cheap dental vision hearing insurance for seniors
As an independent insurance agent, I understand the importance of dental, vision, and hearing insurance for seniors. These types of insurance can help seniors save money on healthcare costs and prevent major health concerns. In this article, I will discuss the different types of insurance plans available to seniors and how they can supplement their Medicare coverage.
When you enroll in Original Medicare, you may wonder what dental, vision, and hearing services are covered. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover most routine dental, vision, and hearing care. However, Medicare Part A may cover certain dental services necessary for your overall health, such as those required for a covered procedure, like jaw reconstruction after an injury. Medicare Part B may cover preventive and diagnostic services, such as an annual eye exam for diabetic retinopathy. Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional dental, vision, and hearing benefits, but these benefits vary by plan.
Types of Insurance Plans
Different types of dental, vision, and hearing insurance plans are available to seniors, such as standalone, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap plans. Here are some pros and cons of each type of plan:
– Standalone plans: These plans offer coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services and are available from private insurance companies. They may have lower premiums than Medicare Advantage plans, but they may also have higher out-of-pocket costs.
– Medicare Advantage plans: These plans offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. They may have lower out-of-pocket costs than standalone plans but also have more restrictions on which providers you can see.
– Medigap plans: These plans supplement Original Medicare and may cover some dental, vision, and hearing services. However, they do not offer standalone coverage for these services.
Is Dental and Vision Insurance Worth It for Seniors?
Dental and vision insurance for seniors is crucial to promoting proper dental and vision health through retirement. Once seniors reach age 65, they are ten times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, including oral cancers. Dental and vision plans for seniors provide benefits Original Medicare does not cover. These plans combine dental, vision, and often hearing benefits into one easy-to-use policy. Dental and vision plans have a maximum benefit that the plan pays out each year. When seniors enroll, they can choose their maximum benefit amount. Typical options range from a $1,000 maximum benefit to a $5,000 maximum benefit.
Standalone dental and vision plans designed specifically for seniors exist. These plans can be found through private health insurance agencies, like Blake Insurance Group. A stand-alone plan may fit seniors right if they are on Medicare. The benefits often associated with these kinds of plans include preventive, diagnostic, and major services.
Seniors can also consider purchasing dental and vision insurance from companies such as Cigna, Aetna, National General, UnitedHealth, Humana, and Manhattan Life Assurance. These companies offer dental, vision, and hearing insurance plans that cover preventive, basic, and major dental services. They also offer discount programs for hearing aids and exams.
The best dental and vision plans for seniors vary per policyholder. Everyone has different health needs and budgets. Seniors should consider their budget, health needs, and preferred providers and compare different plans when choosing an insurance plan. By purchasing dental, vision, and hearing insurance, seniors can maintain a healthy lifestyle through retirement and prevent serious health risks.
Top Providers for Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance
Dental, vision, and hearing insurance is essential for seniors to save money on healthcare costs and prevent major health concerns. Here are some of the best dental and vision insurance companies for seniors:
Cigna
Cigna offers dental and vision policies that cover seniors in 36 states and has accepting providers in all 50 states. Cigna Dental Vision 1000 Insurance Plan is ideal for people who want basic dental and vision coverage. Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 3500 Insurance Plan offers maximum coverage for these three essential benefits. Here are some key details about these plans:
Cigna Dental Vision 1000 Insurance Plan: This plan is ideal for people who want basic dental and vision coverage. It has an average monthly premium of $32 and offers $1,000 dental benefits per calendar year. The plan covers preventive services, such as dental check-ups, cleanings, routine X-rays, and basic restorative services, like fillings. The vision coverage includes an allowance of $100 for eyewear, including lenses, frames, and contacts.
Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 3500 Insurance Plan: This plan offers maximum dental, vision, and hearing services coverage. It has an average monthly premium of $50 and offers up to $3,650 benefits per calendar year. The plan covers preventive services, basic and major restorative services, and hearing aids. The vision coverage includes an allowance of $300 for eyewear, including lenses, frames, and contacts.
Seniors can find in-network providers for both plans in a few short steps or by calling Cigna. Cigna also offers standalone dental plans, high annual maximum plans, and bundled plans that include dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Seniors can consider buying a standalone dental plan to cover major dental care. Seniors can access a nationwide provider network and 24/7/365 customer service by choosing Cigna.
Aetna
Aetna offers standalone dental and vision insurance plans for seniors. Aetna Dental Direct is a dental insurance plan that offers coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services. Aetna Vision Preferred is a vision insurance plan that covers eye exams, glasses, and contacts. Here are some key details about these plans:
Aetna Dental Direct: This plan is ideal for people who want basic dental coverage. It has an average monthly premium of $20 and offers coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services. The plan covers preventive services, such as dental check-ups, cleanings, routine X-rays, and basic restorative services, like fillings. The plan also offers a discount program for orthodontic services.
Aetna Vision Preferred: This plan covers eye exams, glasses, and contacts. It has an average monthly premium of $14 and offers an allowance of $130 for eyewear, including lenses, frames, and contacts. The plan also offers discounts on LASIK and PRK vision correction procedures.
Seniors can find in-network providers for both plans in a few short steps or by calling Aetna. Aetna also offers dental and vision insurance plans for employees through their employer. Seniors can consider buying a standalone dental plan to cover major dental care. Seniors can access a nationwide provider network and 24/7/365 customer service by choosing Aetna.
National General
National General offers seniors dental and vision insurance plans that cover preventive, basic, and major dental services. National General also offers a discount program for hearing aids and exams. Here are some key details about these plans:
Dental Indemnity: This plan is ideal for people who want basic dental coverage. It has an average monthly premium of $32 and offers coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services. The plan covers preventive services, such as dental check-ups, cleanings, routine X-rays, and basic restorative services, like fillings. The plan also offers a discount program for orthodontic services.
Network Savings Card: This plan offers discounts on cleanings, routine oral exams, and major work such as dentures, root canals, and crowns. Seniors can access the Careington Maximum Care Dental Network and use network providers to get discounts on all dental services. This plan is not insurance and is not intended to replace health insurance.
Seniors can find in-network providers for both plans in a few short steps or by calling the National General. National General also offers accident and health insurance plans that pay cash benefits when you have dental checkups and treatments, helping you catch small problems before they become big expenses. Seniors can access a nationwide provider network and 24/7/365 customer service by choosing National General.
UnitedHealth
UnitedHealth offers dental, vision, and hearing insurance plans for seniors that cover preventive, basic, and major dental services. UnitedHealth also offers a discount program for hearing aids and exams. Here are some key details about these plans:
Dental Insurance: UnitedHealthcare offers dental insurance plans that cover preventive, basic, and major dental services. Golden Rule Insurance Company underwrites the plans and includes a range of options so seniors can find the most affordable. Depending on the plan chosen, dental insurance benefits can include preventive care, basic services, and major services. The plans also offer access to a wide dental network, including dental offices in both private and retail settings.
Medicare Advantage Plans: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans cover routine dental treatment, with some procedures having little to no out-of-pocket expense. The plans also offer coverage for vision and hearing services. Seniors can purchase a standalone dental plan from UnitedHealthcare, which the Golden Rule insurance company will fulfill. The standalone plans range from Primary to Primary Preferred Plus. If a person has original Medicare but does not wish to transition to Medicare Advantage, they can consider these separate policies from UnitedHealthcare.
Discount Program: UnitedHealthcare also offers a discount program for hearing aids and exams. The program offers discounts on hearing aids and exams at participating providers.
Seniors can find in-network providers for both plans in a few short steps or by calling UnitedHealth. UnitedHealth also offers fitness benefits, such as free gym memberships, telehealth, and vision care, such as free annual eye exams and prescription lenses. Seniors can access a nationwide provider network and 24/7/365 customer service by choosing UnitedHealth.
WellCare
WellCare offers seniors dental, vision, and hearing insurance plans that cover preventive, basic, and major dental services. WellCare also offers a discount program for hearing aids and exams. Here are some key details about these plans:
Dental Coverage: WellCare’s dental coverage focuses on the importance of preventive care. Many of their plans cover preventive and comprehensive services, such as dental exams, x-rays, cleanings, and prosthodontics. Seniors can refer to their Evidence of Coverage for more information about their plan’s dental coverage. Seniors may have to pay for dental services not covered by the plan and all costs above their maximum benefit. Authorization rules may apply. Seniors can use WellCare’s Find a Provider tool to find a participating dental provider in their area.
Vision and Hearing Coverage: WellCare’s vision and hearing coverage includes routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. Seniors can refer to their Evidence of Coverage for more information about their plan’s vision and hearing coverage.
Discount Program: WellCare also offers a discount for hearing aids and exams. Seniors can save up to 60% on hearing aids and exams at participating providers.
Seniors can find in-network providers for these plans in a few short steps or by calling WellCare. WellCare also offers Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, and Medicaid plans. Seniors can access a nationwide provider network and 24/7/365 customer service by choosing WellCare.
Humana
Humana offers dental, vision, and hearing insurance plans for seniors that cover preventive, basic, and major dental services. Humana Extend offers dental, vision, and hearing insurance plans that combine benefits into one easy and organized insurance plan. Humana also offers standalone dental and vision insurance plans for seniors. Here are some key details about these plans:
Humana Extend: Humana Extend combines dental, vision, and hearing premiums into one simple, streamlined payment. The plan covers preventive dental exams, cleanings, and vision and hearing exams. Seniors can choose from different plans, including the Humana Extend 1250, Humana Extend 2500, and Humana Extend 5000. The plans offer different levels of coverage and have different deductibles and maximums.
Dental Insurance: Humana offers standalone dental insurance plans for seniors that cover preventive, basic, and major dental services. Humana Insurance Company underwrites the plans and includes a range of options so seniors can find the most affordable. Depending on the plan chosen, dental insurance benefits can include preventive care, basic services, and major services. The plans also offer access to a wide dental network, including dental offices in both private and retail settings.
Vision and Hearing Insurance: Humana offers standalone vision and hearing insurance plans for seniors that cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. Humana Insurance Company underwrites the plans and includes a range of options so seniors can find the most affordable. Depending on the plan chosen, vision and hearing insurance benefits can include preventive care, basic services, and major services. The plans also offer access to a wide network of providers.
Seniors can find in-network providers for these plans in a few short steps or by calling Humana. Humana also offers Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, and Medicaid plans. Seniors can access a nationwide provider network and 24/7/365 customer service by choosing Humana.
Manhattan Life Assurance
Manhattan Life Assurance offers affordable dental insurance for seniors that covers vision and hearing, too. Their dental insurance plans cover preventive, basic, and major dental services. Here are some key details about these plans:
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance: This plan is designed to meet as many needs as possible outside of standard medical insurance. It provides coverage at the dentist and vision and hearing benefits for things like contact lenses, hearing aids, eye exams, and more. Seniors can choose if their annual benefit is $1,000 or $1,500, and their annual deductible is just $100 per person. The plan has no networks, no health-related questions, and is guaranteed issue for ages 18 to 85.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance Select: This plan offers coverage at the dentist and vision and hearing benefits for things like contact lenses, hearing aids, eye exams, and more. Seniors can choose their dentist; the plan includes preventive, basic, and major services. The plan also offers discounts on frames and lenses and is guaranteed renewable for life.
Seniors can find in-network providers for both plans in short steps or by calling Manhattan Life Assurance. Manhattan Life Assurance also offers Medicare Supplements, Cancer and/or Heart and stroke, Home Health Care, and Final Expense plans. Seniors can access a nationwide provider network and 24/7/365 customer service by choosing Manhattan Life Assurance.
Choosing a plan: Factors to Consider When Choosing an Insurance Plan
Choosing the right insurance plan can be a daunting task for seniors. Here are some tips to help seniors choose the best insurance plan for their needs:
Consider your budget: Seniors should consider their budget when choosing an insurance plan. They should look for a plan that offers the coverage they need at a price they can afford. Seniors should also consider the out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Evaluate your health needs: Seniors should evaluate their health needs when choosing an insurance plan. They should consider the services they need, such as dental, vision, and hearing care, and choose a plan that covers them. Seniors with chronic conditions should also consider a plan covering their health needs.
Check the provider network: Seniors should check the provider network when choosing an insurance plan. To avoid out-of-network costs, they should ensure their preferred providers are in the plan’s network. Seniors should also consider the convenience of the provider network, such as the providers’ location and the ease of scheduling appointments.
Compare different plans: Seniors should compare different insurance plans to find the best fit for their needs. They should consider each plan’s premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums. Seniors should also consider the quality of the plan, such as the plan’s customer service and provider ratings.
Seek advice: Seniors can seek advice from an independent insurance agent or a Medicare counselor to help them choose the best insurance plan for their needs. These professionals can guide the different types of insurance plans available and help seniors compare different plans.
In conclusion, dental, vision, and hearing insurance is essential for seniors to save money on healthcare costs and prevent major health concerns. Medicare does not cover most routine dental, vision, and hearing care, making it important for seniors to supplement their coverage with additional insurance plans. Seniors can choose from various dental and vision insurance companies that offer standalone plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medigap plans. When choosing an insurance plan, seniors should consider their budget, health needs, and preferred providers and compare different plans.
Dental, vision, and hearing services are high need, high cost, and low use among Medicare beneficiaries. Adding dental, vision, and hearing benefits to Medicare can help protect the health and finances of seniors. Dental, vision, and hearing insurance for seniors can help ensure they spend retirement doing the things they love most rather than worrying about how to cover expensive dental and vision procedures. By purchasing dental, vision, and hearing insurance, seniors can maintain a healthy lifestyle through retirement and prevent serious health risks.