1. Aetna - Most Affordable Coverage
What We Like Most:
- Extensive network with more than 372,000 providers to choose from
- Easy-to-use quote tool and provider look-up portal
- No-cost preventive care
- PPO plans
Overview
With more than a century in the business, Aetna now insures over 22 million members, including nearly 13 million dental members. Once you’re a member, you can use Aetna’s online database to find a dentist or eye doctor in your area.
Aetna Standalone Insurance
Aetna Dental Direct is Aetna’s standalone dental insurance. Aetna Dental Direct’s PPO plans allow you to see any dentist you want. Monthly premiums vary based on locations, ranging from $51 to $79 for most older adults. Annual benefit maximums are usually about $1,250.
With Dental Direct, you’re covered for preventative, basic, restorative, and major procedures. Most plans cover preventative work at 100 percent, basic services at 50 to 80 percent, and major works at 50 percent. Unfortunately, basic benefits (fillings, simple extractions, etc.) don’t kick in until six months after your plan begins. Major services (roots canals, bridges, and dentures) are not covered until after 12 months.
Although the premiums likely aren’t worth the cost if you solely need preventative care, anyone prone to dental issues or anticipating the need for major services is likely to at least break even with this plan.
Vision Plan from Aetna
Aetna Vision Preferred is available as an add-on option to Aetna Dental Direct. This plan covers a detailed eye exam cost entirely, including a $130 allowance for eyewear (with 20 percent off after $130). There is no deductible or waiting period, and certain plans provide extra discounts for adults over 65.
Aetna Medicare Advantage
With many Aetna Medicare Advantage plans, you’ll have access to dental, hearing and vision coverage, all from a single insurance provider. Aetna provides both HMO and PPO plans, based on where you live. Aetna Medicare Advantage also offers more than five different plans that include dentistry and vision benefits with monthly premiums starting at $0 per month and usually not reaching any higher than $35.
Depending on your plan, Aetna Medicare Advantage with dental, vision, and hearing benefits covers up to a $4,500 maximum benefit for preventive and comprehensive dental, $2,000 toward hearing aids per ear, and $500 worth of prescription eyewear each year. Additionally, plans include as much as $225 toward over-the-the-counter medications every three months.
Pros
- Broad network coverage
- Easy-to-navigate benefits and provider network
- Routine, preventive care is fully covered
- High coverage of basic procedures
Cons
- High out-of-network costs
- Longer waiting periods
- Unavailable in Massachusetts