance, investing in a dental savings plan can help you control the costs of your oral care needs. Unlike many dental insurance options, the Cigna Dental Savings Plan can be used for cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics care so long as you choose a service provider that’s within Cigna’s network. Though a savings plan won’t cover any of the costs of your actual care, it can provide individuals and families with an option to lower their costs without breaking the bank.
- Anyone who doesn’t have dental insurance
- Anyone looking to save money on dental care costs
- Families looking for affordable dental assistance
- Allows you to save an average of 35% on dental care costs
- Includes a network of 88,000 dental professionals
- Discounts can be used on cosmetic dental procedures
- Does not cover any portion of your dental care costs
- Not available in every state
Currently, 39 independent member companies in the United States provide coverage for AARP dental insurance through Delta Dental. The company offers a wide range of plan options, from the most basic to the most comprehensive, to meet the demands of seniors. Seniors benefit from Delta Dental’s wide range of coverage options and policy perks from AARP membership. Delta Dental offers dental insurance plans to meet the needs of most seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I buy dental insurance from AARP, can I choose my dentist?
You can save more money if you choose a network provider, but you can still go to any licensed dentist you prefer.
The post AARP Dental Insurance Review by Janet Hunt, Insurance Agent appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.
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