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Aetna dental insurance plans for individuals offer a range of benefits and features to suit different needs and budgets.
You can choose from various plan options, including Aetna's Premier, Choice, and Value plans, each with its own unique set of features and price points.
Aetna's Premier plan offers the most comprehensive coverage, with lower out-of-pocket costs and a wider network of providers.
You can expect to pay a higher premium for this plan, but it's a good option if you want to minimize your expenses and maximize your benefits.
How Aetna Dental Insurance Works
Aetna dental insurance plans for individuals offer a range of benefits, but how do they work exactly?
Preventive services are fully covered, including two checkups and cleanings and an annual set of X-rays. This means you can stay on top of your oral health without breaking the bank.
Restorative dental care, like fillings, crowns, bridges, and other treatments, are covered between 50% and 80%. This can be a big help if you need more extensive work done.
Aetna dental insurance also offers coverage on orthodontic treatment, although it's partially covered. This can be a great option if you or a family member needs braces or other orthodontic care.
Here's a breakdown of what's typically covered:
- Preventive services: fully covered
- Restorative dental care: 50-80% covered
- Orthodontic treatment: partially covered
- Elective procedures: not covered
67% of Americans Had Plan in Place as of 2016
As of 2016, about 67% of Americans had a dental plan in place. This is a significant number, but it means that nearly a third of Americans don't have dental insurance.
You can buy a dental plan on its own no matter how old you are, even if you don’t have health insurance. This is important to note, as most major medical policies, including Medicare, usually don’t cover dental care.
Most plans follow a 100-80-50 rule, meaning 100 percent coverage for preventive services, 80 percent for minor work, like fillings, and 50 percent for more invasive care, such as crowns or bridges. This can be a cost-effective way to cover dental expenses over time.
I spend less on my dental plan every month than I do on my coffee. It’s a no brainer for me. I get to keep my smile healthy and I am protected if I ever need dental work done.
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How Does Aetna Dental Insurance Work?
Aetna dental insurance offers a flexible plan for families and individuals. This plan is known as a Participating Dental Network (PDN) in Texas, giving you the freedom to choose your provider without penalty fees.
Preventive services are fully covered, including two checkups and cleanings and an annual set of X-rays. This means you can stay on top of your oral health without worrying about extra costs.
Additional preventive treatments, like dental sealants and fluoride, may be covered for children. This is especially important for kids, as it can help prevent cavities and other issues.
Restorative dental care, like fillings, crowns, bridges, and other treatments, are covered between 50% and 80%. This means you'll pay less out-of-pocket for these essential services.
Orthodontic treatment is partially covered. This is a big deal, as it can help make orthodontic care more affordable for those who need it.
Elective procedures and cosmetic treatments are typically not eligible for dental insurance coverage. This means you'll need to pay out-of-pocket for things like teeth whitening or veneers.
Here are some key details about what's covered under Aetna dental insurance:
- Preventive services (two checkups and cleanings, annual X-rays) are fully covered.
- Restorative dental care is covered between 50% and 80%.
- Orthodontic treatment is partially covered.
- Elective procedures and cosmetic treatments are not eligible for coverage.
Aetna Dental Insurance Plans
Aetna offers two dental insurance plans: Direct Preferred PDN and Direct Core PDN.
Aetna's Direct Preferred PDN is the top plan, which focuses on helping you pay less for common services. You'll have a $50 individual/$150 family deductible, no coinsurance for preventive services, and an annual maximum benefit of $1,250 per person.
Aetna's Direct Core PDN dental plan focuses on helping you pay a lower monthly premium, which also has $50 individual/$150 family deductibles and no coinsurance costs for preventive care. Basic and major services come with 50% coinsurance, and there’s an annual maximum benefit of $1,000 per person.
Here are the benefits of both plans:
Direct Plans
Direct Plans offer a convenient and cost-effective way to get dental insurance coverage. Aetna Dental Direct Plans provide coverage that helps you keep your teeth and gums healthy, including no out-of-pocket costs, without requiring you to purchase medical or other coverage from the company.
If you switch from your existing coverage without any lapse, you can start using your plan immediately. However, if you had a Dental Direct Plan with Aetna during the past two years, you have to wait two years after the termination date to re-enroll.
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The Aetna Dental Direct Preferred PDN is the company's top plan, which focuses on helping you pay less for some common services. You'll have a $50 individual/$150 family deductible, no coinsurance for preventive services (20% for basic and 50% for major services), and an annual maximum benefit of $1,250 per person.
The Aetna Dental Direct Core PDN dental plan focuses on helping you pay a lower monthly premium, which also has $50 individual/$150 family deductibles and no coinsurance costs for preventive care. Basic and major services come with 50% coinsurance, and there's an annual maximum benefit of $1,000 per person.
Here's a comparison of the two plans:
The waiting period is waived if everyone enrolling in the plan has had dental insurance within the past 90 days. Otherwise, coverage doesn’t go into effect until after the waiting period.
What is the Vital Savings Card?
The Vital Savings Card is a discount card offered by Aetna that can provide instant savings between 15 and 50 percent on most dental services.
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To get started, you can purchase the card online, by mail, or over the phone.
Just show your discount card at the time of your appointment, and you're all set to receive your savings.
The card is designed to make dental care more affordable, and it's a great option for those looking to save money on their dental expenses.
Healthy Smile
Visiting an in-network dentist on your Aetna plan can save you money right away, with no extra out-of-pocket fees to pay.
You're eligible for your savings the moment you visit an in-network dentist, making it a great way to stretch your investment to the maximum. The team at Alamo Springs Dental stays up to date on Aetna PPO plans, so they can alert you to any relevant changes as soon as they occur.
To get the most out of your Aetna dental insurance, it's essential to understand your specific plan. Your dentist can help you navigate the terms of your coverage and provide advice on maximizing your benefits.
For more insights, see: How Does Out of Network Dental Insurance Work
Some tips for stretching your benefits to the maximum include taking advantage of free checkups and cleanings, completing restorative care when you meet your deductible, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits at home.
Here are some specific ways to make the most of your Aetna dental insurance:
- Take advantage of two free checkups and cleanings each year.
- Complete all necessary restorative care when you meet your deductible to reach your annual maximum.
- Avoid the need for restorative dental care by maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits at home.
Regular preventive dental care, including cleanings and exams, is a great way to take full advantage of your benefits and keep your family's smiles healthy.
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