Medicare DVH Plans Review

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't typically cover routine dental, hearing or vision (DVH) care. This means beneficiaries typically have to pay out of pocket for hearing aids, dentures and prescription eyeglasses.

However, some insurance companies may offer DVH plans where you live. These plans are often designed to work alongside your Original Medicare coverage. Some plans allow you to customize which benefits you receive, whether it's dental, vision and/or hearing.

You may also be able to consider a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan that offers dental, vision and hearing benefits. Medicare Advantage plans cover all your Part A and Part B benefits, and many plans cover other additional benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as dental, vision, hearing, telehealth, transportation, meal delivery, fitness club memberships and more.

In 2024, at least 96% of Medicare Advantage plans covered dental, hearing and/or vision.

How Do DVH Plans Work?

DVH stands for dental, vision and hearing. These plans combine all three benefits under one policy, and you're guaranteed approval regardless of your age or health. This is an excellent option if you need vision or hearing insurance for seniors.

Available coverage varies by state, but some states have a maximum benefit choice ranging between $1,000 and $3,000 annually. Monthly premiums will also vary based on location and the maximum benefit amount chosen. 

Is There a Waiting Period With DVH Plans?

Every supplemental dental, vision and hearing plan has different waiting periods. However, most have little to no waiting period for routine care such as dental cleanings or annual eye exams. There are usually waiting periods for more significant services, such as dentures and hearing aids. 

What's Covered Under Medicare's DVH Plans?

DVH plans generally cover any service under one of their three service categories, but coverage can vary from one insurance provider to the next. So if you're looking for a specific type of coverage (like hearing aids, for example), you should read the details before applying. 

However, most DVH plans cover:

• Routine dental cleanings
• Root canals
• Cavity fillings
• Dentures
• Bridges
• Crowns
• Hearing exams
• Hearing aids
• Routine eye exams
• Prescription glasses
• Contacts

Which Medicare Carriers Offer Dental, Vision and Hearing Plans?

Your exact supplemental dental, vision and hearing coverage options may vary based on your location. However, you may have access to the plans from the insurance carriers below. 

Aetna DVH Plan

Aetna's dental plan has a $100 deductible and offers a maximum benefit of either $1,000 or $1,500. Routine cleanings, exams, extractions and cavity fillings have no waiting period. However, there's a 1-year waiting period for major services like dentures, bridges and root canals. 

In the first 2 years, Aetna's vision plan has a $200 maximum benefit amount. Coverage for services starts at 60% the first year and increases by 10% in the following years.

Hearing benefits have a $100 deductible and a maximum benefit amount of $500 annually. However, your benefits won't kick in until the second year. 

Manhattan Life DVH Plan

Dental coverage under Manhattan Life has a $100 deductible and offers a maximum benefit of $1,000 or $1,500. Routine services have no waiting period, but significant services have a 1-year waiting period.

Vision coverage has no maximum benefit but provides only 60% coverage between 6 months and 2 years. After, coverage increases by 10% in consecutive years. 

Manhattan Life's hearing benefits have no maximum benefit amount and a $100 deductible. However, benefits don't begin until the second year and start at 70% coverage.

Medico DVH Basic Plan 

The Medico Basic DVH Plan has a maximum benefit of $1,000 or $1,500, with a $100 deductible. Like other plans, there's no waiting period for routine services, but significant procedures require a 1-year waiting period. Coverage of services starts at 60% in the first year and increases by 10% each following year. 

Vision coverage has a $200 annual benefit maximum and provides 60% coverage in year one. After that, each year, coverage increases by an additional 10%. 

Hearing coverage has a $100 deductible and no maximum outside the policy's annual amounts. However, benefits don't kick in until year two, when you have 70% coverage on all services. 

Medico DVH DentalPlus Plan

The Medico DVH DentalPlus Plan has a 3-month waiting period for all services but provides 80% coverage on routine services after. There is still a 1-year waiting period for major procedures, but the maximum benefit amount is $2,500 with a $100 deductible. 

Vision coverage with the DentalPlus plan is only 50% after a 1-year waiting period. Hearing benefits have a 1-year waiting period and provide 50% coverage with a $500 annual benefit maximum.