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Best Medicare Advantage Dental Insurance for Seniors
UHC, Cigna and Aetna are on our list of top dental insurance for seniors in Medicare Advantage plans. See how they compare.
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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 20 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.
We analyzed Medicare Advantage companies based on their dental coverage. Because dental care needs may differ, we evaluated plans based on factors that might be important to you.
Searching for the provider with the largest dental network? That’s UnitedHealthcare. Looking for the provider that may be more likely to cover (at least partially) your crowns and root canals? Check the dental limits on Cigna plans. Want to try a newer company? Devoted Health has great ratings overall and solid dental offerings.
Depending on where you live and what’s available to you, your options may vary. The vast majority (97%) of Medicare Advantage plans offer some access to dental care, although the type of coverage and limits on cost sharing differ from plan to plan.
Here are our top picks for the best Medicare Advantage dental insurance for seniors.
NerdWallet’s Medicare content, including articles, reviews and recommendations, is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in Medicare. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Nasdaq, MSN, MarketWatch, Yahoo! Finance and other national and regional media outlets. They have been cited in publications including Healthline, and appeared on NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast.
Best dental insurance for seniors on Medicare
Best for size of dental network: UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare
3.93
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 have 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 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.39 (Average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
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 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.39 (Average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
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.
Why we picked it: UnitedHealthcare has the largest network of dental providers of all Medicare Advantage companies, with more than 100,000 providers.
In other words: It may be easier to find a dentist who takes your insurance.
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 7 out of 10 UHC 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 nearly seven services per plan.
Standard UHC Medicare Advantage plans will offer $0 copays for preventive dental coverage, including exams, X-rays, routine cleanings and fluoride.
Cons
Only 83% of UHC plans offer comprehensive dental coverage, one of the lower percentages among major Medicare Advantage providers. Make sure you understand your plan's coverage.
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, member experience scores are good and star ratings are average among all providers.
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed above.
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 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.76 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
Pros
8 in 10 Cigna plans are $0-premium plans.
Member experience scores are above average.
Strong benefits include 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery.
Cons
Available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
Highest NCQA scores are 3.5 stars 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 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.76 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
Pros
8 in 10 Cigna plans are $0-premium plans.
Member experience scores are above average.
Strong benefits include 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery.
Cons
Available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
Highest NCQA scores are 3.5 stars on their 5-point scale.
Why we picked it: Nearly every Cigna Medicare Advantage plan comes with both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, including coverage for endodontics, extractions and restorative services.
In other words: There's a good chance you can find a plan that covers any extra dental services you might need — up to the plan's limit.
Cigna isn’t the largest Medicare Advantage provider, but the company’s plans come packed with benefits: Nearly all plans include comprehensive dental coverage, and many include extras like 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery after a hospital stay. Eight in 10 Cigna Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium, and Cigna’s comprehensive dental coverage includes an average of seven covered services.
Pros
All Cigna Medicare Advantage members have preventive dental coverage, and 99% have comprehensive dental coverage.
The average Cigna dental plan with comprehensive coverage includes seven covered services.
Ninety percent of comprehensive dental services from in-network providers come with a $0 copay.
Cons
Cigna star ratings from CMS are just at the industry average.
Cigna plans are available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
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).
Best for ratings: Aetna
Aetna
4.27
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 highly rated, for both star ratings and member experience scores.
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed above.
States available
44 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.
High (85% to 100%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.99 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
Pros
Nearly 8 in 10 Aetna plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
Available in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Some plans offer MinuteClinic access for low copays.
Cons
Customer satisfaction lands below the regional average in some major Medicare markets.
Reduced benefits and plans are no longer available in two states.
States available
44 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.
High (85% to 100%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.99 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Nearly 8 in 10 Aetna plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
Available in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Some plans offer MinuteClinic access for low copays.
Cons
Customer satisfaction lands below the regional average in some major Medicare markets.
Reduced benefits and plans are no longer available in two states.
Why we picked it: In addition to providing preventive and comprehensive dental on almost all Medicare Advantage plans, Aetna plans have above-average star ratings and member experience scores.
In other words: Your plan with dental coverage has a high likelihood of being a good plan overall.
Aetna, a CVS Health company, is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, and 83% of Medicare beneficiaries have the option of a $0-premium Aetna plan.
Pros
Aetna is available in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
In-network preventive dental services (cleaning, X-rays and exams) are covered at 100% on all plans.
Ninety-four percent of in-network comprehensive dental services come with a $0 copay.
Some Aetna Medicare Advantage plans offer other perks, such as access to CVS MinuteClinic locations for primary care or an allowance for over-the-counter wellness items.
Cons
Aetna customer satisfaction numbers land below the industry average in some major Medicare markets, according to J.D. Power’s latest survey.
If you go out-of-network for comprehensive dental services, a majority of procedures require coinsurance between 20% and 70%.
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 with above-average member experience scores and strong Part B Giveback benefits, but star ratings are low.
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.
3.61 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
Pros
Plans available for most Americans.
Above-average member experience scores among major providers.
Part B Giveback benefit in 61% of plans.
Cons
Only 24% of plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
Customer satisfaction scores are low in several major markets.
Average out-of-pocket maximums are on the high side.
States available
48 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.
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.
3.61 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Plans available for most Americans.
Above-average member experience scores among major providers.
Part B Giveback benefit in 61% of plans.
Cons
Only 24% of plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
Customer satisfaction scores are low in several major markets.
Average out-of-pocket maximums are on the high side.
Why we picked it: Humana offers plans with Part B Giveback benefits in 48 states and Washington D.C., which means those plans cover a portion of your Medicare Part B premium.
In other words: You can get dental coverage as well as some money back.
Humana is the second-biggest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and is available in 89% of U.S. counties. Humana’s star ratings declined for 2025 plans, and while member experience scores are also lower, they’re still above average for major providers.
Pros
All Humana Medicare Advantage plans offer preventive and comprehensive dental coverage.
Humana offers plans in 89% of U.S. counties, making it an option for most people.
Humana’s member experience ratings are above average for major providers.
Cons
Humana’s comprehensive dental coverage includes fewer than six services, on average. (Most common: diagnostic services, restorative services and periodontics.)
Humana’s star ratings are below the industry average.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Devoted Health has above-average star ratings from CMS, but fast growth means many plans don't have score data yet.
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed above.
States available
20 states
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (85% to 100%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.52 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
Pros
Above-average star ratings from CMS.
Most plans offer a $0 premium.
Cons
Offers plans in just 20 states.
Limited data on new plans (and many plans are new).
States available
20 states
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (85% to 100%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.52 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Above-average star ratings from CMS.
Most plans offer a $0 premium.
Cons
Offers plans in just 20 states.
Limited data on new plans (and many plans are new).
Why we picked it: As a startup, Devoted Health plans have a higher-than-average star rating from CMS and a high percentage of low-cost plans.
In other words: If you live where this Medicare newcomer is available, it's worth checking out the company's high-rated plans.
Devoted Health is an up-and-comer in the Medicare Advantage space, launching in 2017 and expanding its reach by adding seven more states to the roster in 2025. Its ratings are high for plans that have enough data to be measured, and all of its plans offer both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage. Since many plans are new, however, many of them don’t have ratings.
Pros
All of Devoted Health’s plans offer both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, with an average of more than six comprehensive services per plan.
Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plans cover 100% of the cost for in-network preventive and comprehensive dental care, within plan limits.
Cons
Devoted Health offers Medicare Advantage plans in only 20 states.
Many of Devoted Health’s plans are too new to be measured and have no star ratings.
💬 From our Nerds: What is the best dental insurance for seniors over 65?
“My top picks for Medicare Advantage dental insurance include UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Humana and Devoted Health. These companies provide notable dental coverage, and there are different advantages for each. It’s important to consider the insurance that the dentists in your area accept and the coverage provided.
“Check the plan’s ratings, as well as the specific benefits it offers for dental care. Are there copays for dental services and coverage for things like dentures and root canals? What’s the annual limit for dental coverage? This should all factor into your final decision.”
— Kate Ashford, lead writer covering Medicare
How much does Medicare Advantage dental insurance cost?
Dental costs on Medicare Advantage vary by plan and by service. Some require a copay or coinsurance for every service. And 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.
Services may 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 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?
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 dental policies, or you can find policies with companies like Delta Dental, Liberty, Spirit Dental or Guardian.
How to shop for Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits
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 (for many Medicare Advantage plans, that premium is $0) 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. 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 get 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 says 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.
Medicare Advantage review methodology
The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies; in many places, one insurer serves more than half of the market. NerdWallet reviewed 26 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurers having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.) At the national level, these reviews include nine of the 10 largest brands by enrollment. At the state level, our research includes at least one major insurer in 47 of the 49 states that offer Medicare Advantage plans, and includes the top two insurers in 35 of those states. (Alaska doesn't offer Medicare Advantage plans.) We also look at online search volume to identify regional and other notable players in the space.
NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage reviews are based on ratings data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as well as pricing, plan availability by state, plan types available, consumer experience, extra benefits offered and more. These reviews are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several plans to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines for additional information.