Dental care is an essential part of our overall health and well-being, especially as we age. Since Original Medicare doesn’t offer dental coverage, many Medicare beneficiaries consider a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage to fill this gap. Below, we’ll cover SeniorLiving.org’s recommendations for Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage.
Top Medicare Dental Supplement Plans
- Humana - Known for customer service
- Anthem - Known for extended coverage
- Aetna - Known for dental network
- Wellcare - Known for membership perks
- Cigna - Known for plan benefits
- AARP - Known for zero-dollar premium plans
Our Methodology: How We Chose Medicare Supplemental Dental Plans
With all the Medicare Advantage plans on the market, it can be difficult to compare your options. We came up with our list of Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage by researching and comparing nationwide availability, pricing, plan options, and additional benefits. You can also compare these against SeniorLiving.org’s picks for dental plans for seniors in 2024.
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1. Humana - Known for customer service
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Call for best price: Call to Order: 855-844-3779
What we like most
- Availability in all 50 states
- Up to $1,500 in combined preventive and comprehensive coverage
- Unique feature: Excellent customer service
Humana
Call for best price: Call to Order: 855-844-3779
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SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0
Ease of use Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
With excellent customer service, low costs, and nationwide availability, it’s no wonder Humana made our list of Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage. Humana serves over 8 million people who qualify for Medicare benefits; more than 4 million of those members have signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan. For the past two years, Humana has ranked No. 1 for customer experience quality among insurance carriers in Forrester’s U.S. Customer Experience Benchmark surv
ey.1 If you’re looking for a brand that cares about its customers, Humana may be a great choice.Did You Know?
Did You Know? Humana Medicare Advantage offers coverage in roughly 85 percent of counties nationwide.
Many of Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans cover prescriptions, dental, hearing, vision, OTC allowance, and insulin savings for well-rounded coverage. Humana has Medicare Advantage plans with zero-dollar monthly premiums and up to $1,500 combined preventive and comprehensive dental coverage. This carrier also has multiple plans with zero-dollar copays and zero-percent coinsurance. Visit SeniorLiving.org’s Humana Medicare Advantage review for a closer look.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Humana
- 335,000 in-network dental providers
- Add extra dental coverage for a premium
- The Humana Honor PPO plan for U.S. veterans is available in 46 states
- Offers Special Needs plans and Private Fee-for-Service plans
- Easy to navigate the website and compare pricing in your ZIP code
- Offers the SilverSneakers fitness program
Cons About Humana
- Not all Medicare Advantage plans cover dental
Summary:
The Bottom Line
Humana has a long-standing reputation as a leading insurance carrier, offering a variety of plans and serving one of the largest Medicare Advantage plan populations compared to its competitors. It offers several Medicare Advantage plans with low and no-cost premiums for drug and dental coverage plus extra benefits. Humana also offers Medigap plans and other types of insurance. Read our Humana Medigap review to learn more.
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2. Anthem - Known for extended coverage
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Call for best price: Call to Order: 877-565-6296
What we like most
- Availability in 14 states
- Higher coverage limits for preventative, restorative, and surgical dental services
- Unique feature: Extra Essentials Flex Account offers extra funds for dental to eligible subscribers
Anthem
Call for best price: Call to Order: 877-565-6296
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SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.5
Ease of use Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
Anthem is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, the second-largest health insurance company in the United States. With nearly 80 years in the health insurance industry, Anthem provides coverage to over 30 million subscribers. If your dental needs surpass traditional dental plan coverage, Anthem may be a solid choice to boost your benefits! Several of Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans include optional increased benefits over and above basic dental. Anthem’s enhanced dental and vision package delivers a higher plan coverage limit for preventative, restorative, and surgical dental services, along with extended vision benefits.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Anthem
- Enhanced dental package comes with $2,000 annual dental coverage
- Receive extra funds for dental (at no cost) through the Extra Essentials Flex Account
- Add the enhanced dental to your existing Medicare Advantage plan up to 90 days after your plan starts
- Many Medicare Advantage plans come with dental, vision, hearing, and prescription coverage
- Most include a free SilverSneakers fitness membership
Cons About Anthem
- Only available in 14 states
Summary:
The Bottom Line
Anthem understands that dental care needs vary. If you’re looking for more than routine dental coverage, Anthem’s enhanced dental option is an excellent choice. We’re also big fans of Anthem’s no-cost Flex Account feature that provides a $500 annual allowance to spend on additional dental, vision, or hearing needs above your existing plan benefit. In addition to a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans, Anthem also offers Medigap coverage, and it’s no surprise they made it onto SeniorLiving.org’s Medigap plan recommendations!
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3. Aetna - Known for dental network
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What we like most
- Availability in 46 states
- Many plans include 100% coverage for preventative dental care
- Unique feature: Direct Member Reimbursem*nt plan offers an annual allowance for dental services
Aetna
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SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0
Ease of use Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
Those who love to travel may want to consider Aetna Medicare Advantage plans. Aetna boasts one of the largest networks of dental providers nationwide and currently serves over 2.7 million Medicare Advantage members in 46 states and Washington, D.C. Some Medicare Advantage members may like the Direct Member Reimbursem*nt plan; enrollees get a set allowance each year that they can use for most dental services at any time. Their dental provider network covers any dentist who has not opted out of Medicare.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Aetna
- One of the largest networks of dental providers across the country with 330,000 providers for PPO plans
- Some plans have up to $1,250 max coverage for dental services but include 100 percent coverage of preventive care
- Extra dental coverage available for purchase
- Many plans with zero-dollar deductibles and premiums
- The Aetna Medicare Eagle plan is available for U.S. veterans in certain states
Cons About Aetna
- Some plans only cover preventive dental services
Summary:
Bottom Line
We appreciate Aetna’s extensive provider network and nationwide accessibility. We also like that most plans have a zero-dollar copay for many dental services. Be sure to check the carrier’s website for coverage details in your area; plans may have a $1,250 max coverage for combined preventive and comprehensive dental services, but you may still pay 50 percent coinsurance on some dental procedures. For information about Aetna’s other insurance offerings, visit our Aetna Medigap review.
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4. Wellcare - Known for membership perks
What we like most
- Health and wellness support
- Telehealth benefits
- Zero-dollar premium plans
Wellcare
SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.5
Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent above average excellent above average Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
Wellcare has its finger on the pulse of Medicare-eligible Americans. Serving more than 1.2 million Medicare Advantage members and 4.1 million prescription drug plan members across the 50 states, Wellcare’s network and benefits are impressive. Falling under Centene Corporation, Wellcare now services one in 15 Americans. And they have plenty of Medicare Advantage perks! Many of their plans come with extra benefits built to save cash. From free gift cards and fitness membership to practitioner and over-the-counter product discounts, Wellcare makes penny-pinching a breeze.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Wellcare
- Earn gift cards through the Wellcare rewards program
- Most health care plans include a free annual gym membership
- Access to a LifeMart membership for discounts on brand-name products and services
- Access to the OTC4Me discount program for more than 500 over-the-counter items
- Several zero-dollar premium plans with a zero-dollar copay for preventive services
Cons About Wellcare
- Medicare Advantage plans are not offered in all states
- Not all plans include dental
Summary:
The Bottom Line
Wellcare’s Medicare Advantage plans with dental may be cost-effective for many subscribers! Those living on a fixed income will appreciate the added money-saving perks. Plus, their free fitness membership, discounts on alternative medicine, and over-the-counter savings program help set Medicare beneficiaries, including seniors, up for a healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind that plan benefits vary by location, and not all Wellcare plans include dental.
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5. Cigna - Known for plan benefits
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Call for best price: Call to Order: 877-566-2921
What we like most
- Up to 7 percent household discount
- Excellent customer service
- 24/7 customer service
Cigna
Call for best price: Call to Order: 877-566-2921
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SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0
Ease of use Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
Cigna made our list for its impressive plan benefits, especially for preventive dental care. Some plans cover up to $1,500 for comprehensive dental coverage with no maximum dollar amount for preventive coverage. Many Cigna Medicare Advantage plans have zero-dollar monthly premiums and zero-dollar copayments for a wide range of dental services, including dental exams, teeth cleanings, and X-rays. Talk about extensive coverage!
Pros & Cons:
Pros About Cigna
- Some plans include hearing, vision, transportation, discharge meal benefits, and OTC product benefits
- Offers convenient 24/7 virtual care with a physician for minor medical issues
- Some Medicare Advantage SNPs are available with low monthly premiums
- Plans with zero-dollar monthly premiums and copays
Cons About Cigna
- Some dental plans have only $1,000 combined dental coverage
- Medicare Advantage plans are only available in 23 states and Washington, D.C.
Summary:
Bottom Line
Cigna has over 270,000 dental provider locations worldwide and serves more than 500,000 Medicare Advantage plan members. Many of Cigna’s plans offer a zero-dollar maximum for preventive dental coverage and have a generous amount of extras, including health and wellness discounts and behavioral and emotional support. Cigna also offers a variety of Medigap plans. Check out our Cigna Medigap review for more details.
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6. AARP - Known for zero-dollar premium plans
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What we like most
- 5 percent household discount offered in most states
- Variety of plans available
- Health and wellness benefits
AARP
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SeniorLiving.org Rating 4.0
Ease of use Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing excellent excellent excellent excellent Please scroll to the right for more info.
Overview:
Overview
AARP from UnitedHealthcare offers zero-dollar premium plans with dental coverage. UnitedHealthcare serves over 6.5 million people with Medicare Advantage plans, and 2.5 million customers enjoy a zero-dollar premium. Dental coverage is available with most Medicare Advantage plans that also offer zero-dollar copays for in-network dental providers.
Pros & Cons:
Pros About AARP
- Additional dental coverage available for an added premium
- Various Medicare Advantage SNPs are available
- Most Medicare Advantage plans have prescription drug coverage
- Additional discounts and resources available through AARP
Cons About AARP
- Plan coverage can vary greatly by location
- Some locations only offer HMO plans
- Need an AARP membership to enroll
Summary:
Bottom Line
You’ll need to be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealthcare. Luckily, membership fees are very low, starting at $12 per year. Plus, you’ll gain access to hundreds of discounts with an AARP membership. We also like that many plans with dental have a zero-dollar premium and zero-dollar deductible for routine dental care. If you’re interested in this carrier’s other offerings, be sure to check out our review of UnitedHealthcare’s Medigap plans.
Does Medicare Cover Dental?
Original Medicare, referred to as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, only covers dental issues that happen in the hospital. This means it covers dental issues under emergencies resulting from accidents or oral cancer-related problems. Traditional Medicare does not cover routine dental exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Older adults and other Medicare beneficiaries looking for dental coverage may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, also referred to as Medicare Part C.
Did You Know?
Did You Know? Dental care is an essential part of maintaining your health as you age. View our guide to senior oral health and hygiene to learn ways to keep your smile bright and healthy.
Do All Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Dental?
The short answer to this question is no, not all Medicare Advantage plans cover dental. The good news, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization focusing on national health issues, is that 97 percent of individual Medicare Advantage plans in 2023 covered some dental.2 This is an increase from the 92 percent of Medicare Advantage plans that covered some dental in 2021.3
What Do Medicare Advantage Dental Benefits Cover?
Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage generally offer preventive coverage and comprehensive coverage. Preventive coverage refers to general dental checkups every six months and includes dental exams, X-rays, and cleanings. Comprehensive coverage includes restorative crowns, fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, prosthodontics (dentures or partials), and some oral surgeries.
Some Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits combine preventive and comprehensive services in their plan’s max coverage amount. Other plans have no maximum amount for preventive coverage and a plan limit for comprehensive coverage. Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage might be comparable to dental coverage under the employer plans you may be used to.
