
Ameritas offers several dental insurance options to fit different needs and budgets.
Their Classic plan is a popular choice, providing comprehensive coverage for routine cleanings, fillings, and other essential services.
The Classic plan also includes a 50% discount on major services like crowns and bridges, making it an affordable option for those who need more extensive care.
Another option is the Premier plan, which offers more extensive coverage, including 100% coverage for routine cleanings and exams.
With the Premier plan, you'll also get a higher annual maximum benefit, allowing you to receive more comprehensive care without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.
Ameritas also offers a range of additional benefits, including coverage for orthodontic care and dental implants.
See what others are reading: Lawn Business Insurance
What Is Dental Insurance Ameritas
Ameritas dental insurance is part of the Ameritas Mutual Holding Company.
Dating back to the 19th century, Ameritas has offered both dental and vision insurance.
Ameritas Mutual Holding Company has earned an A rating from AM Best, which evaluates insurers’ financial strength.
Ameritas Mutual Holding Company has also earned an A+ from Standard and Poors.
Types of Plans
Ameritas offers a range of dental insurance plans to suit different needs and budgets. The PrimeStar Lite plan is a budget-friendly option that covers 100% of routine dental services like cleanings, exams, and X-rays with no waiting periods.
Preventive care is a priority in the PrimeStar Lite plan, which covers 100% of routine services from the start. Basic services coverage begins at 50% in-network and increases to 80% after the first year, while major services coverage starts at 10% and increases to 20% after the first year.
The PrimeStar Complete plan offers the most comprehensive coverage within the Ameritas dental insurance offerings. It covers major services like crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants at higher percentages than the Lite or Boost plans.
For those who want extensive dental care with high coverage limits, the PrimeStar Complete plan is a good choice. It includes coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids, making it a great option for those who value comprehensive coverage.
The PrimeStar Complete plan has an annual maximum of up to $3,000 a year after the first year of enrollment. This means that you can receive up to $3,000 in dental benefits each year, making it a great option for those who need frequent dental care.
Here's a summary of the PrimeStar plans:
Benefits and Coverage
Ameritas offers plans that increase in coverage over time, which is a great perk for those who plan to stay with the plan long-term. This means that your coverage can increase from 50% in the first year to 80% by the third year.
Preventive services like cleanings and exams are covered at 100% from the start, which is a huge plus for maintaining good oral health. Certain plans even include orthodontic benefits for children and cosmetic services like teeth whitening.
Delta Dental also offers a range of plans, but their coverage for basic and major procedures does not increase over time like Ameritas. Instead, their basic services are typically covered at 80% from the start, and major services are covered at 50% after a waiting period.
Here's a quick comparison of the two:
Coverage and Benefits
With Ameritas dental insurance, your coverage increases over time, so you get more comprehensive coverage as you stay with the plan. For example, you might start with 50% coverage for basic services in the first year and increase to 80% by the third year.
Preventive services like cleanings and exams are covered at 100% from the start, which is great for maintaining good oral health. Certain plans even include orthodontic benefits for children.
Delta Dental also offers a range of plans, but their coverage for basic and major procedures does not increase over time like Ameritas. For basic services, Delta Dental typically starts at 80% coverage, and for major services, coverage starts at 50% after the waiting period.
Here's a quick comparison of the two:
Keep in mind that Ameritas doesn't cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, and you'll want to check your plan's table of dental procedures to see what's explicitly listed.
Waiting Periods
Waiting periods can be a significant factor in choosing a dental insurance plan. Some plans have no waiting period, while others require you to wait a certain amount of time before receiving certain services.
Ameritas is one of the providers that offers plans with no waiting period for most of their plans. This means you can get the care you need right away.
Delta Dental, on the other hand, has a more structured approach. They require a six-month waiting period for basic services like fillings and a 12-month waiting period for major services such as crowns or root canals.
Check this out: Dental Insurance Billing Services
Cost and Premiums
Ameritas dental insurance plans offer competitive pricing, with premiums starting as low as $25 per month. This is comparable to Delta Dental's basic plans, which also start around $25 per month.
However, the cost of Ameritas dental insurance can vary depending on your location and the type of plan you choose. A 30-year-old woman living in Broward County, Florida, for example, pays $48.34 per month for the Silver Fusion Hybrid Plan.
The Silver Fusion Hybrid Plan is a PPO plan, which means you have more flexibility to choose your own dentist, but it's also more expensive. In exchange for greater freedom of choice, you can expect to pay around $48 per month.
Here's a breakdown of the monthly premiums for Ameritas dental insurance plans:
As you can see, the Value FUSION Hybrid Plan is the most affordable option, with a monthly premium of $21.81. However, it also has a lower annual maximum of $1,000 per person.
It's worth noting that some plans, like the PrimeStar Protect Network plan, come with additional features like 100% coverage for cleanings and examinations, and 50% coverage for basic and major procedures. However, these plans may also come with a deductible and waiting periods for certain services.
Explore further: Individual Full Coverage Dental Insurance
Network and Providers
Ameritas has a massive network of dental providers, with over 557,000 access points nationwide, making it one of the largest in the United States.
You can search for clinics in your area that support Ameritas' dental coverage through their website. You can pin up to three providers at a time to compare their costs.
The network utilization for Ameritas 65+ insureds is 41%, with an average discount of 31%. This means that a significant number of policyholders are taking advantage of the network's benefits.
Ameritas' network includes a wide range of providers, including general dentists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, prosthodontists, and oral surgeons. You can search for providers in your area and filter the results by name, address, phone number, and specialty.
Here are some key statistics about Ameritas' network:
- Over 557,000 access points nationwide
- 94% provider persistency
- 41% network utilization for Ameritas 65+ insureds
- 31% average discount
If you choose to use an out-of-network provider, you'll still be covered, but you won't receive the same level of discounts as you would with an in-network provider.
You might enjoy: How Does Out of Network Dental Insurance Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dental insurance will cover?
Most dental insurance plans cover 100% of preventive care and a significant portion of basic care services. This typically includes simple extractions, fillings, and oral cancer testing.
Is Ameritas a PPO dental plan?
Ameritas is a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) dental network, offering convenient access to a large network of general and specialty dental providers. As a PPO, you can visit any provider within the network without a referral.
Sources
- https://www.policyguide.com/dental/ameritas-dental-insurance-review/
- https://www.rfimasters.com/products/dental/ameritas-dental-plans/
- https://michiganhealthagents.com/wisconsin-dental-plans/ameritas-dental/
- https://www.floridainsuranceguide.com/dental-insurance/ameritas-dental-insurance-review
- https://www.nwph.net/ameritas-dental-insurance
Featured Images: pexels.com