The best dental insurance for seniors in Medicare Advantage plans will depend on your needs. See which providers come out on top.
Sep 8, 2024 Written by Kate Ashford, CSA® Lead Writer Kate Ashford, CSA®
Lead Writer | Medicare, retirement, personal finance
Kate Ashford is a writer and NerdWallet authority on Medicare. She is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and has more than 20 years of experience writing about personal finance. Previously, she was a freelance writer for both consumer and business publications, and her work has been published by the BBC, Forbes, Money, AARP, LearnVest and Parents, among others. She has a degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Kate has appeared as a Medicare expert on the PennyWise podcast by Lee Enterprises, and she's been quoted in national publications including Healthline, Real Simple and SingleCare. She is based in New York.
Assigning Editor Holly Carey
Assigning Editor | Medicare
Holly Carey joined NerdWallet in 2021 as an editor on the team responsible for expanding content to additional topics within personal finance. She currently leads the Medicare team. Previously, Holly wrote and edited content and developed digital media strategies as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy. She is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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If you’re looking for the best Medicare Advantage dental insurance, we suggest checking out UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Humana or Devoted Health — but the advantages for each company are different. UnitedHealthcare offers the biggest dental network, while nearly all Cigna plans offer wide comprehensive coverage.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental services, such as cleanings, fillings and extractions. People on Medicare can buy a separate dental policy or choose a Medicare Advantage plan , most of which offer some dental benefits in addition to other coverage.
The vast majority (97%) of Medicare Advantage plans offer some access to dental care , although the type of coverage and limits on cost sharing vary. A plan might cover twice-a-year cleanings, for instance, but no fillings or other dental work.
Here are our top picks for the best Medicare Advantage dental insurance.
45+ Medicare companies and brands analyzed by our team of experts.
30+ years of combined experience covering Medicare and personal finance.
NerdWallet’s Medicare content, including articles, reviews and recommendations, is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in Medicare. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Nasdaq, MSN, MarketWatch, Yahoo! Finance and other national and regional media outlets. They have been cited in publications including Healthline, and appeared on NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast.
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and boast the largest Medicare Advantage provider network, although member experience ratings are average.
GET A QUOTE Pros & Cons49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
Why we picked it: UnitedHealthcare has the largest network of dental providers of all Medicare Advantage companies, with more than 100,000 providers.
In other words: It may be easier to find a dentist who takes your insurance.
UnitedHealthcare is the biggest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S., with a presence in 49 states and Washington, D.C. UnitedHealthcare also partners with AARP and insures Medicare products with the AARP name. About 4 out of 5 UHC members are in plans with high star ratings.
Only 83% of UHC plans offer comprehensive dental coverage, one of the lower percentages among major Medicare Advantage providers. Make sure you understand your plan's coverage.
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Cigna plans are low-cost and member experience scores are about average, but star ratings from CMS have declined.
8am - 11pm EST, 7 days a week
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on MedicareEnrollment.com
GET A QUOTE Pros & Cons29 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
29 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
Why we picked it: Nearly every Cigna Medicare Advantage plan comes with both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, including coverage for endodontics, extractions and restorative services.
In other words: You’ve got a good chance of finding a plan that covers any extra dental services you might need — up to the plan's limit.
Preventive dental coverage may include cleanings, fluoride treatment, X-rays and exams. Comprehensive dental coverage may include diagnostic services, periodontics (gums), extractions, restorative services (fillings, bridges), endodontics (root canals) and prosthodontics (artificial teeth).
Cigna isn’t the largest Medicare Advantage provider, but the company’s plans come packed with benefits: Nearly all plans include comprehensive dental coverage, and many include extras like 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery after a hospital stay. More than 8 in 10 Cigna Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium, and Cigna’s comprehensive dental coverage includes an average of seven covered services.
All Cigna Medicare Advantage members have preventive dental coverage, and 99% have comprehensive dental coverage.
The average Cigna dental plan with comprehensive coverage includes seven covered services. Ninety percent of comprehensive dental services from in-network providers come with a $0 copay.
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and offer a variety of extra benefits. Member experience scores are also high, and star ratings land just above the industry average.
8am - 11pm EST, 7 days a week
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on MedicareEnrollment.com
GET A QUOTE Pros & Cons46 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.77 (Above average)
46 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.77 (Above average)
Why we picked it: In addition to providing preventive and comprehensive dental on almost all Medicare Advantage plans, Aetna coverage comes with a number of additional benefits, from CVS MinuteClinic access to a fitness reimbursement allowance.
In other words: Your plan that offers dental coverage may offer additional benefits that make your life easier in other ways.
Aetna, a CVS Health company, is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, and 84% of Medicare beneficiaries have the option of a $0-premium Aetna plan. Aetna also offers stand-alone prescription drug plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including some of the lowest-premium plans nationwide.
Some Aetna Medicare Advantage plans offer other perks, such as access to CVS MinuteClinic locations for primary care or a fitness reimbursement allowance that members can put toward activities or fitness supplies.
Aetna customer satisfaction numbers land below the industry average in some major Medicare markets, according to J.D. Power’s latest survey.
If you go out-of-network for comprehensive dental services, a majority of procedures require coinsurance between 20% and 70%.
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Humana plans are widely available, highly rated by CMS and score well for member satisfaction. Humana also offers $0-premium plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
8am - 11pm EST, 7 days a week
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on MedicareEnrollment.com
GET A QUOTE Pros & Cons49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (90% or more)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
4.04 (Above average)
49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (90% or more)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
4.04 (Above average)
Why we picked it: Humana offers $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
In other words: There’s a good chance of finding a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage that costs $0.
Humana is the second-biggest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and is available in 94% of U.S. counties. Humana plans enjoy strong Medicare star ratings, and nearly all of Humana’s members are in highly rated plans.
Most Humana Medicare Advantage members (94%) are in a plan rated 4 stars or higher (out of 5) by the CMS.
Humana scores above the industry average in customer satisfaction in several major Medicare markets, according to J.D. Power’s latest study.
Humana’s comprehensive dental coverage includes fewer than six services, on average. (Most common: diagnostic services, restorative services and periodontics.)
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Devoted Health has above-average star ratings from CMS, but recent expansion means many plans don't have score data yet.
8am - 11pm EST, 7 days a week
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on MedicareEnrollment.com
GET A QUOTE Pros & ConsMembers in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (90% or more)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (90% or more)
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
Why we picked it: As a startup, Devoted Health plans have a much higher-than-average star rating from CMS.
In other words: It’s worth checking out this newcomer on the market if it’s available where you live.
Devoted Health is an up-and-comer in the Medicare Advantage space, launching in 2017 and doubling its reach by adding eight states to the roster in 2023. Its ratings are high on plans that have enough data to be measured, and all of its plans offer both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage. Since so many plans are new, however, many of them don’t have ratings.
All of Devoted Health’s plans offer both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, with an average of more than six comprehensive services per plan.
Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plans cover 100% of the cost for in-network preventive and comprehensive dental care, within plan limits.
Dental costs on Medicare Advantage vary by plan and by service. Some require a copay or coinsurance for every service. And some services have a $0 copay if you use an in-network provider but require coinsurance or aren’t covered if you go out of network.
Services may be covered at a $0 copay, but with a dollar limit to what the plan will cover. For instance, there may be a $1,000 annual maximum benefit for preventive or comprehensive services (or both).
For people enrolled in plans with more comprehensive dental benefits, the average annual dollar limit on coverage is $1,300, according to KFF, a health policy nonprofit. It’s important to read a plan’s Evidence of Coverage to understand the limits on any dental coverage being offered.
"You’ll need to buy a separate dental insurance policy to cover your dental needs or pay out of pocket for dental care. Many Medicare Advantage providers also sell dental policies, or you can find policies with companies like Delta Dental, Liberty, Spirit Dental or Guardian."
— Kate Ashford , lead writer covering Medicare
Medicare Advantage plans aren’t just about dental coverage — you’ve got to get the right coverage for all of your health care. Here are some strategies for finding the best plan for you:
Check star ratings. The CMS collects data on Medicare Advantage plans from member surveys, the plans themselves and medical providers, and then assigns a star rating based on the results. The star rating is on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best.
Compare out-of-pocket costs. Each plan will have a monthly premium (for many Medicare Advantage plans, that premium is $0) and a maximum out-of-pocket cost, which is the most you’ll pay in a year for covered health care.
Keep your meds in mind. Make sure you investigate how each plan will cover your medications — or whether they’re covered at all.
Look for your doctors. If you’ve got a list of caregivers and medical facilities you use and prefer, look for plans that include them.
Consider the plan type. If you see specialists frequently and you don’t want to get a referral for every office visit, a PPO plan is probably the better fit. If you’re a light health care user and see mostly your primary care physician, an HMO might be more affordable.
Drill down on dental. If a plan says it offers dental, keep clicking until you get all the details in a plan’s Evidence of Coverage. Make sure you understand what services are included, what kind of copays and coinsurance you may have to pay and whether there’s an annual limit on what the plan will spend.
If you are on a provider site, you may need to click on “View plan summary” or “View plan documents."
Here is an example from a Humana plan selection.
You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan when you first become eligible for Medicare (your initial enrollment period) or during designated annual enrollment periods, such as Medicare open enrollment in the fall and Medicare Advantage open enrollment in the spring.
For information on the Medicare Advantage plans near you, use Medicare’s plan finding tool to see what’s available.
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Kate Ashford is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and personal finance writer at NerdWallet specializing in Medicare and retirement topics. See full bio.
The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies; in many places, one insurer serves more than half of the market. NerdWallet reviewed 26 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurers having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.) At the national level, these reviews include nine of the 10 largest brands by enrollment. At the state level, our research includes at least one major insurer in 47 of the 49 states that offer Medicare Advantage plans, and includes the top two insurers in 35 of those states. (Alaska doesn't offer Medicare Advantage plans.) We also look at online search volume to identify regional and other notable players in the space.
NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage reviews are based on ratings data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as well as pricing, plan availability by state, plan types available, consumer experience, extra benefits offered and more. These reviews are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several plans to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines for additional information.
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