Aetna Senior Dental Insurance Options for Seniors Explained

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Aetna offers a range of senior dental insurance options to suit different needs and budgets.

Aetna Senior Dental Insurance is available to individuals aged 65 and older, or those with disabilities.

One option is Aetna's Medicare Supplement Insurance, which can be paired with a Medicare Part A and B plan to provide comprehensive dental coverage.

Aetna's dental insurance plans often have a network of participating dentists, making it easier for seniors to find in-network care.

Is Insurance Suitable for Me?

As you consider Aetna senior dental insurance, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of investing in a plan. Insurance can help cut down on dental fees, which is crucial for older adults who are more likely to experience oral problems.

A dental insurance or discount savings plan can lower your out-of-pocket expenses for preventive and routine care. You'll likely save more than you pay yearly for a discount card after two basic cleanings.

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Insurance usually costs slightly more, an average of $350 annually for adults. I've had a couple of dental visits where the bill left me in shock, so I can say from experience, it's not worth paying full costs when you don't have to.

Securing some type of savings for your dental needs is a smart move, especially if you know you're entering a life stage where oral issues are more common.

Plan Options

Aetna Senior Dental Insurance offers three plan options to suit different needs and budgets. The Aetna Dental Direct Preferred PPO plan offers the highest level of coverage, with preventive care and basic procedures covered at $0 with a deductible waived.

The Aetna Dental Direct Core PPO plan is similar to the Preferred plan but with a lower premium and slightly higher out-of-pocket costs. You'll pay 50% for basic procedures and major procedures under this plan.

Here's a brief comparison of the three plans:

Insurance vs. Plan

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Dental insurance requires a monthly premium, which can be a drawback for some people. You'll need to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in, and then it will cover a set percentage of your dental expenses until you reach your benefit maximum for the year.

Insurance plans often have waiting periods for certain types of coverage, so be sure to read the fine print before signing up. This can be frustrating if you need dental work done right away.

Discount plans, on the other hand, don't pay your dental costs for you, but they do offer discounts of 10 to 60 percent on expenses with participating dentists. This can be a great option if you're looking to lower your preventive and routine care costs.

Older adults who need major work done may find value in choosing an insurance plan, especially if the total cost is less than the plan's benefit maximum. This can help them save money in the long run.

If you're looking for a way to simply lower your dental costs without breaking the bank, a discount card might be your best bet.

Ppo Plans

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PPO plans offer flexibility in choosing dentists, both in and out of network, and usually provide some level of coverage.

Aetna offers two Dental PPO plans: the Aetna Dental Direct Preferred and the Aetna Dental Direct Core. Monthly premium costs vary by location, but for an older adult between 50 and 60 years of age, Aetna quoted monthly premiums ranging from $59 to $79 for the Preferred plan and $51 to $64 for the Core plan.

Preventive dental care is covered 100 percent, and major services are covered at 50 percent (after deductible) for dentists both in and out of the network. Benefit maximums for these plans are set at $1,250 per person for the Preferred plan and $1,000 per person with the Core plan.

Aetna partners with dentists in the network to keep covered services at special rates for Aetna members concerned about reaching their benefit maximums. You can access digital provider search tools to find network dentists, read patient reviews, and compare costs.

Aetna insurance members don't need a membership card to receive dental services. Simply tell the office staff you have Aetna Dental, and they will verify your coverage.

Optional Supplemental Benefits

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As you explore your Medicare Advantage plan options, you may have the opportunity to add extra benefits to your coverage.

Some plans, like Aetna MA plans, offer optional supplemental dental benefits.

While most plans include preventive dental services, you may be able to purchase additional dental benefits for an extra monthly premium.

Aetna members, for example, must enroll in this option when they enroll in their plan, or within 30 days of their plan's start date.

Maintaining your oral health is crucial as you age, and having the right dental benefits can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

Plans Overview

If you're considering dental insurance, it's essential to understand your options. Aetna offers two Dental PPO insurance plans: the Aetna Dental Direct Preferred and the Aetna Dental Direct Core.

Both plans allow you to visit any dentist you want, with some coverage level. Preventive dental care is covered 100 percent, and major services are covered at 50 percent (after deductible) for dentists both in and out of the network.

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The Aetna Dental Direct Preferred plan offers 30 percent higher coverages on basic procedures and has a monthly premium ranging from $59 to $79 for an older adult between 50 and 60 years of age. The benefit maximum for this plan is set at $1,250 per person.

The Aetna Dental Direct Core plan has a lower premium, starting at $21.95 a month, but you may pay more for services. The benefit maximum for this plan is set at $1,000 per person.

Here's a comparison of the two plans:

If you're looking for budget-conscious coverage for routine care, the Aetna Dental Direct Preventive PPO plan might be your best bet. This plan has a low monthly premium, starting at $20.74 a month, and offers $0 deductible and no annual benefit maximum.

Pricing

Pricing can be a significant concern when it comes to senior dental insurance. Aetna offers two PPO insurance plans and two discount plans to help cover your dental needs.

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Aetna Dental Direct Preferred and Aetna Dental Direct Core are the two PPO insurance plans available. The costs for these plans vary by location, but estimates for one or two adults between ages 50 and 60 are around $59-75 and $51-64 per month, respectively.

The Aetna Vital Dental Savings plan is a discount card option that offers savings of 15 percent to 50 percent on most dental services, with no deductible and a one-time service fee of $15. This plan costs $7.99 for individuals and $10.99 for families per month.

The Aetna Vital Dental Savings Plus Rx plan is another discount card option that includes pharmacy discounts, with savings of up to 60 percent on generic prescriptions and 12 percent on brand-name medications. This plan costs $9.99 for individuals and $12.99 for families per month.

Here's a summary of the costs for each plan:

Keep in mind that these costs are estimates and may vary depending on your location and other factors.

Choosing the Best Plan

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Aetna offers two Dental PPO insurance plans to individuals and families, the Aetna Dental Direct Preferred and the Aetna Dental Direct Core. Both plans cover preventive dental care 100 percent and major services at 50 percent (after deductible) for dentists both in and out of the network.

Monthly premium costs vary by location, but for an older adult between 50 and 60 years of age, Aetna quoted monthly premiums ranging from $59 to $79 for the Preferred plan, and $51 to $64 for the Core plan.

To choose the best plan, consider what dental care providers you care to use. Chances are you already have a dentist. If you like your dentist, do you want to continue using them? Check carefully to see if your dentist is covered by a particular dental plan you are considering.

Here's a comparison of the two plans:

The Aetna Dental Direct Preferred PPO offers 30 percent higher coverages on basic procedures, but has a higher monthly premium. The Aetna Dental Direct Core PPO has a lower monthly premium, but you may pay more for services.

Aetna partners with dentists in the network to keep covered services at special rates for Aetna members concerned about reaching their benefit maximums.

The Bottom Line

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So, you've learned about Aetna's senior dental insurance and its various benefits. Aetna's senior dental insurance plans typically cover routine cleanings and exams every 6 months.

You can choose from a variety of network options, including the PPO and HMO plans. The PPO plan allows you to see any dentist, while the HMO plan requires you to see a dentist within the network.

Aetna's senior dental insurance plans also cover major dental procedures, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. These procedures are typically covered 50% after the deductible is met.

You can also receive discounts on dental services at participating providers. These discounts can range from 10% to 50% off the regular price.

Overall, Aetna's senior dental insurance plans offer a range of benefits and options to fit your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dental insurance for seniors?

For seniors, Mutual of Omaha offers the best coverage without waiting periods, providing timely access to dental care. Consider exploring their plans for comprehensive coverage and flexible options.

Is Aetna a good plan for seniors?

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans have received high ratings, with an average of 4.27 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, exceeding the industry average. This suggests Aetna may be a reliable choice for seniors, but it's essential to research and compare plans to find the best fit.

Archie Strosin

Senior Writer

Archie Strosin is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a deep interest in financial institutions. His work often delves into the history and operations of Missouri-based banks, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the local economy. A particular focus of his research is on Dickinson Financial Corporation and Armed Forces Bank, tracing their origins and evolution over the decades.

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