Best Dental Insurance with Vision

Find the best dental and vision benefits available to seniors
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As we age, both dental care becomes more important, yet 70 percent of Medicare recipients have gone over a year without visiting a specialist. Both dental and vision benefits are available as part of Medicare Advantage, as standalone insurance, or through discount plans, with some even offered at a senior discount.

Need some oral work or an eye exam done and want help paying for it? Keep reading for specifics about your eligibility for coverage and various plan types from companies already serving members from coast to coast.

What is the best dental insurance for seniors? Read our guide to find out.

Why Do I Need Dental and Vision Insurance?

Older adults are seven times more likely to develop oral cancer, which could be prevented by maintaining regular dental care. The possibility for other problems, such as gum disease, a risk factor for heart disease, also increases nearly 50 percent for individuals over the age of 65. Even dry mouth, a seemingly benign condition, can lead to more cavities, infections, and sores.

Routine dental care has the power to detect and prevent most of these issues. Nevertheless, dental care is rarely cheap. Basic cleaning and exams cost $150-$350 on average, and more complex procedures like bridges and implants can easily make a single dental visit cost over $1,000.

Per the American Optometric Association, adults over 61 years old should receive an eye exam once per year. That’s no surprise since approximately one in three individuals has some type of vision-reducing eye disease by age 65. Plus, many eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts, are age-related and most treatable if dealt with early.

Unfortunately, vision care is hardly more affordable, with the average eye exam costing between $150 and $200. And the average price tag for basic single lens glasses at an eye doctor or independent eyeglasses shop is nearly $400 without insurance.

Luckily, there are plans out there that address both of these issues. A standalone plan that bundles dental and vision care or a Medicare Advantage plan of your choice can make getting the care you need affordable again.

Dental and Vision for Medicare Recipients

Original Medicare (Part A or B) doesn’t cover routine dental or eye care. This means that without additional coverage, you’ll be expected to pay full cost for most oral and visual needs, including prescription eyewear.

The good news is there are a few situations where Medicare A or B will help you out with dental or vision needs. Medicare usually covers emergency dental procedures that require a hospital stay or complex surgeries that require dental exams. Additionally, if you’re eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, some dental costs, including dentures, are also typically covered. Medicare Part B will also cover an annual exam for eye diseases, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.

Can Medicare Advantage or Medigap Cover Dental and Vision?

Medicare Advantage plans, sold by private companies, often include some dental and vision coverage. However, not all plans have these added benefits. Their premiums, benefits, and deductibles vary, as with all health plans, and many people refer to them as “all-in-one” plans.

Medigap is supplemental insurance created to cover gaps in Original Medicare, such as deductibles and copays. Medigap will cover some coinsurance or deductible costs for emergency oral surgery or treatment of serious eye diseases, but Original Medicare also covers part of those expenses. Medigap does not cover routine eye or dental care.

Tip: You can’t use Medigap and Medicare Advantage together. In fact, it’s illegal for someone to sell you a Medicare Advantage plan if you have Medigap.

Standalone Individual Dental and Vision Bundles

Standalone dental plans are available for purchase. Some even offer plans designed with older adults in mind. In contrast to Medigap, Original Medicare, and a large number of Medicare Advantage plans, standalone plans and bundles ensure you’re covered for every type of dental and vision care you need.

By selecting a standalone bundle with dental and vision, you’ve made your life that much easier. Rather than finding, enrolling in, paying for, and keeping track of plans from two insurers, you’ll only need to manage a single account. Since the majority of these plans are individualized, many insurance providers do not name prices upfront, but some do. All carriers encourage you to call or fill out your information online to receive a detailed quote.

Here are three providers that offer dental and vision care, some as part of Medicare Advantage and others as standalone insurance.

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

2. UnitedHealthcare - Best Dental, Vision, and Hearing Care

What We Like Most:
  • No waiting periods on many services
  • Hearing aid benefit included
  • Optional vision rider
  • High annual maximums

Overview

In its nearly 50 years of operation, UnitedHealthcare has become the largest health insurance provider in the United States, covering over 45 million people and partnering with over 1.2 million healthcare providers and 6,500 hospitals nationwide.

UnitedHealthcare Dental

UnitedHealthcare, based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, features several standalone dental plans specifically for older adults, in addition to more general options. Plans geared towards older people frequently include hearing aid coverage and audiology exams as well as dental aid. Most dental plans cover 70 to 80 percent of treatment costs, and there is typically an annual maximum from $1,000 to $3,000.

UnitedHealthcare Vision

In most states, UnitedHealthcare allows you to add vision insurance as a rider to your dental plan for an additional premium. United’s vision insurance costs are low. Underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, United charges a $10 copay for a comprehensive eye exam in-network and will pay up to $50 for a non-network exam.

For eyewear, UnitedHealth covers up to $150 for frames purchased from a network provider and a $10 copay for lenses. Contacts, on the other hand, have no copay and are covered for up to $150. Another aspect that makes UnitedHealthcare vision insurance great is its discount on Lasik procedures.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage

UnitedHealthcare also provides Medicare Advantage coverage that includes vision, dental and hearing. Of course, its discount percentages don’t quite match those of standalone plans or the benefits from most of Aetna’s Medicare Advantage selections.

Tip: Many eye diseases develop painlessly, displaying no symptoms or vision impairment until your condition is quite progressed. Fortunately, smart health choices, such as routine eye examinations, can help in early detection, minimizing damage to your vision and health long term.

Pros
  • No waiting periods on many services
  • Vision rider availability
  • Partial hearing aid coverage included in plans
Cons
  • Partial hearing aid coverage included in plans
  • Higher premiums overall

3. Delta Dental - Best for Preventative Care

What We Like Most:
  • A wide range of plans including both PPO and HMO options
  • Deductible-free plan available
  • AARP discounts available
  • Coverage offered in all 50 states

Overview

Delta Dental is the world’s leading provider of dental insurance, covering nearly 80 million Americans. Established in 1954 and headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Delta Dental offers PPO and HMO dental care plans, which can be bundled with DeltaVision, a vision plan that offers pre-negotiated discounts on eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and laser vision correction.

DeltaCare USA Plan

One of Delta Dental’s most well-known plans for individuals is the DeltaCare USA (HMO) Plan, which offers 100 percent coverage on preventative care with neither an annual maximum nor deductible. It also offers orthodontic coverage, something becoming increasingly popular among older adults.

Monthly premiums are generally between $8 and $15, depending on your location, and there is no waiting period for any service. Unfortunately, this plan limits members to a smaller number of care facilities than other plans, and referrals are required to see a specialist. There is also a six-month waiting period for basic and restorative care, such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.

Delta Dental PPO

Another one of Delta’s most popular standalone dental plans is Delta Dental PPO gives members their choice of network providers and reduced fees. The plan deductible is $50 for an individual and there is a $1,500 benefit maximum per year. However, preventative care is covered 100 percent. Additionally, after six months, you’ll only pay 20 to 50 percent of the agreed cost for most procedures. Monthly premiums cost between $40 and $70, depending on location,

If this cost is too high, the company offers discount plans (Delta Dental Patient Direct) in select states that usually save customers 15 to 45 percent. Monthly premiums cost between $40 and $70, depending on location.

DeltaVision

DeltaVision plans may be available separately or as a part of your dental insurance. DeltaVision members save an average of 71 percent off the retail price for eye exams and glasses with in-network doctors. With DeltaVision, you can visit a popular retailer such as TargetOptical or purchase eyewear online. Additionally, Delta Dental offers members up to 50 percent off Lasik procedures.

Pros
  • Preventive plan for under $10 per month
  • Both PPO and HMO options available in all 50 states
  • Plans geared specifically toward seniors
  • Widely accepted, nationally popular plan
Cons
  • Relatively high premiums on PPO plans
  • Mandatory waiting periods
amie-clark
Written By
Amie Clark

Amie has been writing about senior care products and services for the last decade. She is particularly passionate about new technologies that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Seeing her parents and grandparents age made Amie ask herself, “Would this be good enough for my loved ones?” In her spare time, Amie enjoys outdoor adventures and spontaneous road trips. Learn more about Amie here