You do not need to have a medical plan from Cigna to enroll in its dental plans, making this a good option if you have Medicare, but need dental coverage.
After retirement, it is still important to do your best to remain healthy, which includes maintaining your oral health. Doing so will result in fewer trips to the doctor and the dentist. Even so, it is wise to prepare for the possibility that you will need basic and even major services, such as a filling or a root canal. These services are expensive, so having a good dental plan is important. Cigna offers three free-standing plans, and one savings plan to pay for your dental needs. You can purchase one of these plans even if you don’t have a health plan or Medicare supplemental plan from Cigna. However, the plans can be added to an existing medical plan from Cigna.
Cost Monthly premium | Varies by state of residence |
Deductible Is deductable required? | Yes, $0-$75 depending on plan |
Co-pay Is copay required? | No |
Waiting period Service wait period | Basic services available immediately, basic restorative services require 6-month waiting period, major restorative work require 1-year waiting period |
Coverage Service coverage | Diagnostic and preventive care, basic restorative services, major restorative services |
Coverage limits Annual maximum coverage | Depending on plan, $0-$1,500/year |
Enrollment ease Ease of enrollment | Enroll online or by phone |
Dental access Choice of dentists | Can use any dentist, but may pay more if dentist is not in the network |
Support access Access to support | Help available 24/7 for questions on claims or benefits |
Payment Payments accepted | Check, credit cards and electronic funds transfer (EFT) |
As we age, the health of our mouth has a great impact on our overall health, which in turn impacts how much joy we take out of life. As with most companies today, you can sign up over the phone, but managing your account is facilitated if done on Cigna’s easy-to-navigate website. As your eyesight deteriorates with time, using a computer with poor eyesight can be difficult and cause frustration. In that case, Cigna does have 24/7 live assistance if you need help with claims or coverage. One of the friendliest aspects of this insurance is that network dentists submit all the documentation, which eases your paperwork burden tremendously.
Seniors of all ages and health status are eligible for Cigna Dental plans. The amount of coverage is reduced for major restorative procedures. Cigna also offers a service called Cigna Dental Oral Health Integration (OHIP). Cigna believes in a holistic approach to health, which includes taking care of your teeth. If you are currently being treated for certain conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes or chronic kidney disease, you are eligible for the program. You do not need to be enrolled in a Cigna health plan. The program reimburses out-of-pocket costs for dental services used to treat gum disease and tooth decay. There is no additional cost to enroll.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line:
For seniors looking for dental insurance, Cigna is an excellent choice. Its PPO plans offer comprehensive coverage for most dental procedures. Its deductibles are relatively low, and it offers free-standing dental insurance. Dentists within the network will submit your claim for you, saving you from additional paperwork. Cigna provides many easy ways to get in touch with the company, including a 24/7 line for benefit and claims questions. In addition to being recognized as a worldwide leader in insurance products, Cigna is rated as A+ by BBB. Overall, Cigna is a company that seniors should seriously consider when looking for dental insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How quickly can I use this insurance and for what services? Once you have enrolled, you can begin using services on the first day of the next month. You can then access cleanings, exams and x-rays immediately. Basic restorative services (fillings, tooth extractions) have a six-month waiting period, and major restorative services (periodontal work, root canals) have a one-year waiting period unless you have proof of previous dental insurance.
How do I sign up? You can enroll on the company’s website. Either request a quote by entering your zip code or call its toll-free number to speak with a representative.
Can I keep my current dentist? Yes, Cigna dental plans allow you to go to any licensed dentist in the United States. The company’s network has approximately 92,000 dentists. However, fees will be higher if you choose a dentist that is not in the network.
More Information:
Overview: Cigna offers three dental plans that cover individuals of any age. All plans provide 100% coverage for preventive care. All of the plans also have waiting periods. For basic restorative dental work there is a wait of 6 months; for major restorative work, the wait is one year.
Package Details:
Cigna Dental Preventive covers 100% of in-network preventive and diagnostic services, and offers some discounts for restorative and orthodontia services. It limits the number of certain procedures per year but has no deductible.
Cigna Dental 1000 covers preventive care at 100% and basic restorative services at 80%. Major restorative services are covered at 50% of the provider’s contracted fee. The annual individual deductible is $50, with a maximum annual benefit of $1,000 per person.
Cigna Dental 1500 is the company’s most comprehensive plan, which offers coverage for preventive care at 100%, 80% on basic restorative services and 50% on major restorative services. This plan also provides coverage for orthodontia at 50% of the contracted fee. The annual individual deductible is $50 and the calendar year benefit is $1,500 per person. Orthodontia has a $1,000 lifetime maximum per person.
Other Services: Cigna also offers a dental savings plan that helps you save on dental services. It is not insurance per se but is an alternative to it. The savings plan offers discounts of up to 31% on average. The savings plan for seniors offers several other services, including identity management services, pharmacy discounts, roadside assistance, telemedicine services (24-hour medical consultations with a board-certified doctor), discounts on vision and hearing care, discounts for diabetic supplies and legal assistance.
Contract Details: Generally, you can end your coverage by contacting Cigna by telephone or in writing. You will minimize future problems by understanding the coverage you will receive before signing a contract.
Warranty: Cigna wants you to be completely satisfied. If you are unhappy with your plan, please contact a Cigna representative.
Accreditations: Cigna was ranked 97 on the 2014 Fortune 500 list, and recognized as a top 100 company on Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 2015 list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens. The Better Business Bureau rates Cigna at A+. It is not accredited at this time, but the company’s application for accreditation is pending.
Company Details: Cigna is a global health service provider dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. Although the company’s predecessors have a 200-year history, the corporation known as Cigna was only formed in 1982. Cigna’s philosophy is to provide customers with services that are relevant, affordable and that help them live a full and healthy life. Cigna has approximately 86 million customers worldwide.
Cigna (headquarters)
1601 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19192
Tel: (800) 244-6224
email: inquiries@cigna.com
