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Humana Dental Insurance Review 2024

Humana offers six major types of dental insurance to policyholders across the country.

A network of 335,000 dentists and specialists is available to serve patients who purchase Humana coverage. Individual health insurance plans from Humana are available in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington. If policies are not offered in your state, check out Forbes Advisor's list of best health insurance companies.

Provider network: Humana has one of the largest provider networks in the nation, with more than 335,000 dentists and specialists across the U.S.

Plans and coverage: Humana offers six dental plans for the individual shopper, plus a dental discounts program and discounts for veterans.

Customer service: Humana representatives are available via an online chat tool, with varying hours based on factors like location. You can also seek help on Twitter or by phone. In most areas, phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.M. To 8 p.M. Local time.

Humana offers coverage in the District of Columbia and all states except Alaska, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada and Washington. (Discount dental plans are available in Alaska and New Mexico.)

Not every dental plan is available in every state. To find out what's available near you, enter your zip code on Humana's website, and you'll see a list of plans, plus what they will cost. (Price for each plan varies from place to place.)

Best Dental Insurance Companies For January 2024

Company Number of PPO and HMO Plans Coverage Limit Year One (Sample Plan) Deductible (Sample Plan) Delta Dental Best Overall 3-6 depending on state $2,000 $50 Physicians Mutual Best Overall Cost 4 Unlimited $0 MetLife (HMO) Best for No Annual Maximum 8 Unlimited $0 DentaQuest Best for Customer Service 5 $1,250 $100 Ameritas Best for No Waiting Period 7 $750  $50 Spirit Best for Low Premiums 6 $750 $100 (lifetime)

Sample plans in most cases are the lowest-premium PPO that covers preventive, basic, and major care. For no waiting period, the plan also has to have no waiting periods for any level of care. For no annual maximum, we looked at the lowest-premium HMO or PPO that covers preventive, basic, and major care, and has no annual coverage limits.

What Is Dental Insurance and How Does It Work? Dental insurance is a policy that you pay for to cover costs related to work on your teeth. When you go to the dentist for teeth cleanings, a filling, or maybe braces, your dental insurance will help pay for it. Different dental insurance plans offer various coverage. Some may cover one annual cleaning while others may cover two annual cleanings. Some dental plans do not cover certain procedures. Most dental plans cover 100% of preventative care, such as teeth cleanings, 80% for basic procedures, and 50% for major procedures. After signing up for a dental insurance plan, look for participating dentists and professionals in your network to begin using the benefits offered through your policy. How to Get Dental Insurance You can get dental insurance through your employer's benefits or you can find a plan and pay for an individual dental insurance plan on your own via the healthcare Marketplace. If you are married, you may be able to get dental insurance through your partner's plan. And, if you are under a certain age, you may be covered by your parent's dental insurance. Ways to Buy Dental Insurance There are three primary ways to buy and pay for dental insurance: Through your employer: If you are offered dental insurance as a health benefit through your employer, you can sign up for it and then you will likely pay for it directly out of your paycheck. It may not be required, and you can waive it if you would like to opt for a different plan. Via the healthcare Marketplace: You can visit Healthcare.Gov to find dental insurance, as well as health and vision insurance. Some plans may be subsidized based on your income or financial situation. Just know: You may not be able to buy dental insurance without first buying a health plan. Directly through the insurance company: If you find a dental insurance company that fits your needs and budget, you can sign up and pay for your benefits directly with the company. It's important to know that not all dental insurance companies will be available on the healthcare Marketplace. Offerings on the federal and state marketplaces may also differ. If you do not need a health insurance plan, and only need dental insurance, it may be best to shop around directly on dental insurance provider websites. You can also refer to researched lists of recommendations like ours. However, going directly to the provider to sign up for a plan could mean you pay more than you would on the health insurance Marketplace. Learn if you qualify for subsidized premiums for health and dental insurance before deciding where to go to sign up for a plan. Main Types of Dental Insurance Plans Dental insurance plans may be part of your health insurance plan or can be separate plans of their own. According to the American Dental Association, there are several types of dental plans, including preferred provider organizations (PPOs), dental health maintenance organizations (DHMOs), indemnity plans, direct reimbursement plans, and table or schedule of allowance plans. The three main types of dental insurance plans are indemnity, PPO, and DHMO plans. Indemnity Dental Insurance Plans (Also Called Fee-for-Service Plans) An indemnity dental insurance plan is sometimes called a fee-for-service plan. Once you meet your deductible, your plan will pay for a portion of your dental care and services. PPO Dental Insurance Plans A dental PPO insurance plan is a common type of dental plan. PPO stands for preferred provider organization and these plans can be on the pricier side because of the wider network coverage and the flexibility they afford customers. Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) Insurance Plans An HMO dental insurance plan (or DHMO) is often cheaper than the other types of plans, but that's because of the restrictions. You may have to live within the area where the dental health maintenance organization (HMO) dental plan is offered. You may also have to stay within the network to receive any coverage. Dental Discount Plans Dental discount plans offer access to dental services at discounted rates that can be up to 60% less than regular prices with other plans, often for older adults. Contact your insurance company to see if it has a plan, or look for a dental discount plan that is separate from your health insurance and offers you coverage that fits your needs. Make sure you understand how your plan works when it comes to in-network and out-of-network dental care. What to Look for in a Dental Insurance Plan When looking for a dental insurance plan, make sure you consider the following: Coverage: How much does your plan pay for when it comes to common procedures like cleanings or x-rays? Network of providers: How many dentists are in the network? Premiums and fees: What are the annual or monthly premiums you'll need to pay for this dental insurance plan? How much is the deductible? Are there any other out-of-pocket costs or hidden fees? Will you need to pay coinsurance for procedures? "Like with health insurance, picking a dental insurance plan starts with evaluating your personal situation. If your dental health is good, you may want to look for a dental insurance plan that is affordable and covers routine cleanings 100%—this could save you money. But if you believe you'll need a root canal or crown in the next year, look for a plan that offers affordable coverage for major procedures (plans often have waiting periods for major procedures, too)." —Hilarey Gould, Editorial Director, Investopedia Financial Products & Services Average Costs of Common Dental Procedures The cost of dental procedures may vary by dental insurance plan. But most plans pay 100% for routine care and 50% for more complex procedures, like a filling, root canal, or crown. We looked at the American Dental Association's 2020 dental fee survey to determine the average costs nationwide for some well-known dental procedures. Here's what you may pay with and without dental insurance for these common dental procedures if dental insurance covers 100% of routine procedures, 80% of minor procedures, and 50% of major dental care procedures. Dental Procedure Average Cost Without Dental Insurance Average Cost With Dental Insurance  Cleaning  $73-$98  $0  X-Ray (Complete Series) $143  $0  Filling $145 $29 Root Canal $1,109 $554.50 Crown $284-$1,241 $142-$620.50 What Does Dental Insurance Typically Cover? When it comes to dental insurance, most dental plans follow a similar structure: 100-80-50. This means that coverage includes 100% of preventative care, such as teeth cleanings; 80% of basic procedures; and 50% of major procedures. Most dental insurance plans cover: Cleanings X-rays Fillings Root canals Tooth extractions Some of these are covered 100% and others are usually limited to a percentage of the cost, such as 50% of the cost. You may get more coverage for dental care costs if you use a dentist in-network with the insurance plan. Plans that cover major services tend to cost more and limit the payout to around 50%. What Does Dental Insurance Typically Not Cover? Dental insurance doesn't normally cover: Cosmetic procedures Teeth whitening Pre-existing conditions, like missing teeth Implants (sometimes) Orthodontic care (sometimes) Adult braces (sometimes) It will depend on your dental insurance plan. Why You Should Trust Our Picks for Dental Insurance Investopedia collected more than 750 key data points from 17 dental insurance companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing a dental insurance company and plan. We used this data to review each company for premiums, waiting periods, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999, and has been helping readers find the best dental insurance companies since 2020. Frequently Asked Questions Yes, you can buy stand-alone dental insurance directly through a dental insurance company, such as those listed above in this article. Whether you're offered a dental plan through an employer or not, you can opt to sign up for a stand-alone dental insurance plan. If you don't have health insurance or dental insurance, you can visit the Health Insurance Marketplace and sign up for both. Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by your dental insurance plan. Additionally, some plans do not cover major services like implants or braces, the latter of which is often considered orthodontic care. The best dental insurance for dentures will be a full-coverage dental insurance plan that covers major procedures. Most times, major procedures are only covered up to 50%. If you can find a plan that covers more than that, then that may be the best dental insurance for your dentures. Keep in mind that a plan that covers dentures could cost more through monthly premiums or other fees. For example, Physicians Mutual offers 70% coverage for major procedures, like dentures, with its premier plan. When it comes to dental care, a PPO plan may be a good option for you if you want the most coverage for preventative, basic, and major procedures. HMO plans may be best if you're looking for the best dental insurance with no annual maximum. The amount you pay for dental insurance will depend on the type of coverage you need, how many people are on the plan with you, where you live, and more. Most people pay between $20 and $150 per month, depending on if they are signed up for an individual dental plan or a family dental plan. Delta Dental has the largest network. According to Delta, three in four dentists are a part of the Delta Dental network. The most common form of dental insurance is the PPO plan; PPO stands for preferred provider organization and gives you access to a network of dentists and providers. Other common forms of dental insurance include DHMOs, dental discount plans, and managed fee-for-service plans. The average cost of a teeth cleaning is $73 for a child and $98 for an adult, according to the American Dental Association's 2020 survey of dental fees. To find the best dental insurance companies, we reviewed and collected over 750 data points across 17 companies: Delta Dental, Physicians Mutual, MetLife, DentaQuest, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Renaissance, Ameritas, Spirit, Humana, Guardian, UnitedHealthOne, eHealth, Aetna, Denali Dental, Smart Health Dental, Dominion National How We Picked the Best Dental Insurance Companies To determine which dental insurance companies to review, we tapped into both market data and public sentiment. We used business and industry databases to get insights into market share, and user-generated data from Google to understand trends and public interest in stand-alone dental plans. This analysis narrowed our focus to 17 key companies offering dental coverage to individuals, regardless of whether their health insurance was purchased through state or federal marketplaces or independently. We collected data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a standard-setting and regulatory support organization that maintains a database of customer complaints. We also gathered data directly from companies via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. The data collection process took place between Oct. 9, 2023 and Dec. 23, 2023.  We then developed a quantitative model that scored each dental insurance provider based on 45 criteria that fall into six major categories and are crucial in evaluating the company's offerings and benefits. We weighted the six categories as follows for this article: State Availability: 5% Customer Satisfaction: 15% Types of Plans Offered: 12% Cost: 28% Coverage: 38% Customer Service: 2% To learn more about our process for finding the best dental insurance companies, read our full methodology. Guide to Dental Insurance

Humana Medicare Advantage Value-based Plans Saved $8B In Medical Costs

A new report from Humana finds that "value-based care," which focuses on quality of care and patient experience with deeper patient engagement, that is provided to Medicare Advantage members kept patients healthier and lowers costs.

The new report is part of an annual assessment of the model, which stresses a more personal approach, more time spent with patients, and more coordinated care than traditional fee-for service models of care. The model also puts an emphasis on prevention and lifestyle changes to help patients manage their health.

The tenth-annual report on the efficacy of the value-based model for Medicare Advantage members noted that the U.S. Health system has faced some significant challenges in recent years, including the COVID pandemic, a stressed workforce, and growing awareness of inequities in health care. The Humana analysis acknowledges challenges remain but found better scores on measurements across the board for patients in the value-based care model.

"The data are clear: Value-based care works," said Dr. Kate Goodrich, Chief Medical Officer at Humana. "As our report shows, this smarter healthcare model improves outcomes for Medicare Advantage members and allows primary care physicians to practice medicine at the top of their license and develop meaningful relationships with patients. At Humana, we are proud to lead the way on value-based care for our Medicare Advantage members, and we will continue to look for ways to expand this approach into other lines of business."

Better care equals lower costs

For purchasers of health care, one big takeaway is that Humana, one of the nation's largest health insurance companies, consistently finds that value-based care is lower in cost. The data showed that in 2022, Humana Medicare Advantage Value-Based contractual arrangements saved 23.2% in medical costs when compared to Original Medicare.

Patients in this model also see better preventive services and less time in hospitals. The study found 30% fewer in-patient admissions for value-based care patients compared with standard Medicare beneficiaries in 2022. And the value-based model scored better for preventive care: "Value-based care patients completed preventive screenings at a 14.6% higher rate than Medicare Advantage members not in a value-based care arrangement," the report said.

They also saw primary-care providers more often, with 85% visiting their primary care provider at least once in 2022, compared with 75% of those in other models of care.

The Humana analysis also found that value-based practices also can cut down on low-value care. That term is defined as medical or clinical services that provide little or no clinical benefit to the patient. "Humana researchers found that members in Medicare Advantage, which tends to have more value-based care penetration, received fewer low-value services than fee-for-service Medicare members in 2019," the report said.

Not an easy change for providers

The report noted that changing to a value-based model may be challenging for some hospitals and medical practices. "Many health system leaders and other decision makers struggle to find a way to transition traditionally fee-for-service organizations into a truly value-based care model," the report said. "The initial investments in technology and training, not to mention the challenges of significant organizational change, require a balanced and phased approach where key leaders not only buy into the concept, but also truly understand the operational implications as well as the financial and clinical value."

The study pointed to results in the Florida Medicare and Medicaid market, where ER utilization per thousand for providers in value-based care arrangement was 10% less compared to providers not in the value-based care model.

"Health care organizations are working together more and more, and now we're starting to see aligned payment model benefits in Medicaid," said George Renaudin, Humana's President of Medicare and Medicaid. "We are at the dawn of the next era in value-based care. As we think about how to continue improving health outcomes for our members, we will determine ways to apply our successful care models beyond primary care and Medicare Advantage."

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