Compare Dental, Vision, & Hearing Policies

Compare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Policies
 
Compare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Policies

Save yourself some time when selling ancillary products with NCC’s DVH Comparison Chart. We’ve compared popular options from Aetna, Ameritas, Medico, Manhattan Life, and Mutual of Omaha. Inside you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of rates, benefits, and eligibility requirements, along with:

  • Family and group coverage.
  • Network vs non-network.
  • Electronic signature options.
  • DVH waiting periods.
  • Who covers the most on day one.

Download NCC’s Dental, Hearing, and Vision Comparison Chart to quickly and easily find the best plans for your clients.

Download NCC's Dental, Vision, and Hearing Comparison Chart

How DVH Policies Benefit Clients

Dental insurance is often overlooked by both clients and agents, despite the cost of dental care.

  • Basic dental services like cleanings and X-rays cost several hundred dollars.
  • Major services like bridges and dentures cost several thousand dollars.
  • One hearing aid can cost $2,000 to $3,000 or more.
  • You can help Medicare clients keep those costs manageable with a DVH plan.

What does Original Medicare cover for Dental, Vision, and Hearing?

Medicare Part A and Part B (known as Original Medicare) have minimal coverage for Dental, Vision, and Hearing.

Vision

Covered by Medicare

Annual eye exams for people with diabetes.
Corrective procedures for chronic eye conditions. For example, the removal of a cataract and replacement of the natural lens with a fabricated intraocular lens.
Eyeglasses or contacts following the replacement of an intraocular lens.
Eye exam to diagnose potential vision problems.
An annual eye exam for those at high risk of glaucoma. Risk factors include:
      Diabetes.
      A family history of glaucoma.
      African-American and age 50+.
      Hispanic-American and age 65+.

Not Covered by Medicare

Not Covered by Medicare Eye examinations related to prescribing glasses or contacts, with some exceptions.
Not Covered by Medicare Eyeglasses or contact lenses (unless prescribed following cataract surgery).

Dental

Covered by Medicare

Reconstruction related to jaw injuries.
Dental exam required before certain procedures, such as heart valve replacement or kidney transplant.
An emergency or complicated dental procedure that requires a hospital stay.
Reconstruction following removal of a facial tumor.
In most of these cases, Medicare will cover the procedure, but not follow-up visits.

Not Covered by Medicare

Not Covered by Medicare Routine care such as cleanings and checkups.
Not Covered by Medicare Fillings, crowns, or tooth extractions.
Not Covered by Medicare Dentures, dental plates, bridges, or other dental devices.

Hearing

Covered by Medicare

Hearing exam for a recent hearing loss due to illness or injury.

Not Covered by Medicare

Not Covered by Medicare Routine hearing exams.
Not Covered by Medicare Hearing aids.
Not Covered by Medicare Examination for prescribing or fitting hearing aids.

To see our pick for DVH plans, download 5 Best Medicare Ancillary Products for Financial Peace.

Other DVH Options for Your Clients

Medicare Advantage

While Original Medicare doesn’t cover most needs related to DVH, many Medicare Advantage plans do. If a client has significant DVH needs, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a better fit than Original Medicare plus a DVH policy.

Medicaid and D-SNPs

In some states, Medicaid covers dental services, optometry services, dentures, and eyeglasses. If your client can qualify for Medicaid, they’re eligible for those services. If they qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, they may qualify for a Dual-eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). Depending on the particular plan, D-SNP plans may cover:

The cost of Medicare Part B (and part A, in some cases).
At state option, certain premiums charged by Medicare Advantage plans.
Original Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments (except for nominal copayments in Part D, the Medicare drug program).

To learn more, get a copy of our free Guide to Selling D-SNPs.

WellCare Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for WellCare. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • WellCare’s certification for 2023 launches on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
  • Passing AHIP does not reduce the number of WellCare test modules.
  • Passing score is 85%.
  • 3 attempts.

WellCare Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

WellCare Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for WellCare. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • WellCare’s certification for 2023 launches on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
  • Passing AHIP does not reduce the number of WellCare test modules.
  • Passing score is 85%.
  • 3 attempts.

WellCare Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

SilverScript Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for SilverScript. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • SilverScript certification for 2022 launches on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.
  • New option in 2022: No cost certification for agents who want to sell only Aetna MA/MAPD or SilverScript PDP products, exclusively.
    This new option allows you to bypass the AHIP Medicare training component and complete an alternative Aetna/SilverScript-only training instead, along with several Aetna-specific training courses (available in English and Spanish). 
  • Agents must do 3 things to be ready to sell SilverScript:
    Step #1: Contract with Aetna. This is a requirement to be eligible for commissions on plans with effective dates of 1/1/2023 and later. (Note: If you’re already contracted for Aetna MA/MAPD, you can skip this step, as there’s no additional action you need to take with your contract.)
    Step #2: Complete 2023 certification.
    Step #3: Receive a ready-to-sell notice
  • There are separate certification processes for Aetna MA/MAPD and SilverScript PDP. Completing 2023 Aetna certification does not satisfy the certification requirement for SilverScript.
  • 2023 Certs will NOT cover the remainder of 2022.
  • TAKE AHIP FIRST! If you pass AHIP first you can skip 2 of the 3 SilverScript test modules. 
  • There’s a link on Agent Portal to transmit their AHIP send scores. 
  • In Pinpoint, the direct scores to be sent upon registration for the test, Gorman, agents can use Silver Mail to upload the cert.
  • Passing score is 90%.
  • SilverScript allows 3 attempts.

SilverScript Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

SilverScript Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for SilverScript. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • SilverScript certification for 2023 launches on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.
  • Agents must do 3 things to be ready to sell SilverScript:
    Step #1: Contract with Aetna. This is a requirement to be eligible for commissions on plans with effective dates of 1/1/2023 and later. (Note: If you’re already contracted for Aetna MA/MAPD, you can skip this step, as there’s no additional action you need to take with your contract.)
    Step #2: Complete 2023 certification.
    Step #3: Receive a ready-to-sell notice
  • There are separate certification processes for Aetna MA/MAPD and SilverScript PDP. Completing 2023 Aetna certification does not satisfy the certification requirement for SilverScript.
  • 2023 Certs will NOT cover the remainder of 2022.
  • TAKE AHIP FIRST! If you pass AHIP first you can skip 2 of the 3 SilverScript test modules. 
  • There’s a link on Agent Portal to transmit their AHIP send scores. 
  • In Pinpoint, the direct scores to be sent upon registration for the test, Gorman, agents can use Silver Mail to upload the cert.
  • Passing score is 90%.
  • SilverScript allows 3 attempts.

SilverScript Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

Shared Health of MS Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Shared Health of MS. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Shared Health of MS has not yet announced their 2023 certification launch date.
  • More information coming soon!

Shared Health of MS Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Shared Health of MS. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Shared Health of MS has not yet announced their 2023 certification launch date.
  • More information coming soon!

Devoted Health Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Devoted Health. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Devoted Health certification for 2023 launches on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

Devoted Health Certification Links, Guides, Contact Info

Devoted Health Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Devoted Health. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Devoted Health certification for 2023 launches on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

Devoted Health Certification Links, Guides, Contact Info

Humana Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Humana. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Humana certification for 2023 launches on Tuesday, June 29, 2022.
  • This year Humana will be accepting both AHIP and NAHU.
  • 2023 Certs will cover the remainder of 2022.
  • At the conclusion of Certification & Recertification this year, all agents will be certified to sell all Humana products!

Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

Humana Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Humana. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Humana certification for 2023 launches on Tuesday, June 29, 2022.
  • This year Humana will be accepting both AHIP and NAHU.
  • 2021 Certs will cover the remainder of 2020.
  • At the conclusion of Certification & Recertification this year, all agents will be certified to sell all Humana products!

Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

Cigna Medicare Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Cigna Medicare. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Cigna Medicare certification launches Friday, July 1, 2022.
  • AHIP, Gorman or Pinpoint is required prior to certification.
  • No modules alleviated by passing AHIP or Pinpoint.
  • Passing score is 85%. You have 3 attempts.
  • Fail any module 3 times, agent will have to call the HAAL agent assistance line – 866-442-7516.
  • Agencies must log in with the agency NPN to complete attestation.
  • Face-to-face training is not required but is recommended as a supplement – especially for new agents.
  • 2022 Certs will cover the remainder of 2021.

Cigna Medicare Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

Cigna Medicare Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Cigna Medicare. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Cigna Medicare certification launches Friday, July 1, 2022.
  • AHIP, Gorman or Pinpoint is required prior to certification.
  • No modules alleviated by passing AHIP or Pinpoint.
  • Passing score is 85%. You have 3 attempts.
  • Fail any module 3 times, agent will have to call the HAAL agent assistance line – 866-442-7516.
  • Agencies must log in with the agency NPN to complete attestation.
  • Face-to-face training is not required but is recommended as a supplement – especially for new agents.
  • 2022 Certs will cover the remainder of 2021.

Cigna Medicare Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

BlueCross BlueShield of TN Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for BlueCross BlueShield of TN. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • BlueCross BlueShield of TN’s 2023 certification launches on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
  • More information coming soon!

BlueCross BlueShield of TN Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for BlueCross BlueShield of TN. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • BlueCross BlueShield of TN’s 2023 certification launches on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
  • More information coming soon!

Amerigroup Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Amerigroup. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Passing score is 90%.
  • 3 attempts.
  • Certifying for 2023 allows the sale of 2022 products.

Amerigroup Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

Amerigroup Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Amerigroup. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Passing score is 90%.
  • 3 attempts.
  • Certifying for 2023 allows the sale of 2022 products.

Amerigroup Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

Aetna Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Aetna. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Aetna certification for 2023 launches on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.
  • New option in 2022: No cost certification for agents who want to sell only Aetna MA/MAPD or SilverScript PDP products, exclusively.
    This new option allows you to bypass the AHIP Medicare training component and complete an alternative Aetna/SilverScript-only training instead, along with several Aetna-specific training courses (available in English and Spanish). 
  • Passing AHIP does not reduce the number of Aetna test modules.
  • Passing score is 90% for Aetna courses and 90% for AHIP.
  • 3 attempts are allowed for Aetna courses and 90% for AHIP.
  • 2023 certs will cover the remainder of 2022.

Aetna Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails

Aetna Producer Certification Requirements for 2023

  • Details refer to certification for Aetna. AHIP certification must be completed separately.
  • Aetna certification for 2023 launches on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.
  • Passing AHIP does not reduce the number of Aetna test modules.
  • Passing score is 90% for Aetna courses and 90% for AHIP.
  • 3 attempts are allowed for Aetna courses and 90% for AHIP.
  • 2023 certs will cover the remainder of 2022.

Aetna Certification Links, Guides, Phone Numbers, Emails