What AARP dental plans are and how they differ from Medicare

AARP dental plans are separate insurance products that cover teeth cleaning, fillings, root canals, and extractions — things Medicare does not pay for. They are not part of Medicare itself. Instead, AARP partners with insurance companies to offer these plans directly to AARP members, usually at group rates that tend to be lower than what you would find buying dental insurance on your own.

You buy an AARP dental plan as an add-on to whatever health coverage you already have. If you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or no health insurance at all, you can still purchase an AARP dental plan. The plans come with waiting periods (usually 6 to 12 months before major work like crowns is covered), annual maximums on what the plan will pay, and a list of dentists in the network where you get the best rates.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP dental plans cover preventive care like cleanings and exams, basic care like fillings, and major care like crowns and root canals, but with different cost-sharing for each category.
  • Most plans have a waiting period of 6 to 12 months before major dental work is covered, though preventive care is usually covered right away.
  • Each plan has an annual maximum — the most the insurance will pay in a year — which typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.
  • You must use a dentist in the plan's network to get the negotiated rates; using an out-of-network dentist costs significantly more.
  • Plans vary by state and region, so the options available to you depend on where you live.

How much AARP dental plans cost and what they pay for

Monthly premiums for AARP dental plans vary widely depending on the plan you choose and where you live. Some plans cost as little as $10 to $15 per month, while others run $30 to $50 or more. The lower-cost plans typically cover preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) at little or no cost to you, but charge higher percentages for basic and major work. Higher-cost plans may cover more of the cost of fillings, crowns, and other procedures.

Most plans divide coverage into three tiers. Preventive care — cleanings, exams, and X-rays — is usually covered at 100 percent after you meet any deductible, or sometimes with no deductible at all. Basic care — fillings, extractions, and straightforward procedures — is typically covered at 70 to 80 percent after you pay a deductible (often $50 to $150). Major care — crowns, bridges, root canals, and implants — is covered at 50 percent after the deductible, and only after the waiting period has passed.

Every plan has an annual maximum, which is the most the insurance company will pay toward your dental care in a calendar year. This maximum is often $1,000 to $2,000. Once you hit that limit, you pay 100 percent of any remaining costs for the rest of the year. This matters most if you need major work done.

Waiting periods and what they mean for you

Most AARP dental plans impose a waiting period before they cover major dental work. Preventive care (cleanings and exams) is usually covered right away, but you may have to wait 6 to 12 months before the plan will pay for crowns, root canals, bridges, or implants. Some plans have no waiting period for basic care like fillings, but still require you to wait for major work.

The waiting period starts from the date your coverage begins, not from the date you enroll. If you sign up on March 15, your waiting period typically runs from March 15 onward. This means if you know you need a crown, it may be worth waiting to enroll until you are ready to have the work done, so the waiting period ends sooner. However, if you need preventive care or basic fillings right away, the waiting period does not affect those.

Finding dentists in the AARP network

Each AARP dental plan has a network of dentists who have agreed to charge the plan's negotiated rates. When you use an in-network dentist, you pay the lower cost-sharing amounts (the percentages mentioned above). If you use a dentist outside the network, you typically pay a higher percentage of the cost, or you may have to pay the full bill upfront and request reimbursement yourself.

Before you enroll in a plan, check whether your current dentist is in the network. You can do this on the AARP website or by calling the plan's customer service number. If your dentist is not in the network, you have the choice to switch to an in-network dentist or stay with your current dentist and pay more out of pocket. Some people find this trade-off worth it if they have a long-standing relationship with their dentist.

How to compare AARP dental plans

AARP typically offers two or three dental plan options in each state or region, each with different premiums, deductibles, and coverage percentages. To compare them fairly, write down the monthly premium, the deductible for basic and major care, the percentage covered for each category, and the annual maximum for each plan. Then think about your own dental needs: if you only need cleanings and occasional fillings, a lower-cost plan with high basic coverage may be best. If you expect to need major work, a higher-cost plan with better major coverage might save you money overall.

You can also ask the plan to estimate what a specific procedure would cost you. For example, if you know you need a crown, call the plan and ask: "If I have a crown done by an in-network dentist, what will I pay?" This gives you a concrete number to compare across plans. Remember that waiting periods explore, so if you are newly enrolled, major work may not be covered yet.

Enrollment periods and when you can sign up

Unlike Medicare, AARP dental plans do not have a single annual enrollment period. You can enroll in an AARP dental plan at any time during the year. However, your coverage typically begins on the first of the month following your enrollment, or on the date you choose if you enroll early enough in the month. Some plans may have a waiting period before coverage starts (for example, a 30-day waiting period from enrollment to the start date).

If you are already an AARP member, you can enroll online through the AARP website or by calling AARP directly. If you are not yet a member, you will need to join AARP first (membership costs around $16 per year for the basic membership). Once you are a member, you can then enroll in a dental plan. You can change plans or cancel your dental coverage during the year if your needs change, though some plans may have restrictions on how often you can switch.

What is not covered by AARP dental plans

AARP dental plans do not cover cosmetic work like teeth whitening or veneers. They also do not cover orthodontics (braces), even for adults. Dental implants may be covered under major care, but only by some plans and only after the waiting period — check your specific plan's details. Dentures and partial dentures are sometimes covered, but again, this varies by plan and waiting period.

Routine care that is considered cosmetic or elective — such as bonding, bleaching, or smile design — is not covered. If your dentist recommends a procedure and you are unsure whether it is covered, call the plan before you have the work done. It is much easier to ask ahead of time than to dispute a bill afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AARP dental plan with Medicare?

Yes. AARP dental plans are separate from Medicare and work alongside it. If you have Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medigap, you can still enroll in an AARP dental plan. The dental plan covers what Medicare does not — which is essentially all dental care.

What happens if I move to a different state?

AARP dental plans are regional, so your plan may not be available in your new state. Contact AARP before you move to find out what plans are available where you are going. You may be able to switch to a new plan in your new state without a new waiting period, depending on the plans involved.

Do I have to be an AARP member to get a dental plan?

Yes, you must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP dental plan. AARP membership costs around $16 per year. Once you join, you can then sign up for a dental plan at any time.

What if I need a crown right after I enroll?

If your plan has a 12-month waiting period for major work, the plan will not cover a crown until 12 months have passed from your enrollment date. You would pay the full cost out of pocket. This is why some people delay enrolling until they know when they will need major work done.

Can I go back to my old dentist if they are not in the network?

Yes, but it will cost you more. Out-of-network dentists typically charge higher fees, and the plan reimburses a smaller percentage of the cost. Many people find it worth switching to an in-network dentist to save money, but if you have a dentist you trust, staying with them is your choice.