Best for size of dental network: UnitedHealthcare
Why we picked it: UnitedHealthcare has the largest network of dental providers of all Medicare Advantage companies, with more than 100,000 providers.
In other words: It may be easier to find a dentist who takes your insurance.
UnitedHealthcare is the biggest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S., with a presence in 49 states and Washington, D.C. UnitedHealthcare also partners with AARP and insures Medicare products with the AARP name. About 7 out of 10 UHC members are in plans with high star ratings.
Pros
- UHC offers the largest Medicare dental network, with more than 100,000 providers.
- UHC plans with comprehensive dental coverage include an average of more than eight services per plan.
- Standard UHC Medicare Advantage plans offer $0 copays for preventive dental coverage, including exams, X-rays, routine cleanings and fluoride.
Cons
- Only 64% of UHC plans offer comprehensive dental coverage, the lowest percentage among major Medicare Advantage providers. Make sure you understand your plan’s coverage.
» MORE: Read our review of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans
Best for comprehensive coverage: Cigna
Why we picked it: Every Cigna Medicare Advantage plan comes with both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, including coverage for endodontics, prosthodontics and restorative services.
In other words: There’s a good chance you can find a plan that covers any extra dental services you might need — up to the plan’s limit.
Cigna isn’t the largest Medicare Advantage provider, but the company’s plans come packed with benefits: All plans include comprehensive dental coverage, and many include extras like 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery after a hospital stay. Eight in 10 Cigna Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium, and Cigna’s comprehensive dental coverage includes an average of more than nine covered services.
Pros
- All Cigna Medicare Advantage members have preventive and comprehensive dental coverage.
- The average Cigna dental plan includes more than nine covered comprehensive services.
- About 94% of comprehensive dental services from in-network providers come with a $0 copay.
Cons
- Cigna star ratings from CMS are just at the industry average.
- Cigna plans are available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
» MORE: Read our review of Cigna Medicare Advantage plans
🤓Nerdy Tip
Preventive dental coverage may include cleanings, fluoride treatment, X-rays and exams. Comprehensive dental coverage may include diagnostic services, periodontics (gums), extractions, restorative services (fillings, bridges), endodontics (root canals) and prosthodontics (artificial teeth).
Best for ratings: Aetna
Why we picked it: In addition to providing preventive and comprehensive dental on almost all Medicare Advantage plans, Aetna plans have above-average star ratings and member experience scores.
In other words: Your plan with dental coverage has a high likelihood of being a good plan overall.
Aetna, a CVS Health company, is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, and 83% of Medicare beneficiaries have the option of a $0-premium Aetna plan.
Pros
- Aetna is available in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
- In-network preventive dental services (cleaning, X-rays and exams) are covered at 100% on all plans with dental.
- Plans with comprehensive dental cover an average of seven comprehensive services, including endodontics, periodontics and restorative services.
- Some Aetna Medicare Advantage plans offer other perks, such as access to CVS MinuteClinic locations for primary care or an allowance for over-the-counter wellness items.
Cons
- Aetna customer satisfaction numbers land below the industry average in some major Medicare markets, according to J.D. Power’s latest survey.
- If you go out-of-network for comprehensive dental services, a majority of procedures require coinsurance between 20% and 70%.
» MORE: Read our review of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans
Best for Part B Giveback: Humana
Why we picked it: Humana offers plans with Part B Giveback benefits in 48 states and Washington D.C., which means those plans cover a portion of your Medicare Part B premium.
In other words: You can get dental coverage as well as some money back.
Humana is the second-biggest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and is available in 89% of U.S. counties. Humana’s star ratings declined for 2025 plans, and while member experience scores are also lower, they’re still above average for major providers.
Pros
- Nearly all Humana Medicare Advantage plans offer preventive and comprehensive dental coverage.
- Humana offers plans in 89% of U.S. counties, making it an option for most people.
- Humana’s member experience ratings are above average for major providers.
Cons
- Humana’s comprehensive dental coverage includes fewer than six services, on average.
- Humana’s star ratings are below the industry average.
» MORE: Read our review of Humana Medicare Advantage plans
Best among startups: Devoted Health
Why we picked it: As a startup, Devoted Health plans have a higher-than-average star rating from CMS and a high percentage of low-cost plans.
In other words: If you live where this Medicare newcomer is available, it’s worth checking out the company’s high-rated plans.
Devoted Health is an up-and-comer in the Medicare Advantage space, launching in 2017 and expanding its reach by adding seven more states to the roster in 2025. Its ratings are high for plans that have enough data to be measured, and all of its plans offer both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage. Since many plans are new, however, many of them don’t have ratings.
Pros
- All of Devoted Health’s plans offer both preventive and comprehensive dental coverage, with an average of seven comprehensive services per plan.
- Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plans cover 100% of the cost for in-network and out-of-network preventive and comprehensive dental care, within plan limits.Â
Cons
- Devoted Health offers Medicare Advantage plans in only 20 states.
- Many of Devoted Health’s plans are too new to be measured and have no star ratings.
» MORE: Read our review of Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plans
My top picks for Medicare Advantage dental insurance include UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Humana and Devoted Health. These companies provide notable dental coverage, and there are different advantages for each. It’s important to consider the insurance that the dentists in your area accept and the coverage provided.
Check the plan’s ratings, as well as the specific benefits it offers for dental care. Are there copays for dental services and coverage for things like dentures and root canals? What’s the annual limit for dental coverage? This should all factor into your final decision.
Kate Ashford, CSA®, lead writer covering Medicare
How much does Medicare Advantage dental insurance cost?
Dental costs on Medicare Advantage vary by plan and by service. Some require a copay or coinsurance for every service. And some services have a $0 copay if you use an in-network provider but require coinsurance or aren’t covered if you go out of network.
Services may be covered at a $0 copay, but with a dollar limit to what the plan will cover. For instance, there may be a $1,000 annual maximum benefit for preventive or comprehensive services (or both).
For people enrolled in plans with more comprehensive dental benefits, the average annual dollar limit on coverage is $1,300, according to KFF, a health policy nonprofit. It’s important to read a plan’s Evidence of Coverage to understand the limits on any dental coverage being offered.
What if you have Original Medicare?
You’ll need to buy a separate dental insurance policy to cover your dental needs or pay out of pocket for dental care. Many Medicare Advantage providers also sell dental policies, or you can find policies with companies like Delta Dental, Liberty, Spirit Dental or Guardian.
How to shop for Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits
Medicare Advantage plans aren’t just about dental coverage — you’ve got to get the right coverage for all of your health care. Here are some strategies for finding the best plan for you:
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Check star ratings. The CMS collects data on Medicare Advantage plans from member surveys, the plans themselves and medical providers, and then assigns a star rating based on the results. The star rating is on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best.
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Compare out-of-pocket costs. Each plan will have a monthly premium (for many Medicare Advantage plans, that premium is $0) and a maximum out-of-pocket cost, which is the most you’ll pay in a year for covered health care.
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Keep your meds in mind. Make sure you investigate how each plan will cover your medications — or whether they’re covered at all.
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Look for your doctors. If you’ve got a list of caregivers and medical facilities you use and prefer, look for plans that include them.
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Consider the plan type. If you see specialists frequently and you don’t want to get a referral for every office visit, a PPO plan is probably the better fit. If you’re a light health care user and see mostly your primary care physician, an HMO might be more affordable.
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Drill down on dental. If a plan says it offers dental, keep clicking until you get all the details in a plan’s Evidence of Coverage. Make sure you understand what services are included, what kind of copays and coinsurance you may have to pay and whether there’s an annual limit on what the plan will spend.
You may be eligible for Medicare plans during a special enrollment period if you are turning 65, new to Medicare plans, moving or losing coverage.
For information on the Medicare Advantage plans near you, use Medicare’s plan finding tool to see what’s available.
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