Ameritas Dental vs Delta Dental

THE SHORT VERSION

Choose Delta Dental if keeping your current dentist matters most. Look closely at Ameritas if you want earlier coverage on certain services or benefits that grow the longer you stay. Either way, the specific plan in your state matters more than the brand.

Earlier coverage on some plans. Many Ameritas plans cover preventive care from day one, and some offer coverage on certain basic or major services sooner than typical competitors.

Benefits that can grow. Some Ameritas plans increase the share they pay for certain services after you have been enrolled for a period of time, which rewards staying with the plan.

Out-of-network flexibility. Many plans pay benefits for dentists outside the network, though your costs are usually lower in network.

Network size. Between its PPO and Premier networks, Delta Dental has one of the largest dentist networks in the country, which makes it easier to keep the dentist you already use.

Clear tier choices. Individual plans are often sold in a lower-cost tier and a richer tier, so you can match the premium to the care you expect.

Waiting periods on many plans. Basic and major services often carry waiting periods, which matters if you need work soon.

HOW TO COMPARE

Add twelve months of premium to the deductible, then add your share of the care you expect. Run that number for one Ameritas plan and one Delta Dental plan available in your ZIP code. The lower total wins, not the lower premium.

Check your dentist by plan, not by brand. A dentist can participate in one Delta Dental network and not another, or accept Ameritas in one state but not out of state. Search each plan’s directory before you buy, or call your dentist’s office and name the exact plan. Our list of Ameritas network dentists explains how to search.

If you need major work soon. Ask each carrier how long you must wait for crowns or dentures on the specific plan, and whether prior dental coverage shortens that wait. That one answer can matter more than any difference in premium.

➤ What is the main difference between Ameritas Dental and Delta Dental?

Delta Dental’s biggest strength is network size, which makes it easier to keep your current dentist and pay network rates. Ameritas competes more on plan design, with some plans that cover preventive care right away and benefits that can increase the longer you stay enrolled. Which one is better depends on your dentist and the care you expect to need.

➤ Is Ameritas or Delta Dental better for seniors?

For seniors who want to keep a long-time dentist, Delta Dental is often the easier fit because so many dentists are in its networks. Seniors who mainly want early coverage on certain services or benefits that grow over time may prefer an Ameritas plan. Compare the actual plans available in your ZIP code before deciding.

➤ Does Ameritas have a waiting period?

It depends on the plan. Many Ameritas individual plans cover preventive care with no waiting period, and some offer earlier coverage on certain basic or major services than typical competitors. Other plans do have waiting periods for major care, so check the plan summary for the specific treatment you need.

➤ Does Delta Dental have a waiting period?

Many individual Delta Dental plans have waiting periods for basic and major services, while preventive care is often covered right away. Rules differ by state and plan, and some plans reduce waiting periods if you had prior coverage.

➤ Which has a bigger dentist network, Ameritas or Delta Dental?

Delta Dental generally has the larger network, built from its Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier networks across the country. Ameritas also has a large national network and covers out-of-network dentists on many plans. Always search for your own dentist in each plan’s network before you buy.

➤ Do Ameritas and Delta Dental cover implants?

Some plans from both carriers cover implants as a major service, but many basic plans exclude them. Coverage percentages, waiting periods and annual maximums for implants vary widely, so confirm them in the plan summary before you enroll.

➤ Can I use Ameritas or Delta Dental with Medicare?

Yes. Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, so people on Medicare often buy an individual plan from Ameritas or Delta Dental. You can usually enroll at any time of year, separately from Medicare enrollment periods.

➤ Which is cheaper, Ameritas or Delta Dental?

Neither is always cheaper. Premiums depend on your state, age, the plan tier and the network, and both carriers sell lower-cost and richer plans. Compare total yearly cost, including premium, deductible and your share of expected care, for the specific plans offered where you live.

➤ Do Ameritas or Delta Dental plans include vision or hearing?

Some do. Ameritas sells plans in some states that can bundle vision and hearing benefits with dental, and some Delta Dental companies offer vision coverage alongside dental. Availability depends on your state, so check the plan options in your ZIP code.