The Best Dental Plans With Vision for Seniors in 2024
Oral health problems are prevalent among U.S. adults ages 65 and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 96% of seniors have had cavities, 20% have untreated tooth decay, and 68% have gum disease. Problems with vision are also common, with the CDC reporting that cases of early age-related macular degeneration are going to double by 2050.
One likely factor at play here is that Original Medicare covers neither routine dental nor vision care, causing many older adults to forgo this type of care altogether. To avoid this, it’s important to find dental and vision insurance. While these two types of policies can be purchased separately, it’s convenient –– not to mention cost-effective –– to purchase these types of coverage from the same provider.
In this guide, we’ll tell you about our favorite dental and vision insurance bundles. We’ll compare their coverage, costs, network availability, how easy it was to find doctors and submit claims, and all the information you need to select a provider.
Don’t need vision insurance? Read our rundown of this year’s best dental insurance plans for seniors.
The Best Dental and Vision Plans for Seniors
- Spirit Dental : Best Overall
- Humana Dental : Lowest Premiums
- Aetna Dental : Best With Free Exams
- Cigna Dental : Best With a Hearing Option
- Delta Dental : Best for Frames
- UnitedHealthcare Dental : Best for Contacts and Glasses
Our Methodology
Most health insurance companies will offer some sort of coverage for dental and vision. Here’s how we narrowed down countless insurance companies to our six favorite options.
- Low costs: Combined, dental and vision insurance should cost around $50 a month, with vision costing about $13, and dental costing about $40. However, we found some companies with even lower prices, so we prioritized them for those looking for lower premiums.
- Coverage limits: Vision and dental plans have copays, allowances, and deductibles for preventative, basic, and major care. We prefer companies that don’t make you pay a deductible and have large allowances and small copays.
- Network availability: Most of the companies on this list are available in all states, save for a few, which we’ve noted.
- Short waiting periods: A waiting period is how long after you sign up for a policy you can actually go and receive care. Fortunately, most of the companies on this list do not have waiting periods, so you can get the care you paid for as soon as you sign up.
Dental and Vision Plans Compared
| Provider | Annual coverage maximum | Maximum waiting period | Deductible | Monthly premium estimate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Dental | Vision: None Dental: $5,000 in year 3 |
None | Vision: $50 on eyeglass lenses/frames per lifetime, $10 deductible on exams Dental: $100 lifetime |
$41.05 |
| Humana | Vision: None Dental: $1,500 |
Vision: None Dental: 30 days on basic care, 12 months on major services |
$50-$150 | $43.48 |
| Aetna | Vision: $1,000-$12,50 per person Dental: Unlimited |
Vision: None Dental: None if you’ve had dental insurance in the past 90 days. Otherwise, 1 to 12 months depending on the service |
Vision: $0 Dental: $0-$50 |
$60.89 |
| Cigna | Vision: $150 Dental: None, or $1,000-$5,000 |
Vision: None Dental: None, or 6-12 months |
Vision: $0 Dental: $50 for an individual, $150 for a family |
$37.75 |
| Delta | Vision: N/A Dental: $0-$2,000 |
Vision: None Dental: None, 1, or 12 months |
Vision: $0 Dental: $0-$50 |
$45.37 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Vision: N/A Dental: $2,000 |
Vision: None Dental: None except in Connecticut and Illinois, 6 months for major services |
Dental: $50 or $100 Vision: N/A |
$69.38 |
*Monthly premium estimates were obtained for a 65-year-old woman.
1. Spirit Dental - Best Overall
View Plans
Links to Spirit Dental
What We Like Most:
- Six dental plans to choose from
- No waiting periods
- Can use out-of-network providers
- $7 per month vision insurance
Overview
Spirit offers comprehensive vision and dental insurance, with six dental plans to choose from. The vision add-on makes eyeglasses, contacts, and exams affordable, and the plans allow you to use out-of-network providers, making finding vision and dental care easier than ever before.
Spirit Dental and Vision Plans for Seniors
Spirit currently offers five different dental plans, all of which can be paired with an additional vision policy.
| Spirit Dental Plan | Preventive Value | Bright Plus for Veterans | Bright Plus | Loyalty Plus | Complete Dental |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $18.99 | $27.71 | $27.71 | $38.99 | $53.99 |
| Deductible | $50 | $50 | $50 | $150 | $50 |
| Coverage Limit | Unlimited | $1,250 | $1,250 | Year 1: $1,000 Year 2: $12,50 Year 3: $1,500 |
Year 1: $1,250 Year 2: $1,500 |
| Preventative coinsurance | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Basic procedures coinsurance | 50% | 40% | 40% | Year 1: 60% Year 2: 45% Year 3: 30% |
20% |
| Major procedures coinsurance | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Year 1: 80% Year 2: 70% Year 3: 50% |
50% |
From there, there is one vision add-on with the following costs:
- Exam cost: $10 deductible, $50
- Frames cost: $50 deductible, $65
- Standard plastic lenses cost: $50 deductible, $40 to $100
- Contacts cost: $100
Finding a Dentist and Eye Doctor: With Spirit, I simply went on the company’s website and entered in my ZIP code. I could also sort by additional forces like distance, specialty, gender, language, and more. With no filters, Spirit gave me 573 dental providers in-network, with the most cost-effective options highlighted in green. There was even a comparison tool to see providers side-to-side, and I could estimate the cost of dental care with each provider using Spirit’s online tool. This made the search for a dentist super easy, and I was able to find an affordable doctor only 16 miles away.
Making a Claim: You can make a Spirit claim either online or through the mail by sending in a form. I prefer to use their website, which makes it easy to log on and file a claim without a trip to the post office.
Out-of-Network Coverage: Spirit’s plans let me use any provider, regardless of whether they were in my network or not. However, I had larger allowances when I went in-network, so in-network I went.
Restrictions: With Spirit, the longer you stay, the more coverage you get. As far as dental services go, the maximum benefit is $750 year one, $1,000 year two, and $1,000 year three. Plus, the longer you’re with the company, the more services will be covered. For example, it takes two years to get covered space maintainers, or three years to get basic fillings and simple extractions.
Waiting Periods: Spirit has no waiting periods for either dental or vision insurance, which means that you can get care right after you paid your first premium.
Pros
- No waiting period
- $5,000 dental benefit in year three
- $100 lifetime deductible for dental care
- Preventative dental insurance is covered 100%
Cons
- Not available in Rhode Island
- Can only get new frames once every 24 months
2. Humana Dental - Lowest Premiums
View Plans
Links to Humana Dental
What We Like Most:
- Dental and vision coverage from $20 per month
- Can add hearing insurance
- Lower copays and higher allowances with PLUS in-network providers
- 15% off the retail price of Lasik or PRK
Overview
With Humana, you can pay less than $20 a month for vision and dental insurance, the lowest price on this list. And with the provider’s special PLUS network, you’ll find $90 copays on exams and frames and allowances of up to $250 on frames and $200 on contacts.
>> Read more: Humana Dental Insurance Review
Humana Dental and Vision Plans for Seniors
Humana had six dental plans to choose from, and only one vision. Here are the dental options:
| Humana Dental Plans | Preventive Value | Bright Plus for Veterans | Bright Plus | Loyalty Plus | Complete Dental |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $18.99 | $27.71 | $27.71 | $38.99 | $53.99 |
| Deductible | $50 | $50 | $50 | $150 | $50 |
| Coverage Limit | Unlimited | $1,250 | $1,250 | Year 1: $1,000 Year 2: $1,250 Year 3: $1,500 |
Year 1: $1,250 Year 2: $1,500 |
| Preventative coinsurance | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Basic procedures coinsurance | 50% | 40% | 40% | Year 1: 60% Year 2: 45% Year 3: 30% |
20% |
| Major procedures coinsurance | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Year 1: 80% Year 2: 70% Year 3: 50% |
50% |
As far as the vision insurance goes, Humana has something it calls the PLUS in-network providers, essentially, a group of providers with the cheapest copays. Here are the costs with PLUS in-network providers, non-PLUS in-network providers, and last but not least, out-of-network providers. These costs will vary by state, but I looked at the copays, allowances, and discounts for Pennsylvania residents.
| Humana vision insurance | PLUS in-network | In-network | Out-of-network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | $0 copay | $10 copay | $30 allowance |
| Frames | $0 copay, $250 allowance, 20% off balance over $250 | $0 copay, 10% off retail price | Not covered |
| Single-vision lenses | $10 copay | $10 copay | $25 allowance |
| Conventional contact lenses | $200 allowance, 15% off balance over $200 | $200 allowance, 15% off balance over $200 | $92 allowance |
Finding a Dentist and Eye Doctor: Finding a dentist or optometrist with Humana required logging in, and since I didn’t actually sign up for a policy, I was unable to test it out. However, the process seemed fairly straightforward, although I wish you could find care without logging in.
Making a Claim: Similarly to Spirit, Humana offers claims submissions over the mail and online. However, typically, your healthcare providers will submit your claims for you electronically, and all you’ll be responsible for is your copay, deductible, and any non-covered balance.
Out-of-Network Coverage: Sometimes Huaman covered out-of-network providers, although not as much as if they’d been in-network, and sometimes it didn’t cover them at all. For example, if I had gotten frames out of network, I would’ve gotten a $200 allowance. That’s the same allowance as the in-network providers, except for the fact that going in-network allowed me to save 20% off balances over $200, or over $250 if I had gone to someone in the PLUS network.
Restrictions: Like many vision providers, with Humana, I could only get either frames and lenses, or contacts, every 12 months, but not both. Last year, I needed both glasses and contacts, so I had to pay out of pocket for my contacts, which ended up costing about $700, even after a $100 rebate.
Waiting Periods: While Humana has no waiting period for vision appointments, you’ll have to wait 30 days for basic services with the Preventative Value, Bright Plus for Veterans, Bright Plus, and Complete Dental plans. Complete Dental also includes a 12-month waiting period for major services. However, with the Loyalty Plus and Dental Savings Plus plans, there are no waiting periods whatsoever.
Pros
- $0 copay for exams and frames in PLUS network
- Six dental plans to choose from
- Some options include hearing insurance
- No waiting period
Cons
- Out-of-network providers aren’t always covered
- Can only get either frames/lenses or contact lenses once per year
3. Aetna Dental - Best With Free Exams
View Plans
Links to Aetna Dental
What We Like Most:
- Free vision exams
- Up to 40% off additional pairs of prescription glasses
- Discounts on hearing aids and hearing aid exams
- Preventative dental care is free
Overview
Aetna’s vision and dental offerings could include no deductibles and $0 exams. You’ll have three dental plans to choose from, one vision plan, and no waiting periods. The vision insurance itself is on the cheaper side, costing only about $12 per month.
>> Read more: Aetna Dental Insurance Review
Aetna Dental and Vision Plans for Seniors
Aetna offers three dental plans, plus one vision add-on. In terms of dental, here are your options:
| Aetna Dental Plans | Direct Preferred PPO | Direct Core PPO | Direct Preventive PPO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $52.09 | $45.41 | $19.80 |
| Deductible | $0-$50 | $0-$50 | $0 |
| Coverage Limit | $1,250 | $1,000 | No maximum |
| Preventative Coinsurance | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Basic Procedures Coinsurance | 20% | 50% | Not covered |
| Major Procedures Coinsurance | 50% | 50% | Not covered |
The Vision Preferred plan includes $0 deductibles and exams, a $130 allowance for frames and then 20% off balances over that amount, a $25 copay for standard plastic lenses, and a $130 allowance for contacts with 15% off balances over $130.
Finding a Dentist and Eye Doctor: Unlike Humana, Aetna let me browse doctors without logging in, based on the plan I wanted to choose. I chose the Vision Preferred plan and found that I could search by location, name, and ZIP code. I searched by ZIP code and found 60 results near me. The website made clear which locations would win me even more savings and even let me schedule appointments online. That is much better than speaking to dental receptionists, who aren’t always the most helpful. Of course, if you prefer speaking to a human, you still have that option, as well.
Making a Claim: Similarly to Humana, most vision and dental care providers will submit claims to the company electronically so you don’t have to worry about it. However, there is an online option if, for some reason, you want to submit your own claim.
Out-of-Network Coverage: Like most of the providers on this list, while Aetna covered out-of-network providers, the savings were better in-network. Take preventative oral examinations, for example. With the Direct Preferred PPO plan, these exams were free. However, if I went out of network, Aetna would cover only 20%.
Restrictions: Like with Humana, with Aetna, I could get only glasses or contacts per period (12 months), but not both. The insurance also does not cover any special vision procedures like vision therapy, which is typical of vision insurance.
Waiting Periods: You won’t have to wait to get services with Aetna for vision, or for dental, given you’ve had other dental insurance within the past 90 days. However, if you haven’t, you’ll have the following waiting periods, similar to some of Humana’s dental plans:
- Resin fillings and uncomplicated extractions: One month
- Periodontal maintenance cleanings and occlusal adjustments: Six months
- Major services: 12 months
Pros
- $0 vision deductible
- Free vision exams
- No-cost preventive dental insurance
- $50 individual deductible for dental
Cons
- Can only get glasses or contact lenses per period, but not both
- Not available in Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Virginia, and Washington
4. Cigna Dental - Best With a Hearing Option
What We Like Most:
- Can bundle dental, vision, and hearing insurance
- Preventative dental care has no coinsurance
- Pays 70% of basic and major dental care after deductible
- Only $47.75 for vision/dental insurance
Overview
If you want to combine vision, hearing, and dental insurance under one provider, consider Cigna. With no waiting periods on vision and some dental plans and a $0 deductible, you’ll be able to choose from in or out-of-network providers. Plus, there are three dental, vision, and hearing bundles to choose from, giving you a variety of options.
Further reading: Cigna Dental Insurance Review
Cigna Dental and Vision Plans for Seniors
You can combine hearing, dental, and vision in one of two plans: 2000 or 3500. If you just want dental/vision, however, there’s one option called 1000.
| Plan | Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 2000 | Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 3500 | Dental Vision 1000 Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $50 | $62 | $37.75 |
| Deductible | Dental: $100 per person Vision/hearing: None |
Dental: $100 Vision/hearing: None |
Dental: $50 individual, $150 family Vision: None |
| Annual coverage limit | Dental: $1,500 Vision: $275 Hearing: $500 |
Dental: $2,500 Vision: $400 Hearing: $750 |
Dental: $1,000 Vision: $150 |
| Preventive coinsurance | Dental: $0 Vision: 50% or up to 75% Hearing: $50 allowance |
Dental: 100% Vision: 90% Hearing: Up to $50 per year |
Dental: 100%, no deductible Vision: 30%, up to $50 per year |
| Basic procedures coinsurance | Dental: 70% after deductible Vision: $200 Hearing: Hearing aids covered up to $500 |
Dental: 80% after deductible Vision: $300 Hearing: Up to $700 per year |
Dental: 70% after deductible Vision: $100 |
| Major procedures coinsurance | Dental: 50% after deductible Vision: Not covered Hearing: Up to 50% off hearing aid devices |
Dental: 50% after deductible Vision: Not covered Hearing: Up to 50% off hearing aid devices |
Dental: Not covered Vision: Not covered |
Finding a Dentist and Eye Doctor: When I searched for a dentist near me on Cigna’s website, I got 181 results within a number of seconds, all of which I could sort by best match or distance. The website made it really clear what plans each dental office accepted, and if I had logged in, I would have seen customer ratings for professional histories. I could also filter by gender, handicap-accessible, board-certified, and additional languages spoken.
Making a Claim: For the tech-savvy among us, you have two ways to submit your claims to Cigna — either online via its website, or in the myCigna app. I used the myCigna iPhone app and had no trouble figuring out how to submit my claim.
Out-of-Network Coverage: While the company doesn’t specify how much you’ll have with an in-network provider, it is clear that with out-of-network providers, you may have to pay more than is covered with in-network.
Restrictions: Cigna’s dental insurance does not cover teeth that were already missing when you first became insured. It will also not cover veneers, core build-ups, and a handful of other services that most dental insurance does not cover, either.
Waiting Periods: Like all of the providers on this list, Cigna has no waiting period for vision insurance. However, depending on which dental plan you choose, you could have no waiting period, or a six or 12-month waiting period.
Pros
- Dental, hearing, and vision insurance available
- $0 vision deductible
- $50 dental deductible for individuals
- Free preventative dental care
Cons
- $150 annual coverage maximum
- Exams cost either 30 percent, or up to $50
5. Delta Dental - Best for Frames
What We Like Most:
- 35% off the retail prices of frames
- Standard plastic lenses cost $20 to $85
- Discounts of $130 to $200 on contracts
- 40% off complete pairs of prescription eyeglasses
Overview
Delta Dental offers free preventative dental care and up to 50% off on basic and major procedures. The company outsources its vision insurance to EyeMed, which offers exams starting at $0, frames, and contact lenses for up to $200.
Delta Dental and Vision Plans for Seniors
| Delta Dental Plans | Delta Dental PPO Individual Premium Plan | Delta Dental Individual and Family PPO Basic Plan | DeltaCare USA PAA60 Individual/Family Dental Program | EyeMed Healthy | EyeMed Bold | EyeMed Bright |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $38.42 | $19.08 | $17.32 (but made in 1 payment of $207.88) | $5 | $18 | $30 |
| Deductible | $50 | $50 | $0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Coverage Limit | $2,000 | $1,000 | $0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Preventative Coinsurance | 0% | 0% | Office visits: $10
Exams: $0 Cleanings (2 per calendar year): $20 X-rays: $0 |
$0 copay | $10 copay | $10 copay |
| Basic Procedures Coinsurance | 20% | 50% (but only covers fillings and simple tooth removals) | Fillings: $25-$120
Tooth removal: $30-$230 Teeth whitening: $125 Cum cleanings: $65 Gum treatments: $150-$260 Denture repair: $40-$75 Complete dentures: $495 |
Frames: 35% off retail price
Single vision non-glass lenses: $55 Contact lenses: Discounts only |
Frames: $130 allowance
Single vision non-glass lenses: $20 copay Contact lenses: $130 allowance |
Frames: $200 allowance
Single vision non-glass lenses: $20 copay Contact lenses: $200 allowance |
| Major Procedures Coinsurance | 50% | Not covered | Root canals: $240-$400
Implants: Not covered Crowns: $125-$495 Orthodontics: $1,600-$2,800 (adult) |
15% off retail price for LASIK or PRK Vision Correction at U.S. Laser Network | 15% off retail price for LASIK or PRK Vision Correction at U.S. Laser Network | 15% off retail price for LASIK or PRK Vision Correction at U.S. Laser Network |
Finding a Dentist and Eye Doctor: On Delta’s website, I found a dentist by inputting my plan, which I put as Delta Dental PPO, and my current location. From there, I got 50 options, which I could sort by distance or filter by extended hours, languages spoken, and gender. For each dentist, the website listed whether they are close to public transit or treat disabled adults, which was a nice bonus I haven’t seen from any other provider.
But because Delta outsources its vision insurance to EyeMed, I had to go over to EyeMed’s site to find an optometrist. The process was slightly confusing, though, as the form forced me to select my network: Access, Insight, Select, or Advantage and not Bold, Bright, or Healthy. Instead, I selected “I Don’t Know” and got a message that the website was experiencing an issue. When I changed my network to “Insight,” I got 60 results near me, which I could filter by languages spoken, gender, specialty, hours, and PLUS providers, similar to Humana in that these locations saved me money. This wasn’t exactly the smoothest process, and it definitely confused me more than any provider on this list.
Making a Claim: Since Delta outsources its vision insurance to EyeMed, I logged onto the EyeMed site to file my claim, although a mail option was available, much like Humana and Spirit. For dental vision claims, I used the Delta Dental app, but unlike the myCigna app, it wasn’t the most useful, as it didn’t actually show me my benefits. I preferred using the Delta website to submit claims.
Out-of-Network Coverage: Delta Dental can save you up to 40% if you go with an in-network provider. Similarly, with the vision insurance from EyeMed, I saved money with in-network providers. Take frames, for example. With the Bright Vision Benefits plan, when I went in-network, I had no copay and a $200 allowance, plus 20% off any balance over $200. If I went out of network, I would’ve had to pay out of pocket, then get reimbursed for only $100. Not only is that a hassle, but it’s a pretty paltry amount compared to $200 plus.
Restrictions: Like Aetna and Humana, with most Delta plans, you can either get contact lenses or new frames once a year, but not both.
Waiting Periods: EyeMed, which provides vision insurance from Delta, has no waiting periods on its services. However, depending on which Delta Dental plan you choose, you could have no waiting period, a one-month waiting period, or a 12-month waiting period.
Pros
- 35% discount on frames’ retail prices
- Standard plastic lenses for $20 to $85
- Three vision plans and five dental plans to choose from
- Up to $2,000 in dental benefits per year
Cons
- Vision insurance is outsourced to EyeMed
- Won’t get full allowance with out-of-network providers
6. UnitedHealthcare Dental - Best for Contacts and Glasses
What We Like Most:
- $150 allowance for frames
- $0 copay for contacts
- $10 copay for standard plastic lenses
- Can bundle with health insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness coverage
Overview
UnitedHealthcare has two vision plans and four dental plans to choose from. As far as frames go, you’ll get a $150 allowance, along with a $0 copay on contacts. You’ll receive a benefit of up to $2,000 worth of dental coverage with a $50 or $100 deductible.
>> Read more: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Review
UnitedHealthcare Dental and Vision Plans for Seniors
| UnitedHealthcare Dental Plans | Gen Saver | Gen Basic | Gen Plus | Gen Deluxe | Vision Plan A | Vision Plan B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $45.17 | $56.76 | $64 | $66.49 | $11.40 | $15.70 |
| Deductible | $100 | $100 | $100 | $50 | N/A | N/A |
| Coverage Limit | $1,000 | $1,500 | $100 | $2,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Preventative Coinsurance | Year 1: 40%
Year 2: 30% Year 3: 20% |
100% | Year 1: 40%
Year 2: 30% Year 3: 20% |
Year 1: 50%
Year 2: 35% Year 3: 20% |
$10 copay | $10 copay |
| Basic Procedures Coinsurance | Year 1: 50%
Year 2: 35% Year 3: 20% |
Year 1: 50%
Year 2: 35% Year 3: 20% |
Year 1: 50%
Year 2: 35% Year 3: 20% |
Year 1: 50%
Year 2: 35% Year 3: 20% |
Frames: $150 allowance
Single vision lenses: $10 copay, $40 allowances Select contacts: $0 copay Non-selection contacts: $125 allowance |
Frames: $150 allowance
Single vision lenses: $10 copay, $40 allowances Select contacts: $0 copay Non-selection contacts: $150 allowance |
| Major Procedures Coinsurance | Year 1: 90%
Year 2: 60% Year 3: 50% |
Year 1: 90%
Year 2: 60% Year 3: 50% |
Year 1: 10%
Year 2: 60% Year 3: 50% |
Year 1: 90%
Year 2: 60% Year 3: 50% |
Not covered | Not covered |
Finding a Dentist and Eye Doctor: I searched by location on UHC’s website and found seven vision care providers within 20 miles of my ZIP code. Most of the providers offer eye exams, eyewear, and contacts, and all of the providers were accepting new patients and were in-network. With dental care, I had to select a plan, which, similar to EyeMed, was a bit confusing; I wasn’t sure which network had which plans. Still, to complete the process, I chose “National Medicare Advantage Network” and found 4,167 results near me. This process would have been easier if I had known my network. Some of the providers had ratings out of five stars, which was a nice additional bit of information from real customers.
Making a Claim: I submitted my UHC claims online, and it only took a few minutes, although there’s a mail option, as well.
Out-of-Network Coverage: Looking at UHC’s dental insurance specifically, here are my savings when I chose in-network providers over out-of-network providers, depending on the service:
- Routine cleanings: $47
- Simple fillings: $124
- Molar root canals: $686
A root canal is already painful enough. Why pay $1,198 for one when you can pay only $512?
Restrictions: With UHC’s Plan A, you can get glasses or contacts per year, but not both. However, that’s not the case with Plan B, which allows both in a single year.
Waiting Periods: UnitedHealthcare has no waiting plans for vision or dental insurance. However, if you live in Illinois or Connecticut, you’ll have to wait six months for major dental services.
Pros
- No waiting period
- $2,000 maximum dental benefit
- $50 dental deductible
- Vision insurance starts at $11.40 per month
Cons
- Dental and vision coverage costs a minimum of $57 per month
- Not available in several parts of Pennsylvania
Dental Coverage Options for Seniors
Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, including cleanings, dentures, tooth extractions, dental plates, and more. Instead, you’ll pay out of pocket for these services, which could cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you already have Original Medicare, then finding additional dental coverage will likely benefit you in the long run.
That said, many Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C), will have dental coverage built into them. Offered by private insurers, Medicare Advantage plans are required to have coverage that is equal to or greater than Original Medicare. Because of this, many Medicare Advantage providers either include dental coverage or offer it for an additional monthly premium.
While Medicare Advantage plans can certainly have their downsides –– most notably, network restrictions, which Original Medicare does not have –– however, many of our readers have found them to be an effective way to receive healthcare coverage.
To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans, read our guide to this year’s best Medicare Advantage providers.
Vision Coverage Options for Seniors
Original Medicare does not cover eye exams, nor does Medicare cover glasses or contact lenses. Medicare Part B will, however, cover vision in a few key places, such as if you need corrective lenses for cataract surgery, if you need an eye exam for diabetic retinopathy, or if you’re at high risk for developing glaucoma and need a screening. After you’ve hit your deductible, you’d be responsible for 20% of the services. Otherwise, you’d pay 100% for eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses under Original Medicare.
As with dental, it’s essential to find additional coverage for routine vision care needs. This can be accomplished either by purchasing an additional vision policy or by purchasing a Medicare Advantage plan with vision coverage. The vast majority of Medicare Advantage plans offer some form of vision coverage. When comparing providers, be sure to review exactly what’s covered as well as any restrictions such as deductibles and waiting periods.
Combining Dental and Vision Coverage
If you want both dental and vision coverage, it makes sense to bundle them under the same provider. Not only will this be more convenient when it comes to claims and benefits, but you may also be able to get lower prices on both by bundling. Cigna, for example, charges only $37.75 for a bundle of dental and vision insurance, while dental insurance on its own can be even more expensive.
All of the providers on this list offer vision and dental bundles, although Delta outsources its vision insurance to EyeMed. However, if you don’t find a company in which you like both their vision and dental plans, you can use separate companies for each, although keeping track of your benefits and claims may be that much more confusing.
Additional Resources and Support
Need more help seeking dental and vision care? Here are some helpful resources:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): You can see plans and estimated prices from the HHS directly. From there, you can choose a plan and enroll on the provider’s website. Simply enter your ZIP code here to see your options.
- Administration for Community Living (ACL): The ACL provides one-on-one counseling that can help you connect to high-quality care, programs, and services. The organization also funds other aging and disability organizations. To get connected with services, call 800-677-1116.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): For counseling and assistance with Medicare, you can find your local SHIP, available in every state, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If you need financial assistance for vision or dental care, check out these resources:
- Community health centers: The federal government funds community health centers across the country that offer health services like dental care at free or reduced costs. Find a community center near you.
- Medicare: If you’re 65 or older, or under 65 with a disability, ALS, or End-Stage Renal Disease, you can consider Medicare’s dental coverage, although it’s limited, or Medicare Advantage Plans for vision, hearing, and dental care. For help with Medicare, contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, available nationwide.
- Dental schools: Most dental schools offer treatment at a reduced cost. Although the dentists are students gaining experience, they are supervised by licensed and experienced dentists, ensuring that the work is up to par. Find a dental school near you through the American Dental Education Association.
Finally, here are some tips for advocating for better dental and vision coverage within Medicare and private insurance plans:
- Assess your current coverage: If you have Original Medicare, dental and vision aren’t covered in a comprehensive way. While it may seem appealing to save money on premiums, it won’t seem so appealing when you’re met with a huge medical bill for your root canal or need to buy a year’s supply of contact lenses. I recommend buying Medicare Advantage to get dental and vision through a private insurer.
- Compare quotes: Hasn’t anyone ever told you to never accept a first offer? These days, most companies make it really easy to see what premiums you’d pay by using a quote estimator on their website. Make sure to input your specific information, as costs will vary by age, location, and other factors.
- Read the fine print: Look for the services covered, how much they're covered, and how long you’ll have to wait before you can actually use these benefits. Also make sure that you can afford to pay the deductible, because if you can’t, you won’t be able to access your benefits.
Bottom Line
Although Medicare Parts A and B do not cover dental and vision insurance, for the most part, having strong teeth and vision is essential for maintaining good health and quality of life in the senior years. Be sure to be proactive and do your research before you select a provider. Fortunately, there are many resources that can help you access this quality care, from government organizations to nonprofits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Medicare cover dental and eyeglasses?
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, covers dental insurance as well as vision insurance, which includes eyeglasses. However, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) do not cover dental and eyeglasses.
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Does Medicare Advantage cover vision and dental?
As of 2024, roughly 99% of Medicare Advantage plans will offer some form of coverage for dental and vision care; however, these coverages will differ, so it’s important to review any Evidence of Coverage documents to see what you might stand to pay.
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Do Medigap plans cover vision and dental?
No, Medigap plans don’t cover vision or dental care, generally, including eyeglasses. Rather, Medigap plans cover the deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance of original Medicare, which also does not include dental and vision insurance.
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Which is better: Medicare Advantage with dental and vision or a stand-alone policy?
A stand-alone policy is better than Medicare Advantage because you will have a larger network, and it is unlikely that you will have waiting periods. Additionally, more services will be covered. However, if you want to save money, Medicare Advantage could be a better option.
