AARP Dental Ratings at a Glance
For AARP members looking to get a quote for dental insurance, the process is fairly simple. You start the process from the AARP website by clicking the “Get a Quote” box. You can also choose your state to see what plan options are available in your area. If you prefer, you can also register by mail or by phone by calling Delta Dental toll-free at (800) 735-2929.
In the United States, Delta Dental has a network of 39 independently owned and operated dental providers. To find the BBB rating for a certain location, you need to enter the location here. The majority of Delta Dental insurance companies had an “A+” BBB rating, while many were not BBB accredited.
Delta Dental Insurance has 47 customer reviews on Consumer Affairs, with an overall satisfaction rating of 2.5 stars. Late payments or denied claims were among the most common complaints.
Several Delta Dental organizations have received “A” or “A-” excellent financial strength ratings from AM Best. AM Best does not evaluate all Delta dental groups.
AARP’s Delta dental insurance plans are designed for the budget-conscious and offer a wide range of coverage options. For example, choosing a dentist from the vast network of preferred providers will help seniors realize the greatest savings on dental care. Pricing varies by state and plan. Not all policy options are available in all states. Here are two examples of PPO dental insurance plans for a 55-year-old single woman:
- Plan A: $63.94 per month includes full coverage, low out-of-pocket expenses, free preventative care, optional accident coverage, teeth whitening services and veneers.
- Plan B: $44.84 per month includes routine exams, cleanings, fillings and root canals. This plan offers a low monthly premium with a slightly above average payout.
The DeltaCare USA plan has no annual maximum or deductible. There is an annual cap of $1,000 to $1,500 with deductibles (usually per person per year) ranging from $40 to $90, depending on the procedure and plan you choose.
Delta Dental offers a mobile application compatible with iOS (Apple) and Android devices. From the mobile app, you can:
- Obtain a mobile identity card
- Find a dentist near you
- Locate an in-network dentist
- Use the Dental Cost Estimator to find estimated price ranges for common dental services.
You can download the Delta Dental mobile app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).
The DeltaCare USA plan has no wait times, nor do the PPO A or B diagnostic and preventive plans. Major restorative procedures such as periodontics, prosthodontics, and other dental treatments require a year of additional one-year wait under Plan A. A common exclusion in other dental insurance policies is anesthesia, which Delta Dental covers to a limited extent. Users will enjoy additional savings by choosing an in-network provider, but they have the freedom to choose any licensed dentist.
In addition to offering plans for seniors through AARP, Delta Dental offers plans directly on its website. In addition to providing a wealth of information and tools for retirees on their website, the AARP plan is one of the few insurers Benzinga researches that offers instant coverage for fillings, denture repair, tooth extraction and root canals.
Delta Dental insurance plans are shown below. Plan information was found on the Delta Dental Plan Association website. Each state has its own Delta Dental company that manages plans and pricing.
| Delta Dental PPO™ | Delta Dental Premier® | Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier™ | DeltaCare® United States (HMO) | Delta Dental Patient Direct | |
| With the Preferred Provider program, you can access a dental network of dentists who will accept lower fees. Guarantees that there are no reimbursable expenses. | Delta Dental Premier has the largest network of dentists. This is the company’s initial fee-for-service plan. All you have to do is pay your deductible and your co-payment. | The Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier network combines the Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier networks to give you all the benefits of a dental PPO and more. You benefit from the contract cost of the out-of-network dentist if you go to an out-of-network dentist. | DeltaCare USA is a health maintenance organization (HMO) that provides low-cost dental coverage with an emphasis on preventative treatment. A preventive treatment will cost you almost nothing and you can choose from a network of dentists. | Delta Dental Patient Direct is a dental discount plan offered by Delta Dental. You select a participating network dentist who offers discounted rates. There is no paperwork to complete as you pay the dentist directly. | |
| Type of dental plan | PPO | Managed service fees | PPO | Dental HMOs | Reduction plan |
| Annual maximum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nope | Nope |
| Deductible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nope | Nope |
| Co-payment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not applicable |
AARP Delta Dental vs Competitors
The table below outlines AARP Delta Dental Insurance and its competitors as well as the price differences between each of the companies. How much you pay for dental insurance is determined by a number of factors, including your location and the level of coverage you need or choose.
Currently, 39 independent member companies in the United States provide coverage for AARP dental insurance through Delta Dental. The company offers a wide range of plan options, from the most basic to the most comprehensive, to meet the demands of seniors. Seniors benefit from Delta Dental’s wide range of coverage options and the policy benefits of AARP membership. Delta Dental offers dental insurance plans to meet the needs of most seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
If I buy dental insurance from AARP, can I choose my dentist?
A
You can save more money if you choose an in-network provider, but you can always go to any licensed dentist you prefer.
