Best Medicare Supplemental Dental Plans
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March 18, 2026
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Upon turning 65, many people are surprised to discover that Medicare does not cover dental care. It’s important to invest in supplemental insurance, such as a Medicare Advantage plan.
Like Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage (or Part C) is regulated by the government and offered only by Medicare-approved private providers. Although Medigap policies (Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N) are designed to fill the gaps in your original plan, Medicare Advantage serves as an alternative to your original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage covers the typical Parts A and B, plus additional benefits such as coverage for prescription drugs, vision, hearing, and dental. Some plans even include perks, such as fitness club memberships, to support continued health. The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans is $13 as of 2025.1 It’s an excellent time to consider a Medicare Advantage policy.
Pro Tip: Although original Medicare doesn’t include dental coverage, it is important for older adults to remember that oral health is key to overall health. Poor oral health in seniors has been linked to malnutrition2, loneliness, and illness — including chronic disease. When discussing Medicare, I always remind folks that finding dental coverage is a must.
How We Chose the Best Dental Insurance for Seniors on Medicare
Though Medicare Advantage plans are regulated by the government, you will find differences among specific policy plans. All the companies we included here offer great dental policies as part of their Advantage packages. We made our choices based on three qualities:
- Plan options and add-ons: All Medicare Advantage plans cover Plan A and Plan B, but they vary in their extent of dental coverage (as well as hearing, vision, and prescription coverage).
- Affordable premiums: These companies offer competitive rates or bundled savings. Many offer multiple plan options, so you can get a dental plan with a premium you’re comfortable with.
- Special perks and benefits: Who doesn’t like a bonus? Many of these plans come with access to special services and programs such as fitness clubs.
To learn more about the differences between Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, check out my comprehensive guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Best Dental Supplement Plans of 2026
- Humana Dental : Best Overall Dental Supplement Plans
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield : Best App
- Cigna Dental : Best Dental and Vision Plans
- UnitedHealthcare Dental : Best Bundled Savings
- Aetna Dental : Lowest Premiums
Medicare Advantage Dental Plans Compared
| Feature | Humana | Anthem | Cigna | UnitedHealthcare | Aetna |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium Range | $0 – $120 | $0 – $50 (plus optional add-ons) | $0 – $100 | $0 – $100 | $0 – $100 |
| Availability | Nationwide | Most states | Not yet nationwide | Nationwide | All states and territories |
| Dental Coverage | Preventive and comprehensive | Preventive with add-ons for comprehensive | Preventive and comprehensive | Preventive and comprehensive | Preventive and comprehensive |
| Special Perks | SilverSneakers, Honor plans for veterans | SilverSneakers, easy mobile app | 24/7 telehealth, online cost estimator | AARP partnership, free virtual visits and house calls | Concierge service, flexible network options |
| Best For | Overall value and perks | App-based plan management | Vision and dental bundles | Large provider network | Low premiums and flexibility |
1. Humana Dental - Best Overall Dental Supplement Plans
What We Like Most:
- Coverage for root canals, oral surgery, and dentures
- Plans with no coverage limits
- No network restrictions
- Plans with no waiting periods
Overview
Based in Louisville, Humana has been in the insurance business for nearly 60 years. Humana is available nationwide and offers all types of health-care coverage, including Medicare Advantage and Medigap policies — although plan details and options vary by state. In 2026, Humana projects its average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage will be $14 per month.3
In addition to its Medicare Advantage plans, Humana offers optional supplemental benefits (OSBs) for extra dental coverage. OSBs add to your premium, but they will help cover more extensive procedures such as dentures and crowns. You can use Humana’s handy search tool to see what OSBs you can apply to your plan.
Humana Medicare Advantage Pricing: $0 to $120
Pros
- Added perks, such as SilverSneakers fitness memberships
- Affordable pricing, including zero-premium plans with dental
- Available nationwide
- Humana Honor Advantage plans for veterans
Cons
- Limits on annual dental coverage with some plans
2. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield - Best App
855-635-3873
What We Like Most:
- Extensive provider network
- Affordable monthly premiums
- Bundling options with health and dental
- Large selection of plans
Overview
Anthem is a subsidiary of the extended Blue Cross Blue Shield group, and it represents the majority of BCBS’ Medicare portfolio. Most of Anthem’s Medicare Advantage plans come at zero premium with dental coverage. It also increases coverage with a dental or dental/vision supplemental package. Some plans allow you to go out of network with an increased copay. You also can’t beat the company’s handy mobile app, which lets you find a provider, access your ID card, review your health records, and calculate costs on the go.
Pricing: $0 to $50 for base premium, plus optional benefits ($14 for preventive dental, $24 for dental and vision, or $43 for enhanced dental and vision)
Pros
- Plans may include SilverSneakers membership
- Available in most states
- Multiple plans and customizations available
- Useful phone app helps you manage your health care easily
Cons
- Sign-up process reroutes you multiple times for state-specific networks
3. Cigna Dental - Best Dental and Vision Plans
What We Like Most:
- Three plan options to choose from
- Deductibles and copays waived for preventive care
- 24/7 customer service and simple claims management
- Low-premium plans available
Overview
Cigna emerged in 1982 from the unification of CG (founded in 1865) and INA (founded in 1792) insurance companies. Since then, it has become a health insurance frontrunner, with both a national and international presence.
Cigna offers many affordable options for Medicare Advantage, including a dental savings plan, which supplies you with a discount card to use for immediate savings with no limits. Consider the Traditions, Total Care, Achieve, and Preferred Plus plans for bundled dental, hearing, vision, and prescription coverage.
Cigna Medicare Advantage Pricing: $0 to $100
Pros
- Easy online tools for estimatesand explanation of benefits
- Wide range of coverage choices (preventive and comprehensive)
- Competitive pricing
- 24/7 virtual telehealth
Cons
- Not yet offered nationwide
4. UnitedHealthcare Dental - Best Bundled Savings
What We Like Most:
- No waiting periods on many services
- Hearing aid benefit included
- Optional vision rider
- High annual maximums
Overview
Founded in 1977, UnitedHealthcare is one of the top health-care companies in the nation.
In addition to its other health insurance offerings, UnitedHealthcare offers Medicare plans endorsed by AARP.
These plans are available to both members and non-members, and they are specifically designed with retirees in mind. UnitedHealthcare touts the largest dentist provider network in the Medicare sector. You can use its online tool to see whether its plans cover your current dentist.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Pricing: $0 to $100
Pros
- Available nationwide
- Only company partnered with AARP
- Largest dental provider network in Medicare
- Free virtual visits and house calls
Cons
- Higher premiums on average
5. Aetna Dental - Lowest Premiums
What We Like Most:
- Extensive network with more than 372,000 providers to choose from
- Easy-to-use quote tool and provider look-up portal
- No-cost preventive care
- PPO plans
Overview
Aetna’s health insurance offerings provide longevity and reach. With its Medicare Advantage plans, you can either adhere to its dental-care network or opt out of network requirements and receive an allowance to use at your providers of choice. If you are using Aetna’s optional supplemental benefits, an HMO plan will require in-network usage and a PPO will allow out-of-network coverage with added cost.
Pricing: $0 to $100
Pros
- Straightforward explanations of benefits
- Personalized customer service via Aetna’s concierge service
- Available in all U.S. states and territories
- Choose between network or allowance dental benefits
Cons
- Limited plan options in some areas
How to Choose the Right Medicare Advantage Dental Plan for You
Picking a dental plan isn't one-size-fits-all. What works for your neighbor might not work for you, and that's okay. Here's how to think through your specific situation to find the plan that makes the most sense.
Start with your dentist. If you have a dentist you love and want to keep seeing them, that should be your first consideration. Call their office and ask which Medicare Advantage plans they accept. If they're only in-network with one or two carriers, that immediately narrows your options. Some plans, like certain Aetna options, offer out-of-network allowances that give you more flexibility, but you'll want to understand the cost difference before committing.
Consider your dental health needs. Be honest about what kind of care you're likely to need in the next year or two. If you're mostly going in for routine cleanings and the occasional filling, a zero-premium plan with basic preventive coverage might be perfect. But if you know you need crowns, dentures, or other major work coming up, it's worth paying a bit more for a plan with optional supplemental benefits. Run the numbers: sometimes a higher premium with better coverage saves you money compared to paying out-of-pocket for expensive procedures.
Look at your budget realistically. Zero-premium plans sound great, but make sure you understand what you're paying when you actually use the dental benefit. Check the copays, coinsurance rates, and annual maximums. A plan with a $20 monthly premium but low copays might cost you less overall than a $0 premium plan with high out-of-pocket costs, especially if you visit the dentist regularly.
Think about where you spend your time. If you travel frequently or spend winters in another state, you'll want a plan with a broad national network like Humana or UnitedHealthcare. If you stay close to home, a regional plan might offer better local coverage and perks. Also consider whether you're comfortable managing everything through an app (Anthem excels here) or if you prefer phone support (Aetna's concierge service might appeal to you).
Don't ignore the extras. Perks like SilverSneakers memberships, telehealth access, or transportation to appointments might seem like small bonuses, but they add real value if you'll actually use them. If you're already paying for a gym membership, a plan that includes SilverSneakers effectively lowers your total monthly costs.
Check what's available in your area. Not every plan is offered everywhere, and even when a company operates in your state, specific plan options vary by county. Use each company's online tool to see what's actually available at your address before getting too attached to a particular plan you read about online.
Why Trust Us?
At The Senior List, we've built our reputation on providing clear, trustworthy guidance about health care for older adults. Our team includes licensed professionals who work directly with seniors every day and understand both the clinical side and the real-world challenges of navigating Medicare.
Our resident Medicare expert has extensive experience helping seniors understand supplemental insurance options and finding the right coverage for their situations. Our expert has worked with countless individuals sorting through the confusion of Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap policies, and dental coverage decisions.
Our approach is straightforward: we research products and services thoroughly, consult with experts, and present information in a way that's easy to understand without talking down to our readers. We're not here to make the decision for you, but to give you the information you need to make the right choice for your situation. When you read our dental plan comparisons or Medicare guides, you're getting advice shaped by people who've helped thousands of seniors navigate these exact decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Original Medicare cover dental care?
No, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, or other dental procedures. To get dental coverage, you’ll need to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that includes dental benefits or buy a standalone dental insurance policy.
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What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap for dental coverage?
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) replace your Original Medicare and often include dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage as part of the plan. Medigap policies only supplement Original Medicare by covering extra costs like copays and deductibles, but they don’t include dental benefits.
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How much does Medicare Advantage dental coverage cost?
Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage range from $0 to $120 per month, with the average premium around $13-$14 monthly as of 2025. Many plans offer zero-premium options that include basic preventive dental care. You can add optional supplemental benefits for more extensive coverage like crowns and dentures, which will increase your monthly premium.
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Can I use my own dentist with Medicare Advantage dental plans?
It depends on your plan type. HMO plans typically require you to use in-network dentists, while PPO plans allow you to see out-of-network providers for a higher copay. Some plans, like certain Aetna options, offer a dental allowance that you can use with any dentist. Check with your specific plan to confirm your dentist is in-network before enrolling.
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What dental services are typically covered by Medicare Advantage plans?
Most Medicare Advantage dental plans cover preventive care like routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Some plans also include basic services such as fillings and extractions. For comprehensive services like crowns, dentures, root canals, and bridges, you may need to add optional supplemental benefits (OSBs) to your plan, which will increase your premium but provide more extensive coverage.
