MetLife is one of the oldest insurers in the United States, and it offers low deductibles and dental savings plans to help customers limit their care costs. When getting a quote, seniors have an advantage because MetLife doesn’t ask for age-related information when enrolling in one of their dental plans. The company is also one of the few options that provide PPO and HMO plans.
Pros
Cons
MetLife has served the United States’ insurance needs since 1868. The company focuses on offering group coverage through employer-based health plans but also works cooperatively with Careington International Corporation and VSP to offer dental coverage. While MetLife offers its PPO dental plans everywhere, HMOs aren’t available outside of New York, California, Texas or Florida.
| Company | Overall Score (1-5 Scale) | Company Reputation and Reliability | Plan Variety | PPO Coverage Limitations | PPO Costs | Dental Insurance Alternatives |
| MetLife | 5.0 | 6.67 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 8.35 |
MetLife offers three plan levels. The base plan starts at only $17 per month, but costs vary between whether you choose an HMO or PPO plan, the deductible and the amount of coverage you need. You can select from deductibles of $25, $50 and $75.
Also, customers may be able to enroll in the MetLife Discount Dental Program, which offers up to 50% off restorative dental procedure costs. The Discount Dental Program is not insurance and is separate from any dental plan.
MetLife offers three PPO and HMO plan tiers to choose from. Every plan provides coverage for preventative dental care such as examinations, oral cleanings, X-rays and consultations. Depending on your plan, you could pay as little as 50% for restorative dental procedure costs.
MetLife offers the lowest deductible in the industry at $25, but seniors can save money by selecting a $50 or $75 deductible. Once they meet their deductible, their coverage has a maximum annual coverage limit between $1,000 and $2,000 for the first year.
Seniors not currently enrolled in dental coverage are subject to a six-month waiting period before using their coverage for minor services and a full year before they can use it for major procedures. MetLife may waive the waiting period if customers have had a dental plan for longer than a year.
Seniors pay the same premiums as anyone else because MetLife doesn’t ask for your age when you enroll or factor your age into your quote. This is great for seniors because they can get dental coverage for as little as $17 per month.
Customers can also enroll in a dental savings program to save significantly on dental procedures after exceeding their coverage limits. The Dental Savings Program is available everywhere except for Vermont, Utah and Washington. It can save you 5–50% on dental procedures and includes discounts on other services such as eyewear, vision examinations and LASIK. The Dental Savings Program costs $211 each year per person.
MetLife works with Careington and VSP, which means seniors have access to more than 175,000 dentists across the United States. This is one of the largest dental networks in the country and ensures customers can find a quality dentist.
Seniors Looking to Save Money
MetLife offers seniors the same rates as younger individuals, so they can save a lot on their monthly premiums. The Dental Savings Program and low deductible options reduce out-of-pocket expenses even more.
Anyone Planning Dentist Visits Twice a Year
Plans complete cover preventative care, regardless of whether you have a basic plan or an upgraded tier. Routine care can save you money later because you’re less likely to need restorative procedures such as root canals, crowns, veneers and bridges if you get your teeth examined and cleaned twice each year.
New York, California, Florida or Texas Residents
The HMO plans available in these states offer substantial savings as long as you’re willing to see an in-network dentist.
Customers are generally happy with MetLife and report that their insurance covers procedures and expenses that other companies don’t. MetLife has stellar customer service and is quick to address concerns, answer questions and handle complaints. If you’re having trouble finding a provider, the customer service team makes it easy to connect with one and many specialists are in-network and covered.
The primary drawback for some customers is that the claims process can take a while and be confusing to navigate. This can force you to pay for some procedures upfront and wait for your reimbursement to arrive after completing your claim.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Work?
Medicare doesn’t cover most dental procedures but may cover some considered medically necessary.
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Why Should Seniors Consider Dental Insurance?
Your chances for restorative dentistry increase as you get older and preventative care is one way to reduce your risk of needing major dental work.
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What Does Dental Insurance for Seniors Typically Cover?
Dental insurance usually covers preventative care and a portion of restorative procedures such as crowns, veneers and implants.
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Does AARP Have Dental Coverage?
AARP members can sign up for dental coverage through a third-party insurer that provides exclusive coverage for AARP members.
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Does Dental Insurance Include Coverage for Oral Surgery?
Traditional medical insurance usually covers some oral surgical procedures, but not always. Dental insurance offers coverage for many procedures that regular insurance doesn’t cover.
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