AARP Delta Dental Insurance is a dental insurance plan designed specifically for AARP members, primarily targeting individuals aged 50 and older. This insurance is administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company, a well-known provider in the dental insurance industry. The plan aims to provide affordable and comprehensive dental coverage to seniors and their families, helping them maintain good oral health through preventive, basic, and major dental services. To enroll, you must be an AARP member, which ensures access to a wide network of dentists and tailored dental care options.
AARP Delta Dental Insuzrance Plan Types
AARP Delta Dental offers several plan types to meet different needs:
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) Plan: This is a managed care plan available in select states. Members must choose a primary dentist and get referrals for specialized care. It offers limited coverage per visit as specified in the service agreements.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plan A: This plan provides comprehensive coverage with no waiting periods for preventive and basic care. It covers 100% of preventive services, 80% of basic care, and 50% of major care, including implants and dentures. The annual maximum benefit is $2,000.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plan B: Similar to Plan A but with slightly different coverage percentages or caps. It covers 100% preventive care, 70% basic care, and 50% major care with an annual maximum of $1,500.
These plans cover a wide range of dental procedures, from routine cleanings and exams to more complex treatments like root canals, caries treatment, crowns, dentures, and implants.
AARP Delta Dental Insurance Advantages
Comprehensive Coverage: The plans cover preventive care such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays, as well as basic services like fillings and extractions, and major services including crowns, dentures, root canals, and implants.
No Waiting Periods for Preventive and Basic Care: Members can access essential dental services immediately without waiting, which is especially helpful for urgent dental needs.
Large Network of Dentists: Delta Dental has an extensive network of over 150,000 dentists across the U.S., allowing members to choose any licensed dentist or save more by visiting network dentists.
Flexibility for Families: Coverage can be extended to spouses and dependents under 26 years old, including stepchildren and grandchildren.
Affordable Pricing: The plans offer reasonable premiums and cost-sharing, making dental care accessible for seniors on fixed incomes.
Coverage for Major Procedures: Unlike some plans, AARP Delta Dental includes coverage for major dental work such as root canals and dentures, which are often costly.
AARP Delta Dental Insurance Coverage
The coverage includes three main categories:
Preventive Care: Routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays are covered at 100%, encouraging regular dental visits to prevent issues like caries (tooth decay) and gum disease.
Basic Care: Fillings, extractions, and root canals fall under this category. Coverage ranges from 70% to 80% depending on the plan.
Major Care: This includes crowns, dentures, implants, and other extensive dental procedures. Coverage is typically 50%, with annual maximum limits of $1,500 to $2,000.
The plans also cover treatments for common dental problems such as caries, which require fillings or root canals to save damaged teeth.
AARP Delta Dental Insurance Related Costs
Premiums: Monthly premiums vary by plan type and state but are generally affordable for seniors. The PPO plans have higher premiums than the DHMO plan due to broader coverage and flexibility.
Copayments and Coinsurance: Preventive services usually have no out-of-pocket cost. Basic and major services require copayments or coinsurance, with members paying 20%-50% depending on the plan and service.
Annual Maximums: PPO plans have annual maximum benefits of $1,500 or $2,000, which caps the insurer’s payout per year. Once the maximum is reached, members pay 100% of additional costs.
Network Savings: Visiting dentists within the Delta Dental network reduces out-of-pocket costs due to pre-negotiated fees.
AARP Delta Dental Insurance Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Comprehensive coverage including major dental work like root canals and dentures | Not available in all states and territories (e.g., American Samoa, Guam) |
| No waiting periods for preventive and basic care | DHMO plan requires referrals and primary dentist selection, limiting flexibility |
| Large network of dentists nationwide | Annual maximum limits may be insufficient for extensive dental needs |
| Affordable premiums tailored for seniors | Some services like teeth whitening may not be covered or have restrictions |
| Coverage can extend to family members | Must be an AARP member to enroll, which requires a membership fee |
| Immediate access to preventive care reduces risk of caries and other dental diseases | Out-of-pocket costs can be high for major procedures after reaching annual maximum |
Conclusion
In summary, AARP Delta Dental Insurance is a strong choice for seniors seeking affordable, comprehensive dental coverage. It covers essential procedures, including preventive care, caries treatment, root canals, and dentures, with flexibility in dentist choice and family coverage options. However, potential members should consider state availability, plan limitations, and annual maximums when selecting a plan.
