Is AARP Dental Insurance a Good Investment

AARP dental insurance can be a great investment for seniors, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

AARP dental insurance plans offer a range of benefits, including coverage for routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions, with some plans covering up to 100% of these services after a small deductible.

Many AARP members have reported saving hundreds of dollars on dental care costs by switching to an AARP dental insurance plan.

According to AARP's own statistics, their dental insurance plans have helped members save an average of $350 per year on dental care expenses.

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If flexibility is most important to you, consider a PPO plan, which is available in all states. PPO plans allow you to choose your own dentist and see specialists without a referral.

If predictable costs are most important, look into a DHMO plan, which is available in specific states including AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, KY, MD, MO, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, WA, and WV.

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You can review coverage details and decide which plan is right for you and your family. Plans cover similar services, but out-of-pocket costs vary and some plans have waiting periods, annual deductibles, and annual maximums.

DeltaCare USA, a DHMO plan, has distinct advantages but is also less flexible than a PPO plan. With DeltaCare USA, you pay a flat fee to the dentist, and there is no waiting period, annual deductible, or annual spending limit.

Here's a comparison of the PPO plans offered by AARP:

Plan A is more expensive but has a higher annual maximum and a lower deductible. Plan B is a more affordable alternative with a higher deductible and a lower annual limit.

Remember, available plans vary by state, so be sure to review details on the AARP website and in the plan documents.

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The cost of AARP dental insurance varies depending on your location and family size. For instance, in Miami, FL, individual plans range from $32.72 per month for DeltaCare USA to $72.10 per month for Plan A.

You'll pay a percentage of the dentist's fee for covered services with PPO plans, and there are deductibles and waiting periods that apply. However, with the DeltaCare USA plan, you'll pay a fixed dollar amount for each covered service, and there are no deductibles or waiting periods.

The cost breakdown for plans in Florida, zip code 33135 (Miami), is as follows:

AARP dental insurance plans cover comprehensive preventive, primary, and restorative dental services, but the extent of coverage varies depending on the plan you choose. For example, basic and preventive services are covered immediately with no waiting period for PPO plans, but there is a 12-month waiting period for restorative care.

Some plans have advantages over others, such as the DeltaCare USA plan, which has no waiting period, annual deductible, or annual spending limit. However, it's a copay plan, which means you pay a flat fee to the dentist, and you have to choose a dentist from the DeltaCare USA Contract Dentists network.

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AARP offers several dental insurance plan options to choose from, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

There are two types of plans: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization). PPO plans are widely accepted at dental practices nationwide and offer flexibility in choosing dentists, but may have waiting periods and higher out-of-pocket costs. DHMO plans, on the other hand, have no waiting periods and lower costs, but require members to choose a dentist from a limited network and offer no out-of-network coverage.

DeltaCare USA is a DHMO plan that costs about half the cost of a PPO plan and has no waiting periods, annual deductible, or annual spending limit. However, it requires members to choose a dentist from a limited network and offers no out-of-network coverage.

Here's a comparison of the PPO plans and DeltaCare USA:

It's essential to carefully review plan documentation, including the "Certificate of Coverage", "Limitations and Exclusions", and "Plan Brochure", before making a purchase. This will help you understand the specific benefits, limitations, and exclusions of each plan.

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Insurers aren't always quick to agree on the value of dental insurance. They argue that research used inflated data and flawed methodology, leading to misleading conclusions.

Dental insurers point out that the average premium used in research is based on ACA dental plans, not typical group plans. This can be misleading because many people get dental coverage through their employer, not the marketplace.

Discounts can vary depending on the plan. For example, with an AARP PPO Dental Insurance Plan, you pay a percentage of the dentist's network negotiated rate for procedures like fillings (20%), root canals (50%), and crowns (50%).

Here's a breakdown of costs for AARP dental plans in Florida:

Insurers aren't always on the same page as researchers when it comes to insurance data.

The research used to support certain insurance claims has been disputed by dental insurers, who argue that the data is inflated and the methodology is flawed.

Dental insurers point out that the average premium used in the research was based on ACA dental plans, not typical group plans, which can be misleading.

Many people pay their insurance premiums with pretax money, which affects the overall cost.

Only about one percent of Americans get stand-alone dental coverage through the marketplace, while most people get coverage through group plans offered by their employers.

The research also didn't take into account network discounts used by insurers, which can be lower than market rates.

Insurance may provide some benefit to patients with poor oral health, but many plans have a maximum annual benefit of $1500 and only reimburse patients for a portion of the actual cost of care.

AARP Discounts are a great benefit for those who qualify. You can get discounts on dental procedures with an AARP PPO Dental Insurance Plan.

Exams and x-rays are free with Plan A, but 20% with Plan B. Cleaning is also free with Plan A, and 20% with Plan B, up to three times a year.

Fillings cost 20% of the in-network dentist's fee, which can be a significant savings. Root canals and tooth removal are 50% covered, which can be a substantial discount.

Implants, crowns, and complete dentures are also 50% covered, but only after one year of coverage. This means you'll need to pay full price for these procedures the first year, but then you'll get a discount in subsequent years.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for some common procedures with an AARP PPO Dental Insurance Plan:

It's worth noting that orthodontics are not covered by either PPO plan, but are covered by the AARP DHMO plan.

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AARP dental insurance plans are well-suited for members who value comprehensive coverage and are willing to pay a premium.

The waiting period for primary services is a significant drawback, with a 12-month waiting period before coverage for restorative care, including crowns, inlays, and onlays, bridges, dentures, dental implants, Periodontics treatment, or treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD).

However, the DHMO plan, DeltaCare USA, has no waiting periods, annual deductible, or annual spending limit, making it a more affordable option, costing about half the cost of a PPO plan.

The PPO plans, Plan A and Plan B, provide extensive coverage with flexibility in choosing dental care providers, but the higher costs reflect this comprehensive coverage.

Plan A has a $40 annual deductible and a $1,500 annual limit, with preventive care covered 100% and significant care covered 50% after the waiting period.

Plan B has a $90 annual deductible and a $1,000 annual limit, with preventive and primary care still covered at a high percentage, but no coverage for teeth bleaching.

DeltaCare USA requires members to choose a dentist from a limited network and offers no out-of-network coverage, but it has no waiting periods, annual deductible, or annual spending limit.

The cost of the plans varies, but as an example, in Florida, zip code 33135 (Miami), the AARP DHMO plan costs $32.72 a month for an individual, while the AARP PPO plans, Plan A and Plan B, cost $72.10 and $50.58 per month, respectively.

Here's a comparison of the costs for a family in Florida, zip code 33135 (Miami):

If your employer pays for dental insurance, it can save you money, but only if you use it for emergency care. About 70 percent of Americans with dental insurance have most or all of their premiums paid for by their employers.

For most employees, dental coverage is a benefit offered by their employer. Without it, people are more likely to postpone routine care until disease develops and illustrates itself as pain or swelling.

If you have to pay for your own dental policy, either by payroll deductions or direct purchase, you're likely to be far better off maintaining your dental health through regular brushing and flossing at home. This can keep you in good health and save you money over expensive premiums.

Dental insurance can only pay a portion of emergency care, so it's like a coupon that reduces the amount owed by patients on some of their fees.

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