Frequently Asked Questions

How does the AARP^® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company work?

The AARP Dental Insurance Plan is a dental PPO. However, our plan differs from many others in that you have the choice to visit any licensed dentist, anywhere in the world. But while you do have flexibility in choosing a dentist with this plan, you maximize your benefits when you visit a participating Delta Dental network dentist*. Our program dentists are a select group of Delta Dental dentists who agree to provide treatment to you at reduced fees, which means your share of the bill will likely be lower.

Who administers the plan?

The AARP Dental Insurance Plan is administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company, which is part of the nation's oldest and largest dental benefits system.

Who is eligible?

Active AARP members and their spouse or domestic partner/partner to a civil union and unmarried dependent children and grandchildren under age 26 are eligible for enrollment.

When will my benefits begin?

Benefits begin immediately for most preventive, diagnostic and basic restorative services, as well as root canals and extractions. Your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month once your eligibility has been verified and your payment has been processed.

What if I require treatment while I’m traveling away from home?

Your plan covers you and any eligible dependents anywhere in the world—even in situations that are not emergencies.

What are my payment options?

Check, money order, Visa, MasterCard and American Express are all acceptable methods of payment. For added convenience, you may set up an automatic checking or savings account electronic funds transfer (EFT) as a monthly payment option. If you select quarterly, semiannual or annual payments, you will receive an invoice by mail.

What are the premiums/rates?

Premiums for the AARP Dental Insurance Plan are based on the prevailing dental costs in the region where you live (based on your zip code). The number of individuals you elect to enroll, your plan choice and payment option also affect the premium (See Get an Instant Quote).

Can I keep my current dentist?

Yes, AARP Dental Insurance Plan enrollees have access to any licensed dentist in the United States. With the AARP Dental Insurance Plan, you have the choice of visiting a Delta Dental PPO^sm (PPO) dentist, Delta Dental Premier^® (Premier) dentist or any licensed dentist. When visiting a PPO dentist or Premier dentist, you have the ability to limit your out-of-pocket costs (See Network Summary for more information.)

How do I become an AARP member?

AARP membership is open to any person age 50 or above. To join or renew your membership, call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277) Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time and/or Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time or visit www.aarp.org. TTY: 1-877-434-7589.

*The PPO network is not available in Alaska, South Dakota or Wyoming. In North Carolina and Texas, the PPO network is referred to as DPO.

In Massachusetts, there are no Delta Dental PPO dentists located in Dukes or Nantucket counties. Enrollees whose primary residences are located in Dukes or Nantucket counties may receive covered services from any dentist located in those counties. Enrollees’ out-of-pocket costs for covered services will be calculated based upon the PPO Maximum Plan Allowance as though such care is provided by a Delta Dental PPO dentist, so that they will receive the cost-limiting advantages available from Delta Dental PPO dentists.

In all counties in Massachusetts, covered services may be obtained from any specialist, whether a Delta Dental PPO dentist or other dentist. Enrollees’ out-of-pocket costs for services from all specialists will be calculated based on the PPO Maximum Plan Allowance as though such care is provided by a Delta Dental PPO specialist, so that they will receive the cost-limiting advantages available from Delta Dental PPO dentists.