Does Aetna Medicare Advantage Cover Dental

How Do People On Medicare Pay For Dental Visits

Medicare recipients pay for roughly three-quarters of their dental work themselves. And some have chosen to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans that provide dental coverage. Unfortunately, over half of all Medicare recipients dont even see a dentist at all. If youre on Medicare, youll probably want to explore other options for affordable dental care.

Best Dental Insurance For Seniors On Medicare Of 2021

• Best Customer Service: Kaiser Permanente
• Best Online Tools: Humana
• Best for Potential New Offerings: WellCare
• Best for Special Needs: Cigna

• Coverage Limit : $1,000 to $3,000
• Providers In Network: 1,300,000

United Healthcare is our top overall pick for dental insurance for seniors on Medicare. They offer Medicare Advantage plans with an expansive network and flexible premiums.

• Limited plan options depending on your location

• Not all Advantage plans include dental coverage

United Healthcare, founded in 1974, was chosen as best overall based on its popularity and its affiliation with the American Association of Retired People . In 2019, 22 million people were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans nationwide. Of those 22 million people, United Healthcare insured the largest share of them, 26%.

More than 82% of Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one United Healthcare plan. Also, United Healthcare services ranked fourth in overall customer service in a 2020 J.D. Power study .

Their full range of plans has premiums ranging from $0 to over $100 each month, depending on your needs and location. If you choose United Healthcare, you’ll also receive access to additional AARP programs and services such as discounts on shopping and travel, savings on home and auto insurance, and free financial advice.

Who Has The Best Dental Insurance For Seniors

The 7 Best Dental Insurance Insurance offers seniors in 2021

• Best for Prevention Prevention: Cigna.
• Best for Easy Provider: Aflac.
• Best for Annual Average: Renaissance Dental.
• Best for Affordable Options: Humana.
• Best for Fast Photography: Healthasar Health.
• Best for Senior Web Provider: Aetna.
• Most Valuable: Delta Dental

Read Also: What Is The Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan

Does Medicare Offer Dental Coverage

No, Original Medicare, which is managed by the federal government, does not cover most routine dental care, dental procedures or supplies. People insured by Medicare have to pay the full cost of cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions and dentures.

However, Medicare Part Awhich covers hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities and hospice carepays for certain medical dental services provided during a hospital stay. For example, if you suffered a traumatic injury to your teeth or jaw, Medicare would cover hospitalization and procedures medically necessary for recovery.

Plan Benefits For 2022 Aetna Medicare Elite Plan

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• Coverage Area

Aetna Medicare Elite Plan H5521-120 is a 2022 Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part-C plan by Aetna Medicare available to residents in New York. This plan includes additional Medicare prescription drug coverage. The Aetna Medicare Elite Plan has a monthly premium of $0 and has an in-network Maximum Out-of-Pocket limit of $7,550 . This means that if you get sick or need a high cost procedure the co-pays are capped once you pay $7,550 out of pocket. This can be a extremely nice safety net.

Aetna Medicare Elite Plan is a Local PPO. A preferred provider organization is a Medicare plan that has created contracts with a network of “preferred” providers for you to choose from at reduced rates. You do not need to select a primary care physician and you do not need referrals to see other providers in the network. Offering you a little more flexibility overall. You can get medical attention from a provider outside of the network but you will have to pay the difference between the out-of-network bill and the PPOs discounted rate.

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Best Online Tools: Humana

Humana is our top pick for a dental plan with robust online tools. They have a handy mobile app and allow users to list medications, view claims, and even earn rewards for healthy actions.

• Robust selection of helpful online tools

• SilverSneakers fitness program

• Available in in every state except Alaska

• Website interface can be confusing

• Not all plans come with dental coverage

Humana offers a wide variety of online tools helpful to Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees. Humanas RXMentor helps enrollees keep a complete, up-to-date list of their medications. Their MyHumana app offers fingerprint sign-in for access to ID Cards, drug pricing, claims, and in-network providers. Their Go365 program and app allow you to earn, track, and redeem points for completing healthy actions. These are the kinds of useful website features that made Humana our pick for best online tools.

Humana also offers SilverSneakers, a health and fitness program for seniors that includes gym access, classes, and the SilverSneakers Go fitness app for tracking and scheduling activities.

Founded in 1961, Humana offers Medicare Advantage plans in every state except Alaska. They have a full range of plans with premiums ranging from $0 to over $100 each month, depending on your needs and location.

What Do Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans Offer

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans vary based on your location, but many plans offer opportunities to make access to your day-to-day necessities as simple as possible.

Generally, Medicare Advantage plans offer private health insurance through Medicare and provide common benefits that original Medicare does not. Aetna is one of the most popular Medicare Advantage providers, with a clear focus on your overall well-being.

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Can Aetna Medicare Plans Cover Additional Dental Services

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans that include dental benefits can cover preventive and routine services like exams, X-rays, cleanings and fluoride treatments, typically with a small copay or no copay at all required when performed by an in-network dentist.

Plans may typically also cover more advanced services such as restorative care, tooth extractions, root canals, oral surgery and more.

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to cover everything covered by Original Medicare, and many plans may also cover vision, hearing aids, prescription drugs and more.

How Aetna Dental Coverage Works

Typically, Aetna dental benefits work in two ways:

• Provider networks: this option requires you to use certain providers for Aetna dental coverage. Some of Aetnas Medicare Advantage plans, such as preferred provider organizations , may let you use out-of-network providers for a higher cost.
• Allowance: this option gives you a set amount for Aetna dental services. You have the freedom to use any provider you like, and Aetna reimburses you up to that set amount. Youre responsible for expenses above the allowance.

Aetna dental coverage may help pay for preventive and diagnostic services, as well as dental procedures and supplies. However, the specifics of your Aetna dental coverage may depend on the type of Medicare Advantage plan you choose.

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Which Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Dental Coverage

Not all Medicare Advantage Plans offer dental coverage. When they do, the services can vary greatly, even within companies. A company may offer dental in one state, but not another, Hill says. If youre looking for dental, you can look up a specific company youre interested in and check with their network of dentists to see which one you like best.

Some samples of available Medicare Advantage Plan dental coverage in 2021 include:

• Aetna: Dental coverage for as low as $0 monthly premium but with a cap of $750. Coverage up to $3,000 is available but for an additional monthly premium.
• Cigna: Available to beneficiaries in 23 states and the District of Columbia, dental coverage is offered for as low as $0 monthly premiums in some plans but the coverage limits vary.
• Humana: Dental coverage for as low as $0 monthly premium with most preventative services costing $35 per service and other services requiring copays of 50% to 70%.
• Kaiser: Dental coverage is available for an additional premium, but only when grouped with hearing and vision.
• United Healthcare: Dental coverage premiums range from $0 to over $100 per month, with coverage generally up to $2,000.

Option : Medicare Advantage Plans With Dental Coverage

Dental coverage varies widely by Medicare Advantage plan. In some cases, you have to pay extra to have dental care included in your plan. There could also be options for basic or premium coverage, letting you choose the dental plan that works for you.

Look for plans that offer low-cost or free preventative services. If you need more expensive treatments, pay attention to the plan’s cost-sharing percentage and the cap on how much the plan will cover each year.

AARP: largest network of dentists

Among our picks for the best Medicare Advantage plans, Aetna has the cheapest monthly costs. The company reimburses policyholders for in-network dental coverage, and it provides the option for expanded dental benefits at an additional monthly cost. This can be a great way to manage your expenses if you need significant dental services in the upcoming policy year.

If you’re signing up for a new Medicare Advantage plan, you can choose your dental coverage options during the plan selection process. If you’re already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, talk to your provider about what dental coverage options are available to you, and if there is no add-on coverage available, you may be able to enroll in a standalone dental policy.

Read Also: Which Is Better Medicare Supplement Or Medicare Advantage

Aetnas Medicare Advantage Plans And Dental Coverage

Some of Aetnas Medicare Advantage plans may include routine dental care.

Why might that be important? Well, Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, dont typically include routine dental care. Part A may cover certain dental services if you need them as part of your care as a hospital inpatient.

Thats why it may be important to some people that their Medicare Advantage plan include routine dental coverage. Again, not every Medicare Advantage plan from Aetna necessarily includes routine dental coverage. But you may be able to find an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan that does cover dental.

Find The Right Medicare Advantage Plan

Its important to do your research before selecting a health plan for yourself. Here are some questions to consider asking:

• What are the plans costs? Do you understand what the plans premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

• Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plans network.

• Are your prescriptions covered? If youre on medication, its crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

• Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

• Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE .

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Recommended Reading: Is Medicare Advantage A Good Choice

How Cigna Dental Coverage Works

Aetna Medicare dental benefits will depend on the plan. Most will provide preventive dental care at little or no cost.

If you visit an in-network dentist, theyll bill Aetna directly. When you access out-of-network care, youll pay upfront and submit a claim with reimbursement up to your plans yearly allowance for dental services.

Aetna Medicare dental coverage may include:

• two routine oral exams per year
• two routine dental cleanings per year
• bitewing X-rays once per year
• dentures or partials

Along with these benefits, Aetna Medicare dental coverage is the same as original Medicare, which includes dental services provided in a hospital, such as after a facial injury or due to oral cancer.

Aetna Medicare dental coverage varies depending on the plan you have, so read your plans evidence of coverage to find out exactly what dental services they offer and check the copays for these services. If your policy doesnt include dental coverage, you can add an optional supplemental benefit to get it.

Your costs for a Medicare Advantage plan vary based on your ZIP code and the individual plan you choose.

Here are examples of the costs for Aetna Medicare Advantage plans that include dental in several cities.

Find Dental Plans For Medicare Near You

To find a dental plan near you, you should visit the websites of the companies offering Medicare Advantage plans to view the details of each plan. Many company websites also allow you to see if your dentist accepts the plan. If youre not sure where to start, consider talking to a broker or consultant. Good resources include theState Health Insurance Assistance Programs at 877-839-2675 or call Medicare at 800-MEDICARE to get answers to questions not answered in your research.

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Available Part D Prescription Drug Plans

While many of Aetnas Medicare Advantage plans include Part D drug coverage, the company also sells stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans. These plans are meant to accompany Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B and do not provide medical coverage.

Aetna offers three stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans in 2021, with average monthly premiums that range from $7.15 to $69.52:

• SilverScript SmartRx: Average premium of $7.15. Offers Tier 1 generic drug coverage with a $0 deductible and $0 copays. This is the lowest-cost stand-alone drug plan nationwide.

• SilverScript Choice: Average premium of $28.49. Offers Tier 1/Tier 2 coverage of generic and brand-name drugs, with $0 copays for Tier 1.

• SilverScript Plus: Average premium of $69.52. Offers gap coverage and a $0 deductible for all tiers, plus a $0 copay for Tier 1 drugs and $2 copay for Tier 2 drugs on a 30-day supply.

What Kind Of Dental Care Does Medicare Advantage Cover And What Does It Cost

Most Medicare Part C plans cover basic dental care, such as exams, cleaning and fillings and more extensive procedures, such as root canals, tooth extractions, crowns and dentures. Because these plans are sold through private insurance companies, the types of coverage can vary. Seniors should research what each available plan covers before deciding on one. Applicants may also wish to have a dental exam and ask for advice when choosing a plan the dentist may see a need for additional service coverage down the line, so having a plan that will cover future services is important.

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When Can Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans Pay For Dental Implants

One major factor that can determine if your dental implants are covered by an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan is whether the implants are considered cosmetic or medically necessary. If cosmetic, some plans might not cover the implants. But if the dental implants are considered medically necessary, they may be covered.

Some plans may include an annual allowance that you can use for things like dental implants. If your Aetna Medicare plan has this type of annual allowance, you may be able to apply for reimbursement for your dental implants.

Depending on what type of Medicare Advantage plan you have, it might have a network of participating dentists. You may be able to pay less in out-of-pocket costs by visiting these providers, if network restrictions apply to your dental implants coverage.

How Much Does Aetna Dental Coverage Cost

Aetna dental care is available through some Medicare Advantage plans, either as part of the plan premium or as an optional benefit at an added cost. Costs vary depending on which of Aetnas Medicare Advantage plan options youre considering, so be sure to review the details for that plan.

Remember that whether or not you decide to get Aetna dental coverage through your Medicare Advantage plan, youll keep paying the Medicare Part B premium, in addition to any premium required for the Medicare Advantage plan.

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Find Aetna Dental Coverage Through A Medicare Advantage Plan

Ready to start browsing Medicare plan options that offer Aetna dental coverage? You can do so easily from this page by entering your ZIP code into the plan finder tool.

Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Participating physicians, hospitals and other health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.

Out-of-network/non- contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Aetna members, except in emergency situations. Please call Aetnas customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

Medicare information is everywhere. What is hard is knowing which information to trust. Because eHealths Medicare related content is compliant with CMS regulations, you can rest assured youre getting accurate information so you can make the right decisions for your coverage. Read more to learn about our Compliance Program.

Compare Medicare Advantage Dental Plans

Using Medicares Find a Medicare Plan tool, you can log in without an account, choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, type in your ZIP code, and follow the simple instructions to get a list of the available plans. The Plan Details button helps you learn more about the coverage offered, such as preventative dental or comprehensive dental .

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What Dental Services May Be Covered By An Aetna Medicare Plan

If you enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental coverage, some of the services that may be covered include:

• Teeth cleaning, scaling and polishing
• Office visits for oral examinations
• Non-surgical extractions
• Dietary advice and counseling
• Minor bite adjustments

Plan details vary and some plans may provide broader dental coverage than others. Check your plans Explanation of Coverage to see exactly what dental coverage benefits may be offered by your plan.

If your Aetna Medicare Advantage plan offers dental benefits, the costs for your covered dental services may be included in the plans premium or as an Optional Supplemental Benefit, which means you would need to pay an additional premium.

An Aetna Medicare Advantage plan that covers dental care may offer the benefits through an allowance or via a network of approved dental care providers.

If your Aetna Medicare plan offers dental coverage through an allowance, you pay up front and submit a receipt for reimbursement. You can see any licensed dental care provider for approved services.

If your Aetna Medicare plan offers dental benefits through a network of providers, youre required to see an approved in-network provider for covered services.