(Feature Impact) When you’re picturing retirement, it’s more fun to imagine yourself on a sandy beach than filling out insurance paperwork. However, with 4.1 million Americans reaching retirement age this year – including many retiring earlier than expected – it’s important to be proactive and informed about your options for dental and vision coverage and care.
“With nearly 7 in 10 adults over 65 having gum disease, oral health issues don’t wait for a convenient time to show up,” said Dr. Jason Grinter, vice president of dental science and network strategy at Delta Dental of Illinois. “Planning for preventive dental visits, just like any other health need, can help catch issues early and avoid larger costs down the road.”
Preventive care plays an important role in maintaining both oral and overall health. In fact, 90% of adults believe preventive dental care is the best defense against serious and costly dental issues, according to the 2026 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, and adults with dental insurance are twice as likely to make a preventive dental visit. Despite the importance of preventive care, nearly one-third of adults 65 and older with vision difficulty miss their annual eye exam, according to a national vision study.
As you plan for dental and vision coverage in retirement, consider these questions:
- When should you start thinking about dental and vision coverage for retirement?
Treat dental and vision coverage as an important item on your retirement checklist – not a last-minute addition. Since Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover routine dental and vision care, research alternative coverage options and factor in potential out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your needs and area prices, you may pay higher monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs in retirement.
- What should you look for when comparing dental and vision plans?
Monthly premiums are easiest to focus on, but they don’t tell the whole story about whether a plan is right for you. Consider whether your preferred dentist or eye doctor is in network and, if you travel frequently, whether the plan offers a broad network away from home. Using in-network providers can mean lower out-of-pocket costs, helping stretch retirement dollars further.
- How can you choose dental and vision coverage that fits your retirement budget?
Cost is an important factor for many retirees, and it’s an area where balance is key. The plan with the lowest premium may not be the most affordable option once you’ve factored in deductibles, copays, annual maximums and coverage limitations. Since regular visits are important for early detection of potential health issues, consider individual dental and vision plans through Delta Dental of Illinois. With a focus on preventive care and comprehensive coverage, individual dental plans cover preventive checkups and exams at 100% and help reduce out-of-pocket costs for many procedures.
- Why are routine dental and eye exams important as you age?
Regular checkups can catch small problems early before they turn into larger, more costly ones. Dentists can identify signs of gum disease, tooth decay and oral cancer, as well as oral health issues associated with other conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Routine eye exams, meanwhile, can help diagnose common age-related eye diseases and help prevent vision loss. As concerns like tooth loss, cataracts and glaucoma become more common with age, it’s important to factor evolving dental and vision needs into your retirement planning.
Planning your dental and vision coverage today can help protect your overall health for years to come. Learn more and explore plans at deltadentalil.com/individual-plans.
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Source: Delta Dental of Illinois
