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What Does My Humana Dental Plan Cover? Understanding Your Benefits

Written By: Nathan Justice
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: July 10, 2023
Last updated: August 20, 2023

Understanding the specifics of your dental insurance coverage can often feel like a daunting task. It's crucial to know what your insurance covers, what it doesn't, and how to make the most of your benefits. This becomes even more critical for seniors, whose dental care needs often increase with age. So, "what does my Humana dental plan cover?" Let's delve into the details of your Humana Dental Insurance.

Humana Dental Insurance: An Overview

Humana, a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest providers of dental insurance in the United States. The company offers a broad range of dental plans to cater to various needs, with options suitable for individuals, families, and seniors.

Here is an overview of the types of dental insurance plans offered by Humana:

1. Dental Preventive Plus

This plan is designed to cover preventative and basic dental services at a higher percentage, while offering some coverage for major services. It is a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan, which means you can see any dentist you choose, but you'll save money if you select a dentist from Humana's extensive network. Covered preventive services typically include cleanings, X-rays, and routine check-ups.

2. Dental Loyalty Plus

The Dental Loyalty Plus plan is unique in that it offers increasing benefits over time. Coverage for all types of services (preventive, basic, and major) increases with each year of membership. This plan also includes a one-time deductible for as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the plan.

3. Dental Savings Plus

This is not an insurance plan but rather a discount plan. Members receive discounted rates on a variety of services, including preventative care, basic services, and even orthodontic procedures. This plan can be an affordable option for those looking to save money on dental care.

4. Complete Dental

Complete Dental is Humana's most comprehensive insurance plan. It covers a broad range of services, including preventive care, basic services like fillings and extractions, and major services such as root canals, crowns, and dentures. This plan also has a PPO structure, offering the freedom to choose any dentist and additional savings with in-network providers.

5. Dental Value Plan (HMO)

Humana's Dental Value Plan is a Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plan. It operates on a copay system, where you pay a fixed amount for services, with no deductible or maximum annual limit. This plan requires you to select a primary dentist from Humana's network, and specialist referrals must be coordinated through your primary dentist.

6. Dental Discount

The Dental Discount plan offers discounted rates on a wide range of dental services. It includes both preventive and complex dental procedures.

In addition to these plans, Humana also offers vision insurance that can be bundled with dental insurance for added savings.

It's important to remember that not all plans are available in all areas, and coverage details can vary based on your location. Be sure to thoroughly review any plan you're considering, taking into account your budget and dental care needs. Consult with a Humana representative or insurance professional to make sure you fully understand the plan's coverage and costs.

Understanding Your Humana Dental PPO Plan

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) dental plan from Humana is a flexible option for individuals seeking both affordability and a broad choice of dentists. One of the key features of a PPO plan is the ability to visit any licensed dentist you prefer, although selecting a dentist from within Humana's network can lead to substantial savings.

Here's a comprehensive look at what a Humana Dental PPO plan involves:

Plan Structure

The Humana Dental PPO plan operates based on a specific structure: premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and annual maximums. As a policyholder, you pay a monthly premium to maintain your coverage. When you need dental care, you first meet your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins to cover costs. After that, you pay a coinsurance, which is a percentage of the treatment cost, while insurance covers the rest. The plan also has an annual maximum, the highest amount the insurance will pay for your dental care in a year.

Coverage

Humana Dental PPO plans offer comprehensive coverage, which is generally categorized into three groups:

  • Preventive care: This includes routine check-ups, cleanings, and x-rays, which are often covered at 100%. Preventive care is vital in identifying dental issues early, potentially saving you from costly treatments in the future.

  • Basic services: These are procedures like fillings, extractions, and periodontal cleanings. Depending on your plan, basic services may be covered at around 80% after the deductible is met.

  • Major services: These include more complex procedures such as root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Major services are typically covered at 50% after your deductible, although this can vary by plan.

It's crucial to check your plan's Summary of Benefits to understand the specifics of what your Humana Dental PPO plan covers.

Network Benefits

While you have the flexibility to choose any dentist with a PPO plan, there are distinct advantages to using a dentist in Humana's network. Network dentists agree to charge lower fees to Humana's policyholders, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. Also, in-network dentists will directly bill Humana, so you only have to pay your portion of the bill at the time of service.

With the Humana Dental PPO plan, you can manage your dental health effectively without worrying about excessive costs. By understanding the ins and outs of your plan, you can make informed decisions and ensure optimal oral health.

Deciphering Your Humana Dental HMO or Prepaid Plan

Humana's Dental HMO or Prepaid plans require you to select a primary dentist within Humana's network and obtain referrals from them for specialist care. You ask, "what does my Humana Dental HMO plan cover?" Again, specifics can vary, but these plans generally offer full coverage for preventive services and partial coverage for basic and major services. However, unlike PPO plans, they often don't have deductibles or annual maximum limits.

Making Sense of Your Humana Dental Discount or Preventive Plus Plan

These are more affordable options offering discounts on dental services rather than insurance coverage. If you're wondering, "what does my Humana Dental Discount or Preventive Plus plan cover?" These plans typically offer discounts on preventive, basic, and major dental services, with the specific discount rate varying by procedure.

Tips for Maximizing Your Humana Dental Plan

To get the most from your Humana dental plan, here are a few tips:

  • Understand your plan: Review your plan specifics to know what's covered, and at what percentage.

  • Stay in-network: For PPO plans, staying in-network can save you money. For HMO plans, staying in-network is required.

  • Schedule regular check-ups: Preventive care is usually fully covered and can help avoid more expensive procedures down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my Humana dental plan cover?

Coverage varies based on the specific plan. Generally, Humana dental plans cover preventive care fully or with a discount, while basic and major procedures are partially covered.

Can I see any dentist with my Humana dental plan?

With a PPO plan, you can see any dentist, but you'll save money by staying in-network. With an HMO or Prepaid plan, you must select a primary dentist from Humana's network.

Does Humana dental insurance have waiting periods?

Some Humana dental plans have waiting periods for certain services. Review your plan details to understand any applicable waiting periods.

What's the difference between Humana's PPO, HMO, and Discount dental plans?

PPO plans offer flexibility to see any dentist, with cost savings for using in-network providers. HMO plans require you to use network providers but often have no deductibles or annual maximums. Discount plans offer discounted rates for dental services rather than insurance coverage.

Does Humana Dental Insurance cover orthodontics?

Coverage for orthodontic procedures varies depending on the specific Humana dental plan. Some plans offer coverage or discounts for orthodontic services, while others may not. It's important to check the specifics of your plan or discuss it with a Humana representative.

How can I find a dentist within the Humana network?

You can find a dentist within the Humana network by using the 'Find a Dentist' tool on the Humana website. This allows you to search for dentists by location and specialty.

Does Humana Dental Insurance cover implants?

Some Humana dental insurance plans do offer coverage for dental implants, though the extent of coverage can vary. It's important to check your individual plan's coverage details.

What should I do if I have an issue with my Humana dental plan?

If you have an issue with your plan, you should first contact Humana's customer service. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance.

Can I add a family member to my Humana dental plan?

Yes, you can add family members to your Humana dental plan. However, the process and costs for doing so can vary depending on your specific plan.

How can I cancel my Humana dental insurance?

You can cancel your Humana dental insurance by calling Humana's customer service line. It's important to understand any potential implications of canceling your coverage, such as being responsible for any unpaid premiums or fees.

By fully understanding your Humana dental plan, you can take control of your oral health without unexpected costs. Remember, "what does my Humana dental plan cover?" is a question with answers specific to your plan. Review your plan, ask questions, and make the most of the benefits available to you.

Wondering how Humana Flex Card works? Check out this Senior Strong blog.

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Nathan Justice manages community outreach programs and forums that help many senior citizens. He completed a counseling program at the University of Maryland’s Department of Psychology.
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