How Medicare Advantage Dental Plans are Falling Short

Originally published by HRI Dental & Vision

Did you know that Medicare Advantage dental plans may be hindering access to care for seniors? According to a study published in the JAMA Health Forum*, restrictive features in Medicare Advantage plans are creating unmet dental needs among members.

Medicare Advantage enrollees were:

4.5% more likely to report unmet needs when enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits compared to traditional Medicare enrollees.
7% more likely to report unmet needs when enrolled in an HMO dental plan compared to those enrolled in a PPO or other style plan.

The study also demonstrated:

4.5% increase in unmet dental when the Medicare Advantage plan requires prior authorization.
15% decrease in dental care utilization due to out-of-pocket costs, particularly copayments for comprehensive services.

To top it all off, only a third of Medicare Advantage enrollees were enrolled in plans that provided a full range of dental services, leaving many with limited access to care. Of those that did have access to dental care, plans with maximum benefits below $500 showed the highest rates of unmet needs, while plans with no annual maximums improved access by 12.4%.

HRI Dental & Vision can help

HRI Dental & Vision offers a unique opportunity to join forces. They want to partner with you

to grant members access to real dental benefits that will in turn promote overall health and well-being. They offer flexible plan designs with innovative approaches to create a dental plan that both you and your members love.

Give your members the dental care that they deserve. Discover their customizable dental offerings today!