Ameritas Dental Insurance: Is It Right For You?

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Braham 48 views

Navigating the world of dental insurance can feel like a daunting task, right? With so many options available, it's tough to know which one is the best fit for you and your family. Today, we're diving deep into Ameritas Dental Insurance, a well-known player in the dental benefits arena. We'll explore their plans, coverage options, customer reviews, and overall value to help you decide if Ameritas is the right choice for your pearly whites.

What is Ameritas Dental Insurance?

Let's kick things off with an introduction to Ameritas. Ameritas is a financial services company that offers a range of insurance and financial products, including dental, vision, and hearing care plans. With a history spanning over a century, they've established themselves as a reputable provider, serving individuals, families, and employer groups. Ameritas dental insurance aims to make quality dental care accessible and affordable, offering a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Understanding the basics of what Ameritas offers is the first step in determining whether their plans align with your specific dental care requirements.

When considering dental insurance, it's essential to look at the types of plans available. Ameritas typically offers a few different options, such as Dental PPO plans. PPO, which stands for Preferred Provider Organization, allows you the flexibility to visit any dentist, but you'll generally save money by staying within their network of preferred providers. With a PPO plan, you're not required to choose a primary care dentist, and you don't need referrals to see specialists. This freedom of choice can be a significant advantage for many people. On the other hand, Ameritas also provides dental HMO options, which may have lower premiums but often require you to select a primary care dentist and obtain referrals for specialist visits. It is important to remember that coverage may be limited to in-network providers.

Another critical aspect of Ameritas dental insurance is the coverage it provides. Most plans cover a range of services, including preventive care (such as cleanings and check-ups), basic procedures (like fillings and extractions), and major services (such as crowns, bridges, and dentures). However, the extent of coverage and the cost-sharing arrangements (like deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance) can vary significantly between plans. Preventive care is often covered at or close to 100%, encouraging regular check-ups to catch problems early. Basic procedures might be covered at 70-80%, while major services typically have a lower coverage rate, such as 50%. Before enrolling in a plan, carefully review the details of what's covered and at what percentage to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Ameritas also distinguishes itself through member resources and customer support. They typically offer online portals where members can access plan information, check claims status, find in-network dentists, and download necessary forms. Their customer service teams are available to answer questions and resolve issues, providing support when you need it. Look for insurers that provide multiple channels for customer support, such as phone, email, and live chat. Moreover, consider reading reviews and testimonials from other Ameritas members to gauge their experiences with customer service and claims processing. This will give you a clearer picture of what to expect as a policyholder.

Plan Options and Coverage

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of Ameritas dental insurance plans and what they cover. Understanding the different plan options and their coverage details is super important for making an informed decision. Nobody wants to be surprised by unexpected dental bills, right? Let's break down the common types of plans offered by Ameritas and what you can typically expect in terms of coverage.

Types of Plans Offered

Ameritas usually offers a variety of dental insurance plans to cater to different needs and budgets. The most common types include:

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans: These plans allow you to visit any dentist, but you'll save money by choosing a dentist within the Ameritas network. You don't need a referral to see a specialist.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plans: DHMO plans typically require you to select a primary care dentist who will coordinate your care. You may need a referral to see a specialist, but premiums are often lower.
Indemnity plans: These plans offer the most flexibility, allowing you to see any dentist without network restrictions. However, they often come with higher premiums.

Within each of these categories, Ameritas may offer different tiers of coverage, such as basic, standard, and premium plans. The higher the premium, the more comprehensive the coverage and the lower your out-of-pocket costs are likely to be.

What's Typically Covered?

Ameritas dental insurance plans generally cover a range of services, including preventive, basic, and major care. Here's a general overview of what you can expect:

Preventive Care: This includes routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. Most plans cover preventive care at or close to 100%, encouraging regular visits to the dentist.
Basic Procedures: This includes fillings, extractions, and root canals. Coverage for basic procedures typically ranges from 70% to 80%, depending on the plan.
Major Services: This includes crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontics. Major services usually have a lower coverage rate, such as 50%, and may have waiting periods before coverage kicks in.
Other Services: Some plans may also cover additional services like teeth whitening, dental implants, and treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Coverage Details to Consider

When evaluating Ameritas dental insurance plans, pay close attention to the following coverage details:

Deductibles: This is the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage starts. Deductibles can range from $50 to $100 or more per year.
Co-pays and Co-insurance: A co-pay is a fixed amount you pay for certain services, while co-insurance is a percentage of the cost you pay. For example, you might have a $20 co-pay for a cleaning or 20% co-insurance for a filling.
Annual Maximums: This is the maximum amount your insurance plan will pay for dental care in a year. Annual maximums typically range from $1,000 to $2,000, but some plans may offer higher limits.
Waiting Periods: Some plans have waiting periods before certain services are covered. For example, you may need to wait six months for basic procedures and 12 months for major services.
Network Restrictions: PPO and DHMO plans have networks of dentists who have agreed to provide services at discounted rates. Staying within the network will save you money.

By carefully reviewing these details, you can choose an Ameritas dental insurance plan that meets your specific needs and budget. Don't hesitate to ask questions and compare multiple plans before making a decision. Knowing the ins and outs of your coverage will help you avoid unexpected costs and get the most out of your dental insurance.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Okay, let's get to what everyone really wants to know: what are other people saying about Ameritas dental insurance? Customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into the real-world experiences of policyholders. We'll explore what customers like and dislike about Ameritas, common complaints, and ratings from reputable sources.

What Customers Like About Ameritas

Many Ameritas dental insurance customers praise the following aspects of their plans:

Wide Network of Dentists: Ameritas has a large network of participating dentists, making it easy to find a provider in your area.
Comprehensive Coverage: Many customers appreciate the comprehensive coverage offered by Ameritas plans, which includes preventive, basic, and major services.
Easy Claims Process: The claims process is generally straightforward and efficient, with many customers reporting quick turnaround times.
Good Customer Service: Some customers have had positive experiences with Ameritas customer service, finding them helpful and responsive.
Online Resources: The online portal and mobile app provide convenient access to plan information, claims status, and other resources.

Common Complaints About Ameritas

Of course, not all Ameritas dental insurance reviews are positive. Some common complaints include:

High Premiums: Some customers find Ameritas premiums to be higher compared to other dental insurance providers.
Limited Annual Maximums: The annual maximum coverage limits may not be sufficient for individuals with extensive dental needs.
Waiting Periods: The waiting periods for certain services can be frustrating for new policyholders.
Inconsistent Customer Service: Some customers have reported negative experiences with customer service, citing long wait times and unhelpful representatives.
Network Restrictions: If you prefer to see a dentist who is not in the Ameritas network, you may face higher out-of-pocket costs.

Ratings from Reputable Sources

In addition to individual customer reviews, it's helpful to consider ratings from reputable sources such as:

Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB assigns ratings based on factors like complaint history, transparency, and responsiveness to customer issues.
Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports provides independent ratings and reviews of insurance companies based on member surveys and other data.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): The NAIC tracks consumer complaints against insurance companies and provides data on market share and financial performance.

By considering both customer reviews and ratings from reputable sources, you can get a more balanced perspective on Ameritas dental insurance. Keep in mind that experiences can vary, and it's essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual needs and priorities. It is important to check the latest ratings and reviews, as they can change over time. Look for trends and patterns in the feedback to get a sense of the overall customer experience.

Cost and Value

Let's talk money! Understanding the cost and value of Ameritas dental insurance is crucial for making a smart financial decision. We'll break down the factors that influence the cost of Ameritas plans, compare their pricing to competitors, and assess the overall value you can expect.

Factors Influencing the Cost

Several factors can affect the cost of Ameritas dental insurance plans, including:

Plan Type: PPO plans typically have higher premiums than DHMO plans due to their greater flexibility. Indemnity plans are usually the most expensive.
Coverage Level: Plans with more comprehensive coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs will generally have higher premiums.
Deductibles and Co-insurance: Plans with lower deductibles and co-insurance will usually have higher premiums.
Annual Maximums: Plans with higher annual maximums will typically have higher premiums.
Location: Dental insurance costs can vary depending on your geographic location.
Age: Premiums may increase as you get older.

Comparing Prices to Competitors

To determine whether Ameritas dental insurance offers competitive pricing, it's essential to compare their plans to those of other leading providers. Some popular competitors include:

Delta Dental
Cigna Dental
Aetna Dental
MetLife Dental
UnitedHealthcare Dental

When comparing prices, be sure to consider the following factors:

Coverage Details: Compare the coverage levels for preventive, basic, and major services.
Deductibles and Co-insurance: Compare the deductibles and co-insurance amounts.
Annual Maximums: Compare the annual maximum coverage limits.
Network Size: Compare the size and quality of the provider networks.
Customer Reviews: Consider customer reviews and ratings from reputable sources.

Assessing the Overall Value

The value of Ameritas dental insurance depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider the following factors when assessing the overall value:

Frequency of Dental Visits: If you visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, a plan with good preventive care coverage may be a good value.
Need for Restorative Work: If you anticipate needing fillings, crowns, or other restorative work, a plan with good coverage for basic and major services may be worth the investment.
Budget: Choose a plan that fits your budget while still providing adequate coverage for your needs.
Peace of Mind: Having dental insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that you're protected from unexpected dental expenses.

By carefully considering these factors, you can determine whether Ameritas dental insurance offers good value for your money. Don't hesitate to shop around and compare multiple plans before making a decision.

Conclusion

So, is Ameritas dental insurance the right choice for you? As we've explored, Ameritas offers a variety of plans with different coverage options to suit various needs and budgets. They have a wide network of dentists and provide online resources for easy access to plan information and claims processing. However, some customers have reported concerns about high premiums, limited annual maximums, and inconsistent customer service.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual circumstances. If you value a wide network of providers and comprehensive coverage, and you're willing to pay a bit more for it, Ameritas might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you're on a tight budget or don't anticipate needing extensive dental work, you might want to explore other options with lower premiums or higher annual maximums.

Before making a final decision, take the time to compare multiple plans, read customer reviews, and consider your own dental health needs and budget. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification from Ameritas or other insurance providers. With careful research and consideration, you can find a dental insurance plan that provides the coverage and value you need to keep your smile healthy and bright.