Dental insurance coverage for seniors

Being an older adult today can mean living well into your 80s. Modern medicine, safer homes, jobs and cars, and more knowledge about health and wellness means we are living longer, more active lives than ever before. That’s good news! As the life expectancy of Americans continues to lengthen, more people are keeping their natural teeth longer. Maintaining healthy dental habits in retirement can positively impact your overall health. That’s why continuing routine dental care and dental appointments are so important.

Thinking about retirement? There is a long list of considerations. If you’ve always been on your employers’ dental plan, you may not have thought about purchasing dental insurance for coverage after you retire. Now might be the perfect time to research dental insurance if you or someone you know is thinking about retirement.

Regardless of your current age, all adults over 50 will start to think about insurance for themselves or perhaps a parent, in the next few years. As you consider retirement benefits and medical insurance, it’s important to remember dental coverage. Routine dental care is not covered under Original Medicare. And unless you have an employer that provides retiree dental coverage, you may need to consider purchasing a dental insurance plan.

Why is dental insurance important for older adults?

Oral health has significant impact on your overall health. As you age, your risk of cavities increases* – more than one-third of Delta Dental of Iowa members 55+ had at least one filling over the last year. Consider the average costs** of routine dental procedures vs. those covered by insurance:

Procedure	Average Cost	Cost for Delta Dental of Iowa Members
Filling	$177	$68
Crown	$767	$376
Multiple Crowns	$3,406	$853

There are many options to consider when looking for dental coverage. Delta Dental of Iowa offers a variety of dental plans with coverage options from basic dental care to more extensive coverage based on your budget and your health care needs. Low monthly rates help you prioritize your dental health and keep your smile bright for years to come. With Delta Dental of Iowa you can get a quote online and even sign up the same day. You can also review the plan options to see which coverage is right for you.

What does dental insurance cover?

As you’re looking for a dental plan that meets your needs, think about your dental history. Have you kept up with regular appointments or do you expect to have significant dental work in the near future? You’ll want to choose a plan that covers dental office visits, exams, cleanings and xrays. Then depending on your dental health, you may want to upgrade to a plan that covers some of the costs for fillings, root canals, implants and denture repair. If you are looking to purchase dental plan and would like more information, check out Delta Dental's insurance plan for seniors.

The cost of insurance for retirees

Since there isn’t a Medicare dental benefit, individuals considering retirement should compare dental insurance plans to see which coverage options work best for their health care needs and their budget. Most plans offer monthly payments which vary based on coverage options such as deductibles and maximum benefits. Your coverage with Delta Dental of Iowa is guaranteed to be in force the day you retire if you apply within 30 days of your retirement. To learn more about the cost of  Delta Dental’s plans, get a quote now. It’s easy to compare plan options.  

Senior Dental Insurance FAQs

• What's the best dental insurance for seniors?

  The best dental insurance for seniors depends on your specific needs and dental health. Delta Dental of Iowa offers a variety of plans, ranging from basic preventive coverage to more extensive plans that cover fillings, root canals, crowns, and dentures. For seniors, Preventive Prime is a great option if you're mainly looking for coverage for routine checkups, cleanings, and exams. If you anticipate needing more extensive care, such as crowns or implants, consider the Preferred Prime or Platinum Prime plans, which provide broader coverage.

• What does senior dental coverage include?

  Senior dental coverage typically includes:

  • Routine dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays: Regular preventive care to keep your teeth healthy and detect issues early.
  • Fillings and restorations: Coverage for cavities, including lower out-of-pocket costs for fillings.
  • Crowns, bridges, and dentures: More extensive procedures for restoring damaged or missing teeth.
  • Root canals and other restorative care: Coverage for procedures to treat advanced dental problems.
  • Denture repairs: If you wear dentures, repairs are covered under some plans.

  Delta Dental offers flexible plans, including options for seniors with varying needs, whether you're looking for basic care or more extensive dental work.

• How do I choose the right dental plan for seniors?

  To choose the right dental plan for seniors, consider:

  • Your current dental health: If you're in good dental health and just need routine care, a plan like Preventive Prime may be enough. If you have more complex needs, look for plans like Preferred Prime or Platinum Prime, which offer broader coverage for fillings, crowns, and other restorative services.
  • Cost: Compare premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Delta Dental offers affordable options that fit various budgets.
  • Provider network: Ensure your current dentist is in the Delta Dental network. With Delta Dental of Iowa, 9 out of 10 Iowa dentists participate in the network, making it easy to stay with your current provider.
  • Coverage limits: Consider how much coverage you need. Plans like Platinum Prime provide higher annual benefit limits and are ideal for seniors who may need more dental work.
• How much does dental insurance cost for seniors?

  The cost of dental insurance for seniors varies based on the plan you choose. For example, Delta Dental’s Preventive Prime plan, which covers basic preventive services, is generally more affordable. More comprehensive plans, like Preferred Prime or Platinum Prime, may have higher premiums but offer extensive coverage for restorative and major dental procedures.

  Delta Dental also offers affordable monthly premiums and guarantees coverage to retirees if you apply within 30 days of retirement. You can get a quote online to compare your options.

• Is dental insurance for seniors affordable?

  Yes, dental insurance for seniors can be very affordable. Delta Dental offers several plans with low monthly premiums, especially for basic coverage like preventive care. For those who need more extensive coverage, such as fillings, crowns, or dentures, Delta Dental’s Preferred Prime and Platinum Prime plans are still budget-friendly compared to out-of-pocket costs for major dental work.

  With Delta Dental, you can choose a plan that fits your health needs and budget, and we offer easy online quotes to help you get started.

• Can I get dental insurance coverage as a retiree?

  Yes, you can get dental insurance coverage as a retiree! Delta Dental of Iowa provides coverage options for retirees, including plans that are available immediately upon retirement if you apply within 30 days. Since Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care, securing dental coverage after retirement is crucial to maintaining good oral health.

  Delta Dental offers flexible plans that can be tailored to your needs, whether you need just basic preventive care or more extensive services like crowns or dentures.

• How do I compare dental insurance plans for seniors?

  To compare dental insurance plans for seniors, consider these key factors:

  • Coverage needs: If you're in good dental health, a basic plan like Preventive Prime may be sufficient. However, if you expect to need more extensive care, such as crowns, fillings, or dentures, plans like Preferred Prime or Platinum Prime are better suited.
  • Cost: Compare premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Plans like Preventive Prime are affordable but might only cover basic services, while Platinum Prime offers more coverage for a higher monthly premium.
  • Provider network: Ensure your dentist participates in Delta Dental’s network. With Delta Dental of Iowa, most dentists are included.
  • Annual maximums: Some plans have higher annual benefit limits, which is important if you anticipate needing significant dental work.
     

  You can explore these options and get a personalized quote to find the coverage that best suits your retirement needs.

Sign up for dental insurance coverage today

Living a long healthy life and enjoying your retirement means protecting your smile and your dental health. It’s important to take care of your daily dental needs like brushing and flossing as well as seeing your dentist twice a year for exams and cleaning. Delta Dental of Iowa can help you find an individual dental insurance plan that meets your health care needs and your budget. And since 9 out of 10 Iowa dentists are Delta Dental providers, there’s a good chance yours is too. Even if your current dentist isn’t in the network, you’ll still receive valuable coverage. It’s easy to get a quote, compare coverage and enroll in a dental plan today.

^{*Your risk of cavities increases with age. (ADA Mouth Healthy)
**Based on Delta Dental of Iowa claims data, 9/1/17–8/31/18. Examples are based on all group and individual members, age 55+ with plans in effect during this time period. Members should not expect exact same results (or payments).}