What AARP Delta Dental Is

AARP Delta Dental is a dental insurance plan sold through AARP to people age 50 and older. It is underwritten by Delta Dental, one of the largest dental insurers in the United States. The plan covers preventive care like cleanings and X-rays, basic procedures like fillings, and major work like crowns and root canals — though the amount you pay out of pocket varies by what you choose.

You buy the plan directly from AARP, not through an employer or Medicare. It is separate from your health insurance and separate from Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans, though some people carry all three. The monthly premium, deductible, and copay amounts depend on which plan level you pick and where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Delta Dental comes in three plan levels — each with different monthly costs, deductibles, and how much the plan pays toward major work like crowns.
  • Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) is usually covered at 100 percent with no deductible, but you must use a dentist in the Delta Dental network.
  • The plan does not cover cosmetic work like teeth whitening, and waiting periods explore to major procedures if you are new to the plan.
  • You can enroll year-round — there is no open enrollment window — but coverage does not start until the first of the month after you are approved.
  • Costs and network dentists vary by state, so the premium you pay in Florida differs from what someone in Ohio pays for the same plan level.

The Three Plan Levels and What Each Covers

AARP Delta Dental offers three tiers. The lowest-cost plan covers preventive care and some basic procedures. The mid-level plan adds more coverage for basic work and reduces what you pay for major procedures. The highest-cost plan covers the most, with lower copays across all categories.

Preventive care — routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays — is covered at 100 percent under all three plans, with no deductible. Basic procedures like fillings and straightforward extractions are covered at 80 percent after you meet your deductible. Major work like crowns, bridges, root canals, and dentures is covered at 50 percent on the lower plans and 60 percent on the highest plan, also after the deductible.

The deductible applies to basic and major work only, not preventive care. Deductibles range from $50 to $150 per year depending on the plan, and most plans have an annual maximum benefit — the most the plan will pay in a calendar year. Once you hit that maximum, you pay 100 percent of any remaining dental costs that year.

Network Dentists and Out-of-Network Costs

AARP Delta Dental works with a large network of dentists across the country. You save the most money by using a dentist who is in the Delta Dental network, because they have agreed to accept the plan's fee schedule. If you use an out-of-network dentist, you pay more out of pocket because the plan reimburses less.

Before you enroll, you can search the Delta Dental website to see which dentists near you accept the plan. If your current dentist is not in the network and you want to keep seeing them, ask their office whether they will join Delta Dental or whether they will work with out-of-network patients. Some dentists do; others do not.

Waiting Periods for New Members

If you are new to AARP Delta Dental, the plan imposes waiting periods before it will pay for certain procedures. Preventive care has no waiting period — you can get a cleaning and exam right away. Basic procedures like fillings usually have a six-month waiting period. Major work like crowns and root canals typically has a 12-month waiting period.

This means if you enroll in January and need a crown in March, the plan will not cover it until January of the following year. If you have dental work you know you need soon, ask the plan directly about the waiting period before you enroll, because the exact terms can vary. Some plans waive waiting periods if you had dental coverage elsewhere within the past 90 days.

How Much It Costs

Monthly premiums for AARP Delta Dental vary by your age, your state, and which plan level you choose. A person age 50 to 54 in one state might pay $15 to $30 per month for the basic plan, while someone age 70 or older in another state might pay $35 to $50. The mid-level and highest plans cost more.

On top of the monthly premium, you pay a deductible (usually $50 to $150 per year) before the plan starts paying for basic and major work. Then you pay a copay or coinsurance — a percentage of the cost — for each procedure. Preventive care is free after you pay the premium.

To find the exact premium for your age and state, you need to enter your information on the AARP website or call AARP directly. Premiums can change each year, and the plan will notify you before any increase takes effect.

How to Enroll and When Coverage Starts

You can enroll in AARP Delta Dental at any time of year through the AARP website or by phone. There is no open enrollment window and no age cutoff — as long as you are 50 or older and live in a state where the plan is offered, you can sign up.

Once you submit your enrollment, Delta Dental will review it and send you a confirmation. Coverage typically begins on the first day of the month after you are approved. If you enroll on January 15, for example, your coverage might start February 1. You will receive your member ID card and plan documents before your coverage date.

If you already have AARP membership, enrolling in dental is straightforward. If you are not yet an AARP member, you will need to join AARP first — membership is required to buy the dental plan.

What Is Not Covered

AARP Delta Dental does not cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding done for appearance only. It does not cover orthodontics (braces) for adults. Implants are not covered, though some plans may cover the crown that goes on top of an implant if the implant was placed by a network dentist.

The plan also does not cover procedures that were started before your coverage began, even if you finish them after enrollment. Routine care you receive while waiting out a waiting period is your responsibility. If you need major work urgently, talk to your dentist about whether you can delay it until the waiting period ends, or whether paying out of pocket makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AARP Delta Dental with Medicare?

Yes. AARP Delta Dental is a separate plan from Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. You can carry all of them at the same time. Medicare does not cover dental care, so if you want dental coverage, you need to buy it separately — either through AARP Delta Dental or another private plan.

What happens if I move to a different state?

AARP Delta Dental is offered in most states, but not all. If you move to a state where the plan is not available, your coverage will end. You can then look for dental coverage in your new state through AARP or another insurer. Contact AARP before you move to confirm whether the plan is available where you are going.

Can I cancel the plan anytime?

Yes. You can cancel AARP Delta Dental at any time by contacting Delta Dental or AARP. There is no lock-in period. Cancellation usually takes effect at the end of the month in which you request it. If you cancel and want to re-enroll later, you will go through the enrollment process again and waiting periods will explore.

Does the plan cover dental implants?

No, AARP Delta Dental does not cover the implant itself. Some plans may cover the crown or bridge that attaches to an implant if a network dentist placed it, but you would pay for the implant surgery out of pocket. Ask the plan directly about what it covers related to implants before you have the procedure.

How do I find a dentist in the network?

Go to the Delta Dental website and use their dentist search tool. Enter your zip code and it will show you network dentists near you, their addresses, phone numbers, and sometimes patient reviews. You can also call Delta Dental directly and ask for a list of network dentists in your area.