Aetna offers a range of dental insurance plans, and each one is designed to match different needs and budgets. Whether you want to pick your own dentist or just want to keep your monthly costs steady, there is probably an Aetna plan that will work for you.
One of the most common types of plans offered by Aetna is the PPO plan, which stands for Preferred Provider Organization. With this plan, you can go to any licensed dentist, but you will usually pay less if you choose one who is in-network. Cleanings, dental exams, and regular X-rays are often fully covered. For things like fillings, crowns, or root canals, you might have to pay a deductible first and then split the remaining cost with Aetna.
Another option from Aetna is the DMO plan, or Dental Maintenance Organization. This plan usually costs less each month and does not have a deductible. But there are limits—you have to pick a main dentist from Aetna’s network, and that dentist will manage all your care. If you need to see a specialist, you may need a referral. This type of plan is simple and works well if you want to keep costs low and do not need a lot of extra flexibility.
Some Aetna plans may fall under what are called Indemnity or hybrid plans. Indemnity plans are the most flexible—you can go to any dentist and Aetna will pay back part of the cost, no matter who you see. Hybrid plans are a mix between PPO and DMO, giving you a little bit of both structure and freedom.
Each of these plans has different rules about how much you pay and when. Some have deductibles, which is the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in. Others use copayments or coinsurance, where you pay part of the cost of a visit or procedure. Most Aetna plans fully cover preventive care, like cleanings and check-ups, but you will usually pay something for more involved procedures. There is also something called an annual maximum, which is the total amount Aetna will pay for your care each year.
Aetna also gives you some useful online tools to manage your dental benefits. Through your online member account, you can look up which dentists are in-network, keep track of your claims, and see how much different procedures might cost. Some plans even let you use teledentistry services, which means you can talk to a dentist over the phone or on a video call for basic questions or follow-ups.
If you are not sure which type of plan you have, the easiest thing to do is contact your insurance provider directly or ask your dental clinic. They can usually look it up for you or help you figure it out based on the information you have. If you are trying to choose a new plan, think about how often you go to the dentist, what kind of care you usually need, and how much flexibility you want when picking providers.
Choosing the right plan depends on your needs and preferences, but Aetna’s different options make it easier to find something that works for you. Whether you care most about keeping costs down, having more dentist choices, or finding something in between, there is likely an Aetna dental plan that fits your needs.
To learn more about coverage and treatments, contact us.