Dental & Vision
For Medicare RecipientsTailored Coverage
Aging takes a toll on your eyes and teeth, thus good dental and vision plans for Medicare recipients are those that include coverage tailored for their specific needs. This includes coverage for preventative services (exams), crowns, root canals, dentures, and tooth replacement, as well as allowance for eyeglasses and/or contact lenses.
With seniors in mind, we selected leading dental and vision carriers based on affordability, co-pays, waiting periods, annual maximums, and provider network. Check out our available coverage by clicking the carriers to the right (or below if mobile). You’ll be able to compare plans and premiums, and enroll in a plan online. Rest assured when you buy a dental or vision policy through the PTI Consulting Services website, you will not pay a higher premium and you will have personal support, when needed, through our licensed agent.
QUOTE AND BUY POLICY
Delta Dental (NY)
Dental Only
Delta Dental (NJ)
Dental Only
Delta Dental (CT)
Dental Only
Delta Dental (FL)
Dental Only
EyeMed Vision
Vision Only
Ameritas Dental
Dental & Vision
Humana
Dental & Vision
Cigna
Dental Only
VSP
Vision
Frequently Asked Questions
When you retire and transition to Original Medicare, you’ll most likely have to pay for dental and vision care out of your own pocket. Typically, Medicare does not cover these costs unless they are related to services received in a hospital. Medicare does however cover some eye care services for diabetics, such as testing and treatment for diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma. It also covers other eye disease, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Buying a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that includes dental and vision coverage is the only way you’ll receive these services under Medicare. Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans do not include dental or vision services, however, you can buy a separate dental or vision policy and bundle it with your Medicare Supplement.
Yes. Many of the carriers we work with offer standalone dental and vision plans to seniors. If you are also purchasing a Medicare Supplement, you may be offered a discount for bundling your plans. Please browse our standalone dental and vision carriers and plans above.
Most standalone dental and vision plans can be purchased at any time of the year. If you are bundling your plan with a Medicare Supplement plan, or if you choose to buy a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental and/or vision coverage, you should buy your policy during the annual Medicare open enrollment period, which is October 15th through December 7th.
Whether you purchase a standalone policy, or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental services, you can typically choose between preventative service (exams & cleanings), basic coverage (fillings or restorative work) or major coverage (root canals, crowns, dentures and bridges). Plans that have major or extensive coverage may have higher premiums. Vision insurance typically includes preventative benefits such annual exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Some vision plans with higher premiums may offer additional benefits such as eyeglass lens coatings and enhancements, or discounts on some elective vision correction surgery like LASIK and PRK.
Whether you get more value from a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental and vision coverage, or from a separate standalone policy, really depends on the amount of services you believe you will use, and on the rates. In addition to comparing premiums, you’ll want to also compare copays and annual maximum benefits of the plan. Some plans max out benefits after a certain amount and will not pay for further treatment or services until the next year. To get started finding the best plan for you, review the carriers and plans above. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask a question using the online form below. All standard questions are typically answered within 24-48 hours.
Becoming Eligible for Medicare
To sign up for original Medicare Parts A & B, along with Part D, most people will have an Initial Enrollment Period which is a 7 month period around the time they turn age 65. This period begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65.
Once your Initial Enrollment Period is over, if you wish to change or purchase Advantage or Part D Plans, you must act during the open enrollment period.
NOTICE: Once you are eligible for Medicare, do not wait to enroll in a Medicare Part D Plan or you could end up paying a penalty every month.
SPECIAL ENROLLMENT – OTHER TIMES YOU MAY ENROLL
Once enrolled in Medicare, if you wish to change or purchase Medicare plans you must act during the open enrollment period.
When open enrollment is closed, there are special circumstances in which one may qualify to enroll outside of the enrollment period. Listed below are the qualifying events:
- You are turning 65
- You move to a new area that is not in your current plan’s service area
- Recently moved back to the US
- You lose your current coverage (either Group or Medicaid)
- You now need a SNP (Special Needs Plan) or you no longer need a SNP
Medicare
Open Enrollment
October 15th through December 7th every year.
A Helpful Checklist for New Medicare Recipients
Turning 65? Navigating healthcare through Medicare is not as simple as receiving it through your employer. Here’s a checklist to help make the daunting transition a little easier.
- Review your health insurance needs, taking in consideration medications and regular doctor visits, and any procedures you know you will need.
- See if your current providers accept Medicare.
- Learn the basics of Medicare to find out what Medicare covers. Visit our Medicare Premiums page, or our Medicare & You page to help you get a better understanding of Medicare.
- Talk to a Medicare Professional to help you research the cost of Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap Plans in your area and help you decide which is better for your needs.
- Ask your advisor if you qualify for additional benefits or getting help with Medicare costs.
Enrolling in Medicare
You need to enroll in original Medicare (Parts A & B) before you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan.
To enroll, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility. Some acceptable documents are birth certificate, proof citizenship if not born in the US, W-2 or tax forms, and or military records.
Follow this link to apply online or call your local Social Security office. Here you can enroll, create your Medicare account, track your Medicare information such as bills, claims, health information and more, as well as print your Medicare card.
Medicare Works For You and Your Health Through the ACA
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), several aspects of Medicare are now enhanced to help reduce costs and expand coverage for Medicare recipients. Here’s a summary of how these enhancements help your budget and your overall health:
Reduced prescription drug costs:
In the past when Medicare recipients entered the coverage gap known as the “Donut Hole,” they were responsible for 100% of their prescription costs. The ACA provided discounts and subsidies that reduced those costs by half, and currently, in 2021, the donut hole officially closed for all drugs. In other words, when Medicare recipients enter the coverage gap, they are now responsible for only 25% of the cost of their drugs.
Adds wellness and preventative benefits into Medicare Part B with no additional costs.
Get over a dozen FREE preventative screenings and other wellness benefits that include mammograms, colorectal screenings, heart health, free vaccines and flu shots, addiction programs, mental health services, nutrition assistance and more.
Improves Medicare Advantage
The restructuring of payments to Medicare Advantage, along with bonuses given to plans with higher quality ratings, has forced the plans to be more efficient, which lowers costs for Medicare recipients, while improving quality of care, which probably explains why currently more than a third of Medicare recipients opt for Medicare Advantage vs. original Medicare.