UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance Review
The Mayo Clinic reports that poor oral health will likely worsen severe chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and others. Regularly seeing a dentist is crucial, both as a way to gauge your overall health and to nip any dental problems in the bud.
UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Insurance Company offers four Dental Gen plans to suit a variety of needs, specifically for retirees. Since Medicare does not cover dental expenses unless you need hospitalization, dental insurance from UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Insurance Company is an affordable way to manage costs.
Pros
- No age limit
- Four unique plans to choose from
- Easy online quote and application process
- Extensive provider network
Cons
- No plan comparison on website
UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Insurance Company Dental Plans
UnitedHealthcare Dental Gen insurance is available to primary policyholders age 64 and older. This dental insurance is designed to help maintain good oral health whether you have natural teeth, implants or dentures. Dental Gen insurance plans include coverage for preventive care like exams, cleaning and X-rays, basic fillings and major expenses such as root canals, bridges or crowns. There is no deductible for preventive care services.
All UnitedHealthcare Dental Gen plans feature:
- Two annual exams and routine cleanings
- Annual bitewing X-rays
- One full mouth X-ray every 36 months
- Complete set of dentures every 60 months
- One crown or bridge per tooth every 60 months
Here’s a quick look at how the four UnitedHealthcare Dental Gen plans differ. The sample quotes are for individual coverage for male and female nonsmokers, ages 70-90. Your quote may vary depending on your state, age and whether you smoke. You can add a spouse to your plan. Basic coverage begins immediately after application approval with payment.
| Policy Details | Dental Saver | Dental Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Amounts increase in years 2 & 3 | Amounts increase in years 2 & 3 |
| Annual Max Benefit | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Deductible* | $100 per person | $100 per person |
| Best For | Tight budgets | Out-of-network coverage |
| Monthly Cost | $35.43 | $54.19 |
| Policy Details | Dental Basic | Dental Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Preventive services 100%, other coverage increases in years 2 & 3 | Preventive services 100%, other coverage increases in years 2 & 3 |
| Annual Max Benefit | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Deductible* | $100 per person | $50 per person |
| Best For | Comprehensive coverage | Dental implants |
| Monthly Cost | $44.17 | $51.51 |
UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Insurance Company Provider Network
UnitedHealthcare dental insurance boasts an impressive nationwide network of more than 100,000 providers. Locating an in-network dentist in your area is a snap when you use UnitedHealthcare’s online provider lookup tool. If you decide to visit an out-of-network dentist, you’ll pay for the services out of pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement using the form on the website. Keep in mind that you will pay more if you use an out-of-network provider.
UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance Cost
Aside from paying a monthly premium and annual deductible for UnitedHealthcare dental insurance, you’ll be responsible for coinsurance on covered services. Coinsurance amounts vary based on the plan, how long you hold the policy and the tier of care that you need. Savings are typically from 60% to 80% on bills for preventive service, 20% to 50% on basic services and 10% to 50% for major dental work.
How to Buy UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance
Buying UnitedHealthcare dental insurance can be completed in minutes from the comfort of your home. UnitedHealthcare’s online quote tool provides detailed information about the available plans and allows you to compare them. Once you choose a dental insurance plan, the quote seamlessly transitions into an application for coverage. Answer a few questions on the application, select the date you want the policy to go into effect, agree to the policy terms and make the first month’s premium payment to start coverage. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can call UnitedHealthcare to speak to a customer service representative.
Extra Benefits with UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Dental Gen insurance may include benefits for hearing care at no additional cost. Members may receive access to an annual discounted hearing exam and a stipend to help pay for hearing aids. UnitedHealthcare’s partner, EPIC Hearing Healthcare, assists with booking an audiology appointment, so members don’t have to get a referral from a primary care physician.
UnitedHealthcare joined forces with Spectera Eyecare Networks to offer optional vision coverage with Dental Gen insurance. An additional $11 to $16 per month provides a $10 annual eye exam, $10 copay for eyeglass lenses, a $150 frame allowance and no copay on select contact lenses. You can only access these savings by using an in-network provider, and vision benefits are not available in Minnesota or Rhode Island.
UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance Complaints
The Better Business Bureau gives UnitedHealthGroup, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, an A+ rating. We found only one complaint on the BBB site regarding UHC’s dental insurance, and the issue was not with the insurance plan. TopTenReviews rates this dental insurance provider with 3.5 out of 5 stars and a nod to great coverage options. ConsumersAdvocate ranks United Healthcare dental insurance highly with 9.8 out of 10 stars, noting that the company provides consumers with the most dental insurance coverage choices and competitive pricing. Investopedia mentions UnitedHealthcare dental policies as one of the best coverage options with no waiting period. Finally, AM Best gives UnitedHealthcare an excellent “A” rating for financial strength.
UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance Q&A
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What sets UnitedHealthcare dental insurance apart from other dental insurance companies?
UnitedHealthcare dental insurance offers multiple plans catering to a wide array of dental care needs. The company augments dental coverage with hearing and vision benefits for convenience, which you won’t find with most dental insurance providers. -
Can I keep my existing dentist with UnitedHealthcare dental insurance?
You can see any dentist you choose. However, you will likely want to stay in-network with UnitedHealthcare dental insurance to maximize your savings. Check with UHC or your dentist to determine if they are in-network. -
Do I need medical insurance to qualify for UnitedHealthcare dental insurance?
UnitedHealthcare dental insurance is a standalone product, so you don’t need any other coverage to enroll. -
How does UnitedHealthcare dental insurance differ from a dental discount plan?
UnitedHealthcare dental insurance pays for all or part of a covered service after you meet your deductible. A dental discount plan makes you eligible for reduced costs for care as negotiated with the dentist. You pay the dentist up front and submit no claims. -
Are there exclusions to my UnitedHealthcare dental insurance coverage?
As with all insurance policies, UnitedHealthcare dental insurance has some exclusions. The plan will not cover halitosis treatments, the removal of temporary or provisional crowns, orthodontia, mouthguards, alternative therapies like acupuncture and other services. For a complete list of exclusions and limitations, please review your plan documentation.
Conclusion
UnitedHealthcare dental insurance can help you get dental care and keep costs within your budget. The company is known for having an extensive provider network. Coverage increases after the first year to make UnitedHealthcare Dental Gen insurance even more cost-effective, and the included hearing benefits with optional vision insurance add significant value.