Dental Plans for Retirees

Protect your smile for years to come with coverage designed just for you.

Senior Dental Care: Importance of Oral Health For Seniors


With age, dental care and oral health become increasingly more important. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - about 2 in 3 adults aged 65 or older have gum disease. 1 in 5 adults over 65 have untreated tooth decay.

You might not know that oral health conditions like gum disease are linked to major health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. This means that maintaining a healthy smile is part of living a happy and healthy life.

Not sure which dental plan is right for you? Try our new
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Individual and Family Dental Plans for Retireesi
 

High maximum, three periodontal maintenance cleanings, and policy lifetime deductible.

No waiting period and coverage that increases over the first two years you renew.

100% coverage on most preventive care services and 50% on most major procedures.

No guessing, fixed-out-of-pocket costs, no waiting periods or dollar maximums.

Monthly Premium
Eastern WA

$62.75ii

$54.45ii

$50.85ii

$40.70iii

Monthly Premium
Western WA

$72.10ii

$62.60ii

$58.50ii

$51.10iii

Plan Year Maximum
Per Person

$2000

1st Yr, 2nd Yr, 3rd Yr
$1000/$1250/$1500

$1000

None

Shared Maximum Benefit

None

None

None

None

Deductible

$100 Policy Lifetime

$50

$50

None

Office Visit Copay

None

None

None

None

Preventive Care
Cleanings, exams, x-rays, and fluoride

100%

100%

100%

$65 Copay

Fillings

80%

1st Yr, 2nd Yr, 3rd Yr
50%/60%/70%

50%iv

$115 Copay

Crowns

50%v

50%v

50%v

$740 Copayvi

Root Canal

50%

50%

50%

$535 Copayvii

Implants

50%

50%

50%

$2600 Copay

Non-Surgical Extractions

50%

50%

50%

$115 Copay

Surgical Extractions

50%

Not Covered

Not Covered

$230 Copay

Periodontal Maintenance

50%viii
Three per benefit year

1st Yr, 2nd Yr, 3rd Yr
50%/60%/70%

50%

Included in Preventive Care Visit

Orthodontics

Not Covered

Not Covered

Not Covered

Not Covered

Annual Contract

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Waiting Period

May Apply

None

May Apply

None

Premium Plan

High maximum, three periodontal maintenance cleanings, and lifetime policy deductible.

Monthly Premium
Eastern WA $62.75ii
Western WA $72.10ii

View Plan Details

Ascent Plan

No waiting period and coverage that increases over the first two years you renew.

Monthly Premium
Eastern WA $54.45ii
Western WA $62.60ii

View Plan Details

Enhanced Plan

100% coverage on most preventive care services and 50% on most major procedures.

Monthly Premium
Eastern WA $50.85ii
Western WA $58.50ii

View Plan Details

Clear Plan

No guessing, fixed-out-of-pocket costs, no waiting periods or dollar maximums.

Monthly Premium
Eastern WA $40.70iii
Western WA $51.10iii

View Plan Details



Delta Dental Coverage is Available For Seniors – Don’t miss out on critical dental benefits


Many older Americans are missing out on dental coverage because not all Medicare and Medigap programs cover dental. To ensure you have access to the dental coverage you need, a supplemental dental insurance plan can provide those critical dental benefits that your Medicare or health insurance plans may not cover. If you find yourself without dental coverage, consider one of our Delta Dental plans that may be appropriate for seniors .



Waiting Periods



Waiting periods refer to a period of time before your full dental benefits kick in. During this time, your dental plan may not cover certain procedures. Depending on the plan you choose, the waiting period could range from a month to a full year. If you're switching dental insurance providers, your new provider may waive the waiting period with proof that you didn’t previously have a break in coverage, usually no more than 63 days.




Understanding the Definitions and Differences Among Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)



Medicare is a federal program run by a branch of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. It is available to most people aged 65 or older, younger people with disabilities, and people with End Stage Renal Disease. There are several variations of Medicare coverage including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap).

Original Medicare "Pays providers the Medicare-approved rates for covered services per Medicare rules and regulations and covers medically-necessary and outpatient health care." ix It does NOT cover services like routine vision, hearing or dental care.

Medicare Advantage consists of hospital insurance and medical insurance plus usually a Medicare Drug plan. Note that Medicare Advantage may offer some extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental services. x However, these plans may still only offer limited coverage for certain benefits.

Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance that helps fill ‘gaps’ in Original Medicare and is sold by private companies. xi They typically do NOT cover vision or dental services.


Wondering if you qualify for Medicare? Check your eligibility using Medicare’s Online Eligibility and Premium Calculator.




Learn More


Medicare Basics: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/how-does-medicare-work

Medicare and Oral Health (Kaiser Family Foundation): https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/drilling-down-on-dental-coverage-and-costs-for-medicare-beneficiaries/

Oral Health Resources for Seniors: SeniorsOralHealth.org.


Additional content from Delta Dental of Washington:

How much does dental insurance cost?

Is dental insurance worth it?

Dental Terms Demystified: annual maximum, deductible, copays, coinsurance

i. These are benefit highlights only. Monthly premiums shown are examples of monthly rates for subscriber-only in Washington, effective January 2024. Actual rates may vary (higher or lower) based on plan choice, your age, your location, number of people insured, their age, and relationship to you. For full details of plan, benefits, and pricing, please visit DeltaDentalCoversMe.com.
ii. Individual 12-month contracted rate.
iii. Individual 12-month contracted rate for ages 51+. Actual rate may be lower depending on age.
iv. Excludes back teeth tooth-colored fillings.
v. A predetermination is suggested. Clinical requirements must be met, crowns covered at 50% per tooth every seven years.
vi. A predetermination is suggested. Clinical requirements must be met, 1 crown per person per 12-month policy period.
vii. 2 teeth in 12 months after purchase or renewal, once per tooth every two years after.
viii. No waiting period.
ix. https://www.insurance.wa.gov/what-difference-between-original-medicare-and-medicare-advantage
x. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services
xi. https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap