We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
Best Medicare Advantage Dental Plans for Seniors
The best Medicare Advantage dental plans will depend on your needs. See which providers top our list in the article below.
Kate Ashford, CSA® Lead Writer | Medicare, retirement, personal finance
Kate Ashford is a writer and NerdWallet authority on Medicare. She is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and has more than 18 years of experience writing about personal finance. Previously, she was a freelance writer for both consumer and business publications, and her work has been published by the BBC, Forbes, Money, AARP, LearnVest and Parents, among others. She has a degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Kate has appeared as a Medicare expert on the PennyWise podcast by Lee Enterprises, and she's been quoted in national publications including Healthline, Real Simple and SingleCare. She is based in New York.
Holly Carey joined NerdWallet in 2021 as an editor on the team responsible for expanding content to additional topics within personal finance. She currently leads the Medicare team. Previously, Holly wrote and edited content and developed digital media strategies as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy. She is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
You’re following Kate Ashford, CSA® Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental services, such as cleanings, fillings and extractions. Those on Medicare can buy a separate dental policy or turn to Medicare Advantage plans, most of which offer some cost help for dental care in addition to other benefits.
The vast majority (97%) of Medicare Advantage plans offer some access to dental care, although the type of coverage and limits on cost sharing vary. A plan might cover twice-a-year cleanings, for instance, but no fillings or other dental work.
If you’re looking for the best dental insurance for seniors on Medicare Advantage, here are our top picks.
Best dental insurance for seniors on Medicare
Insurance company
CMS Star Rating
Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
States available
Members in high-rated plans
Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Member experience
The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and boast the largest Medicare Advantage provider network, although member experience ratings are average.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.12 (Average)
Pros
Largest Medicare Advantage medical network of all companies, with more than 1 million providers.
Largest Medicare Advantage dental network, and all standard plans offer dental coverage.
Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
Member experience scores are average.
Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.
States available
49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.12 (Average)
Pros
Largest Medicare Advantage medical network of all companies, with more than 1 million providers.
Largest Medicare Advantage dental network, and all standard plans offer dental coverage.
Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
Member experience scores are average.
Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.
Standout feature: UnitedHealthcare has the largest network of dental providers of all Medicare Advantage companies, with more than 100,000 providers.
UnitedHealthcare is the biggest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S., with a presence in 49 states and Washington, D.C. UnitedHealthcare also partners with AARP and insures Medicare products with the AARP name. About two-thirds (67%) of UHC’s members are in plans with high star ratings.
Pros:
UHC offers the largest Medicare dental network, with more than 100,000 providers.
UHC plans with comprehensive dental coverage include an average of about seven services per plan.
Among UHC Medicare Advantage members, 67% are in highly rated plans.
Cons:
Only 85% of UHC plans offer comprehensive dental coverage, one of the lower percentages among major Medicare Advantage providers.
Best for comprehensive coverage: Cigna and Aetna (tie)
Cigna
Cigna
3.76
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Cigna plans are low-cost and member experience scores are higher than average, but star ratings from the CMS have declined.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.49 (Above average)
Pros
More than 8 in 10 Cigna plans are $0-premium plans.
Offers a range of member benefits, such as 24/7 telehealth, meal delivery and transportation to and from health facilities.
Cons
Below-average star ratings.
Available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives all Cigna plans a score of 3.5 stars or lower on their 5-point scale.
States available
29 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.49 (Above average)
Pros
More than 8 in 10 Cigna plans are $0-premium plans.
Offers a range of member benefits, such as 24/7 telehealth, meal delivery and transportation to and from health facilities.
Cons
Below-average star ratings.
Available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives all Cigna plans a score of 3.5 stars or lower on their 5-point scale.
Standout feature: Nearly every Cigna Medicare Advantage plan comes with both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, including coverage for endodontics, extractions and restorative services.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Preventive dental coverage may include cleanings, fluoride treatment, X-rays and exams. Comprehensive dental coverage may include diagnostic services, periodontics (gums), extractions, restorative services (fillings, bridges), endodontics (root canals) and prosthodontics (artificial teeth).
Cigna isn’t the largest Medicare Advantage provider, but the company’s plans come packed with benefits, which may include preventive and comprehensive dental, 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery. More than 8 in 10 Cigna Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium, and Cigna’s comprehensive dental coverage includes an average of nearly seven covered services.
Pros:
Nearly all Cigna Medicare Advantage members will get both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage.
The average Cigna dental plan with comprehensive coverage includes almost seven covered services.
Cigna’s member experience ratings, including metrics like care coordination and customer service, are above-average among major providers.
Cons:
Cigna star ratings from the CMS are below the industry average.
Cigna plans are available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and offer a variety of extra benefits. Member experience scores are also high, although star ratings fall just below the industry average.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.79 (Above average)
Pros
In addition to dental, vision and hearing, many plans offer perks like an over-the-counter allowance, meal delivery and in-home health visits.
More than 8 in 10 Medicare-eligible beneficiaries have access to a $0-premium Aetna plan.
Available in 46 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
Customer satisfaction lands below industry average in some major Medicare markets.
States available
46 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.79 (Above average)
Pros
In addition to dental, vision and hearing, many plans offer perks like an over-the-counter allowance, meal delivery and in-home health visits.
More than 8 in 10 Medicare-eligible beneficiaries have access to a $0-premium Aetna plan.
Available in 46 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
Customer satisfaction lands below industry average in some major Medicare markets.
Standout feature: More than nine in 10 Aetna Medicare Advantage plans provide comprehensive dental coverage and average nearly seven included services per plan, from periodontics to extractions to restorative services. And 98% of Aetna plans offer preventive dental care, which includes cleanings and X-rays.
Aetna, a CVS Health company, is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, and 84% of Medicare beneficiaries have the option of a $0-premium Aetna plan. Aetna also offers stand-alone prescription drug plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including some of the lowest-premium plans nationwide.
Pros:
Aetna is available in most states and Washington, D.C.
Preventive dental services (cleaning, X-rays and exams) are covered at 100% on most plans.
Some Aetna Medicare Advantage plans offer other perks, such as an over-the-counter allowance and meal delivery services.
Cons:
Aetna customer satisfaction numbers land below the industry average in some major Medicare markets, according to J.D. Power’s latest survey.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Wellcare, owned by Centene, offers some nice perks, such as Giveback plans that cover part or all of your Part B premium, but star ratings and member satisfaction fall below other major providers.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Low (49% or less)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
2.57 (Below average)
Pros
Company strength: Parent company Centene is the fifth-largest for-profit Medicare Advantage provider.
Some plans include extra benefits such as the Spendables card, which is preloaded with funds members can use on things like over-the-counter products or their share of dental care costs.
Cons
Low star ratings from CMS.
Below-average member experience ratings on things like care coordination and customer service.
States available
37 states
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Low (49% or less)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
2.57 (Below average)
Pros
Company strength: Parent company Centene is the fifth-largest for-profit Medicare Advantage provider.
Some plans include extra benefits such as the Spendables card, which is preloaded with funds members can use on things like over-the-counter products or their share of dental care costs.
Cons
Low star ratings from CMS.
Below-average member experience ratings on things like care coordination and customer service.
Nearly all of Wellcare’s Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive dental care, with 95% of plans offering both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, averaging more than six covered comprehensive services per plan. Wellcare is available in 37 states.
Best for low-cost plans: Humana
Humana
4.34
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Humana plans are widely available, highly rated by CMS and score well for member satisfaction. Humana also offers $0-premium plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (90% or more)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.97 (Above average)
Pros
Offers $0-premium plans in every U.S. state except Alaska.
Higher-than-average overall star rating from CMS.
Strong member experience scores among major providers.
Cons
Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans available in only 22 states.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives several Humana plans a 3 or below on its 5-point scale.
States available
49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (90% or more)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.97 (Above average)
Pros
Offers $0-premium plans in every U.S. state except Alaska.
Higher-than-average overall star rating from CMS.
Strong member experience scores among major providers.
Cons
Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans available in only 22 states.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives several Humana plans a 3 or below on its 5-point scale.
Standout feature: Humana offers $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Humana is the second-biggest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and is available in 94% of U.S. counties. Humana plans enjoy strong Medicare star ratings, and nearly all of Humana’s members are in highly rated plans.
Pros:
Among Humana Medicare Advantage plans, 94% offer preventive and comprehensive dental coverage.
Humana offers plans in 94% of U.S. counties, making it an option for most people.
Most Humana Medicare Advantage members (92%) are in a plan rated 4 stars or higher (out of 5) by the CMS.
Humana scores above the industry average in customer satisfaction in several major Medicare markets, according to J.D. Power’s latest study.
Cons:
Humana’s comprehensive dental coverage includes fewer than six services, on average. (Most common: restorative services, diagnostic services and periodontics.)
Average weighted stars: 3.87.
Service area: 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Cigna
Best for comprehensive coverage (tie).
Average weighted stars: 3.76.
Service area: 29 states and Washington, D.C.
Aetna
Best for comprehensive coverage (tie).
Average weighted stars: 3.98.
Service area: 46 states and Washington, D.C.
Wellcare
Comprehensive coverage honorable mention.
Average weighted stars: 3.03.
Service area: 37 states.
Humana
Best for low-cost plans.
Average weighted stars: 4.34.
Service area: 49 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
How much does Medicare Advantage dental coverage cost?
Dental costs on a Medicare Advantage plan vary by plan and by service. Some require a copay or coinsurance for every service. For instance, if there’s 50% coinsurance (the most common coinsurance) required for a filling, you would pay 50% of the cost. Some services have a $0 copay if you use an in-network provider but require coinsurance or aren’t covered if you go out of network.
It’s worth noting that services may often be covered at a $0 copay, but with a dollar limit to what the plan will cover. For instance, there may be a $1,000 annual maximum benefit for preventive or comprehensive services (or both). For people enrolled in plans with more comprehensive dental benefits, the average annual dollar limit on coverage is $1,300, according to the KFF, a health policy nonprofit. It’s important to read a plan’s Evidence of Coverage to understand the limits on any dental coverage being offered.
What if you have Original Medicare?
If you have Original Medicare, you’ll need to buy a separate dental insurance policy to cover your dental needs or pay out of pocket for dental care. Many Medicare Advantage providers also sell separate dental policies, or you can look for policies with companies like Delta Dental, Liberty, Spirit Dental or Guardian.
Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
How to shop for Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare Advantage plans aren’t just about dental coverage — you’ve got to get the right coverage for all of your health care. Here are some strategies for finding the best plan for you:
Check star ratings. The CMS collects data on Medicare Advantage plans from member surveys, the plans themselves and medical providers, and then assigns a star rating based on the results. The star rating is on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best.
Compare out-of-pocket costs. Each plan will have a monthly premium (many Medicare Advantage plans have no premium) and a maximum out-of-pocket cost, which is the most you’ll pay in a year for covered health care.
Keep your meds in mind. Your medications may seem like an afterthought, but make sure you investigate how each plan will cover your medications — or whether they’re covered at all.
Look for your doctors. If you’ve got a list of caregivers and medical facilities you use and prefer, look for plans that include them.
Consider the plan type. If you see specialists frequently and you don’t want to seek a referral for every office visit, a PPO plan is probably the better fit. If you’re a light health care user and see mostly your primary care physician, an HMO might be more affordable.
Drill down on dental. If a plan notes that it offers dental, keep clicking until you get all the details in a plan’s Evidence of Coverage. Make sure you understand what services are included, what kind of copays and coinsurance you may have to pay and whether there’s an annual limit on what the plan will spend.
You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan when you first become eligible for Medicare (your initial enrollment period) or during designated annual enrollment periods, such as Medicare open enrollment in the fall and Medicare Advantage open enrollment in the spring.
For information on the Medicare Advantage plans near you, use Medicare’s plan finding tool to see what’s available.