Best Dental Insurance for Seniors on Medicare in Florida
If you’re on Medicare and living in Florida, here’s something you should know: Original Medicare doesn’t cover dental care.
No cleanings, no fillings, no dentures - not even a simple oral exam. And that’s a big deal, especially in a state like Florida where more than 4.5 million people are on Medicare, and over 20% are age 65 or older.
Dental issues don’t just go away in retirement - in fact, they usually get worse. Nearly 1 in 5 older adults have lost all their teeth, and for many, the cost of care is the reason.
Cleanings, crowns, and even basic extractions can run hundreds - sometimes thousands - of dollars if you don’t have coverage.
That’s why this page exists.
Whether you're:
- New to Medicare and wondering what dental options are available,
- Helping a parent figure out coverage, or
- Had one too many surprise dental bills…
Choosing the right plan now could mean avoiding thousands in dental costs later.
It's also important to choose a great dental insurance provider - and Florida Blue stands out in a crowded field.
It’s not just because they’re a trusted name locally. They also offer plans that are senior-friendly, preventive-focused, and often more comprehensive than what you’ll find from national brands or discount plans.
This guide will walk you through the best dental insurance choices for Florida seniors in 2025.
We’ll walk through the types of dental insurance, our provider recommendations, and hopefully help you figure out which plan actually fits your needs - without the fluff or sales pitch.
Let's start with the types of dental insurance available to you.
What Type of Dental Insurance Can Medicare Beneficiaries Get in Florida?
If you're on Medicare in Florida, you’ve probably realized by now: dental coverage isn’t part of the standard package.
That means if you want coverage for things like cleanings, fillings, or dentures, you'll need to find it elsewhere.
Fortunately, Florida seniors have a few solid options - but not all are created equal.
#1. Standalone Dental Plans
These are private dental insurance plans that you can buy separately, regardless of whether you have Original Medicare or a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan.
They work just like traditional dental insurance - with monthly premiums, provider networks, and coverage for preventive and major services.
Why they’re popular:
- No need to change your medical plan
- Full dental focus (not tacked on as an “extra”)
- Great for those with Medigap who still want dental coverage
Florida Blue, Aetna, and Ameritas are some of the top providers offering these standalone plans in Florida.
#2. Dental Coverage Built into Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans
If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Part C), you might already have some dental benefits included.
But here’s the catch: MA dental coverage varies a lot. Some plans might cover just cleanings and X-rays, while others may offer help with root canals, crowns, or dentures - but only within a narrow provider network.
Key things to check with MA dental:
- What procedures are covered?
- Is there an annual max? (Some are as low as $500/year.)
- Can you see your preferred dentist, or are you restricted to a network?
Bottom line: Don’t assume all dental benefits are equal just because they're "included" in your MA plan.
#3. Bundled Plans from Private Insurers
A few insurers in Florida - like Florida Blue, Humana, and Aetna - let you bundle dental, vision, and even hearing coverage into one convenient policy.
These are especially handy for retirees who want to simplify their insurance and cover multiple needs at once.
They’re available for both Medicare Advantage members and folks with Original Medicare who want to add dental on the side.
No matter where you live in Florida, you’ll be paying out-of-pocket unless you add a separate policy or get coverage through Medicare Advantage. And even then, benefits may be limited.
Best Dental Insurance Providers for Seniors on Medicare in Florida (2025)
If you’re on Medicare in Florida, you already know that dental care isn’t covered under Parts A and B. Whether you’re retired full-time in Florida or split your time as a snowbird, having the right dental insurance is essential - especially given Florida’s high procedure costs and large senior population.
Below is an overview of the three best dental insurance options for Florida seniors in 2025, based on network access, plan flexibility, value for the price, and how well they work. We'll dive into more details about each provider later.
#1. Florida Blue
Florida Blue stands out as the strongest option for Florida retirees.
With affordable plans starting around $10/month, an extensive statewide network, and benefits designed for seniors managing chronic conditions, it’s the best blend of local access, value, and comprehensive coverage.
Available Plans in Florida:
- BlueDental Choice PPO: $30–$60/month, $1,000+ annual max (plus rollover feature)
- BlueDental Copayment PPO: $25–$45/month, fixed copay pricing for services
- BlueDental Care (Prepaid HMO): $10–$25/month, no annual max, no deductible
Highlights for Seniors:
- 100% coverage on preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays)
- Rollover feature lets unused annual benefits roll over year to year (up to $2,000 max)
- PPO flexibility - see any in-network provider across the state (or nationwide with Blue)
- Special “Oral Health for Overall Health” program with added cleanings and gum treatments for members with diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic conditions
- No deductible or annual max on prepaid HMO-style plan
- Orthodontic coverage available (pediatric only)
Why it works well for seniors:
Florida Blue makes it easy to pair dental coverage with an existing Florida Blue Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan.
It’s also a strong standalone option for those with Original Medicare looking for simple, transparent dental benefits from a local, reputable carrier.
#2. Ameritas
Ameritas offers a wide selection of senior-friendly PPO dental plans in Florida, with strong benefits that increase the longer you stay enrolled.
These plans are ideal for retirees who want room to grow - with high annual maximums that reach up to $3,000 and no waiting periods on preventive care.
Available Plans in Florida:
- PrimeStar® Lite – $25.83/month, $1,500 max (after year one)
- PrimeStar® Boost – $48.66/month, $2,000 max (after year one)
- PrimeStar® Complete – $57.26/month, $3,000 max (after year one), plus hearing benefits
Highlights for Seniors:
- 100% preventive coverage from day one (cleanings, exams, X-rays)
- Basic and major care benefits increase after year one (up to 80–90% for fillings, 50% for crowns/dentures)
- Large national PPO network with out-of-network options
- No enrollment fees and next-day coverage
- Complete plan includes hearing aid and exam benefits - a plus for older adults
Why it works well for seniors:
If you’re planning ahead for major procedures or want a plan that gives you more value over time, Ameritas is hard to beat.
It’s especially appealing to Florida retirees with higher expected dental needs or those wanting bundled hearing benefits alongside dental.
#3. Delta Dental
Delta Dental is one of the largest and most trusted dental insurers in the U.S., and it has strong name recognition among Florida dentists.
With PPO and DHMO (DeltaCare® USA) options available across the state, it’s a versatile pick for seniors who value affordability and dentist access.
Available Plans in Florida:
- Delta Dental PPO Basic – $22.43/month, $1,000 annual max
- Delta Dental PPO Premium – $55.74/month, $2,000 annual max
- DeltaCare® USA (HMO) – $8.92/month, no annual max
Highlights for Seniors:
- Transparent pricing with an online Dental Cost Estimator
- 100% preventive coverage across most plans
- PPO plans include orthodontic coverage and major dental benefits (after waiting periods)
- DeltaCare HMO plan offers fixed copays and no deductible or annual max
- One of the largest dental networks in Florida and nationwide
Why it works well for seniors:
Delta Dental is a safe pick if you want flexibility in choosing a dentist and don’t mind waiting periods for major work.
The HMO plan is also a low-cost entry point for budget-conscious seniors who want basic coverage at minimal monthly cost.
#4. Humana
Humana offers a variety of PPO dental plans in Florida that cater to seniors looking for solid preventive coverage and clear, budget-friendly pricing.
With low monthly premiums, lifetime deductibles, and a large provider network, Humana is a strong fit for Medicare beneficiaries who prioritize routine care and flexibility.
Available Plans in Florida:
- Preventive Value Plan – $18/month, no annual max
- Bright Plus Plan – $25/month, $1,250 annual max
- Loyalty Plus Plan – $28/month, $1,500 max by year three
- Complete Dental PPO Plan – $44/month, $1,500 max after year one
Highlights for Seniors:
- 100% preventive coverage (cleanings, exams, and X-rays) across all plans
- Loyalty Plus and Complete plans include basic and major care: fillings, crowns, dentures, oral surgery
- Annual maximums increase over time (up to $1,500 by year three with Loyalty Plus)
- No deductible or waiting periods on Complete plan for any service
- $50 lifetime deductible (not annual), simplifying long-term cost planning
- Access to Humana’s extensive network of 335,000+ providers nationwide
Why it works well for seniors:
Humana stands out for its budget-conscious approach, particularly for healthy seniors who prioritize preventive care but still want a safety net for more serious needs.
Plans like Loyalty Plus reward members for staying enrolled, while the Complete plan gives immediate access to all service levels.
Humana’s flexible options make it a smart choice for Florida retirees who want a dependable, nationwide insurer at a competitive price.
Why Seniors in Florida Need Dental Coverage
As we age, dental care stops being optional and becomes a serious health need.
Unfortunately, many Medicare beneficiaries don’t realize until it’s too late that Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental services - and the out-of-pocket costs can be staggering.
More than 70% of older adults will need a crown, root canal, implants, or dentures at some point. Others face gum disease, tooth loss, or dry mouth, all of which can impact not only your ability to eat and speak - but your overall health.
In fact, dental issues in seniors are closely linked to more serious conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes complications
- Stroke
- Pneumonia (from untreated oral infections)
For caregivers and families, ignoring dental coverage means risking both financial stress and medical complications down the line.
Avoid Those Out-of-Pocket Costs
Compared to national averages, Florida consistently ranks among the highest for dental procedure costs.
Here’s what you might pay out of pocket if you don’t have dental insurance:
These prices reflect average ranges, but can climb higher in major cities like Tampa, Orlando, or Miami.
Without dental insurance, those costs fall entirely on you. Even one or two procedures a year can drain your savings - especially if you're on a fixed income.
That’s why having the right coverage in place is essential, whether you’re managing your own care or helping a parent.
Next up, let's compare the different offerings from the top providers we referenced earlier.
Florida Dental Provider Comparison Chart
Choosing the right dental insurance provider can be overwhelming - especially when the options sound similar on paper.
That’s why we’ve broken down three of the most trusted dental insurance providers for seniors in Florida.
The chart below compares key plan features: monthly premiums, what’s covered, annual benefit limits, waiting periods, and special perks.
These plans are all available to Medicare beneficiaries in Florida and work well alongside either Original Medicare, a Medigap plan, or in some cases, a Medicare Advantage policy.
Use this side-by-side view to decide which plan aligns best with your dental needs, budget, and long-term goals.
Our Top Pick: Florida Blue
Florida Blue stands out in the state not just for its reputation, but for offering a wide variety of dental plan options that cater specifically to seniors on Medicare.
Whether you’re looking for basic preventive coverage or full-service dental protection, there’s likely a Florida Blue plan that fits your needs.
Preventive Plan – Affordable Essentials
This entry-level plan starts around $10 per month and is designed for seniors who mainly want coverage for routine care.
It includes:
- Two cleanings per year
- Annual exams and X-rays
It's a simple, affordable way to stay on top of oral health and avoid costly surprises down the line.
Comprehensive PPO – Full Coverage with Flexibility
These plans typically range from $30 to $60 per month, offering broader coverage for those who may need more than cleanings.
Highlights include:
- Coverage for major services like crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals, and even implants
- No referrals required – you can see any dentist in the PPO network
- Rollover benefit feature, where unused benefits may carry over to the next year (on select plans)
HMO Dental Option – Copay-Based Coverage
Florida Blue also offers HMO-style dental plans, often bundled with its Medicare Advantage plans.
These plans work on a fixed copay schedule, meaning you pay a set amount for each service (e.g., $0–$50 per visit, depending on the procedure).
They’re a good fit if you’re already using Florida Blue for Medicare Advantage and want to keep everything under one umbrella.
Chronic Condition Support – Oral Health for Overall Health
Florida Blue goes a step further for members with certain chronic health conditions. If you have diabetes or heart disease, you may qualify for:
- Extra dental cleanings per year
- Gum disease treatment
- Other preventive care designed to help reduce complications tied to systemic illness
This added support comes through Florida Blue’s “Oral Health for Overall Health” program - a unique feature not all dental insurers offer.
Medicare Advantage Dental vs. Standalone Dental Plans in Florida
If you're on Medicare in Florida, you’ve likely seen dental benefits advertised as part of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans - but what’s the real difference between that and a standalone dental policy?
This chart breaks it down:
What This Means for You
Choosing between Medicare Advantage dental and a standalone dental plan often comes down to flexibility and how much dental care you expect to need.
- Network Size Matters: Medicare Advantage dental plans - especially HMOs - tend to have narrow provider networks. That means your favorite dentist may not accept the plan. Standalone PPO dental plans often offer larger networks and let you choose from a wider range of providers.
- Check the Annual Maximum: Most MA dental benefits cap coverage at $1,000 or less per year. That may not go far if you need a crown, bridge, or root canal. Standalone plans from companies like Florida Blue or Ameritas offer higher annual maximums - sometimes up to $3,000 - especially helpful if you're anticipating major work.
- Don’t Overlook Preventive Coverage: This is where real savings begin. Both MA and standalone plans typically cover cleanings, exams, and X-rays. But be sure to check how often those services are covered and whether they count toward your annual max.
- Florida Blue Offers the Best of Both Worlds: If you’re dealing with diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic conditions, Florida Blue’s Oral Health for Overall Health program goes beyond the basics - providing additional cleanings and periodontal services to support your total health.
Final Thoughts: Florida Blue Wins
For seniors in Florida, having dental coverage isn’t just helpful - it’s essential.
And when it comes to balancing affordability, flexibility, and real-world value, Florida Blue stands out in 2025 as the top choice.
Here’s why:
- Comprehensive plan lineup - from preventive-only to full PPO coverage
- Deep Florida roots - trusted local name with decades of Medicare experience
- Chronic care support - added dental services for those managing diabetes or heart conditions
- 100% preventive coverage - cleanings, exams, and X-rays fully covered on most plans
- Ideal for Medigap pairing - seamless fit if you already use Florida Blue for health coverage
Whether you're managing your own care or helping a loved one, Florida Blue’s plans offer peace of mind and high value - with the provider access, benefits, and support Florida seniors need.
Ready to explore your dental plan options in Florida? Let a licensed Florida agent guide you through the best plans available in your ZIP code.
There’s no cost and no pressure - just helpful advice from Medicare-focused experts.
Call today or start your free quote online.
FAQs
No. Dental savings plans (also known as discount plans) are not insurance. Instead of paying claims, they offer reduced rates for dental procedures at participating providers. They can be helpful for seniors who don’t need frequent care but want lower prices for occasional services, though they lack the comprehensive protection of traditional dental insurance.
Switching plans can reset waiting periods for certain procedures, especially for major dental work like crowns or dentures. Additionally, any deductible or annual maximum met under your previous plan won’t carry over. If you're considering a switch, look for insurers like Ameritas that waive waiting periods with prior coverage.
Dental insurance premiums may be tax-deductible if you itemize deductions and your total unreimbursed medical expenses (including dental) exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Check with a tax professional to see if you qualify under IRS rules.
Most dental insurance plans do not cover medical procedures like biopsies or cancer screenings, as these are typically billed under medical insurance. However, some plans offer enhanced preventive benefits that include oral exams aimed at detecting early signs of disease.
If you expect minimal use, consider preventive-focused plans with low premiums, like Florida Blue’s basic HMO or Humana’s Preventive Value plan. These cover cleanings and exams at a low monthly cost while still offering some protection in case of surprise needs.
With over 20 years of experience, Mark Prip is a dedicated licensed Medicare insurance agent in Florida. His expertise lies in simplifying the Medicare coverage process by providing comprehensive education to beneficiaries.
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