Ameritas Dental Insurance - 2026 Texas Plans & Rates
Affordable PPO dental plans with no waiting periods, orthodontic coverage, and over 400,000 network access points nationwide.
Ameritas Dental Plans in Texas (2026)
Ameritas is one of the three dental carriers we most often recommend to Texas individuals and families - specifically when someone needs orthodontic coverage, wants to keep a dentist who isn't in the BCBSTX network, or is replacing prior dental coverage and wants the waiting periods waived. Ameritas individual dental insurance is an affordable way to maintain dental health when you are not eligible for benefits through an employer.
Ameritas 2026 - At a Glance
- Monthly premiums: ~$29-$65/month depending on plan tier (single adult)
- Plans available: Primestar Care Lite, Primestar Care Boost, Primestar Care Complete
- Annual maximum: $750-$3,500 depending on plan and year
- Waiting periods: None on any plan - coverage begins day one
- Network: Over 400,000 access points and 100,000+ in-network dentists nationwide
- Orthodontics: Included on Care Boost and Care Complete plans
- Enrollment: Apply anytime - no open enrollment restriction; effective 1st of next month
Plan Highlights
- No enrollment fees
- No waiting periods and additional savings by going in-network
- Visit any dentist - pay less out-of-pocket with an Ameritas network provider
- Over 400,000 access points and 100,000 in-network dentists nationwide
- Discounted fees, typically 30% below average charges in your community
- Two exams and cleanings per year covered at 100%
- Up to $3,500 annual maximum benefit per person
- Comprehensive coverage for all ages (18+) at a single rate
- 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee
- Dental plans also available to seniors ages 65+
How the Three Ameritas Plans Differ
Ameritas offers three Primestar plans. They share the same network but differ in annual maximums, coverage percentages, and whether orthodontics is included.
| Feature | Primestar Care Lite | Primestar Care Boost | Primestar Care Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $28.96 | $51.82 | $59.40 |
| Annual max (Day 1) | $750 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Annual max (after Year 1) | $1,500 | $2,500 | $3,500 |
| Deductible | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Preventive | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Basic (Day 1 → Year 2) | 50% → 80% | 65% → 80% | 80% → 90% |
| Major (Day 1 → Year 2) | 10% → 20% | 20% → 50% | 20% → 50% |
| Orthodontics | $1,000 lifetime (child only) | 15% → 50% | Not covered |
| Waiting periods | None | None | None |
| Best for | Budget-conscious - preventive + basic needs | Families needing ortho + moderate major work | Most dental work - highest coverage levels |
Primestar Care Lite Most Affordable
Network PPO plan for preventive care and basic dental needs.
Plan Details
| Monthly premium | $28.96 |
| Annual maximum (Day 1) | $750 |
| Annual maximum (Year 2+) | $1,500 |
| Deductible | $50 |
| Preventive care | 100% |
| Basic services (Day 1) | 50% |
| Basic services (Year 2+) | 80% |
| Major services (Day 1) | 10% |
| Major services (Year 2+) | 20% |
| Orthodontics | $1,000 lifetime (child under 19) |
| Waiting periods | None |
| Enrollment fees | None |
Best for someone looking for coverage for annual cleanings with periodic cavities. Coverage levels increase year after year.
Primestar Care Boost Includes Ortho
Mid-tier PPO with orthodontic coverage and higher annual maximum.
Plan Details
| Monthly premium | $51.82 |
| Annual maximum (Day 1) | $1,000 |
| Annual maximum (Year 2+) | $2,500 |
| Deductible | $50 |
| Preventive care | 100% |
| Basic services (Day 1) | 65% |
| Basic services (Year 2+) | 80% |
| Major services (Day 1) | 20% |
| Major services (Year 2+) | 50% |
| Orthodontics | 15% Day 1 → 50% Year 2+ |
| Waiting periods | None |
| Enrollment fees | None |
Best for someone looking for coverage on all services with higher coverage levels and orthodontic benefits beginning day one.
Primestar Care Complete Highest Coverage
Richest benefit dental plan - highest coverage levels on all services.
Plan Details
| Monthly premium | $59.40 |
| Annual maximum (Day 1) | $2,000 |
| Annual maximum (Year 2+) | $3,500 |
| Deductible | $50 |
| Preventive care | 100% |
| Basic services (Day 1) | 80% |
| Basic services (Year 2+) | 90% |
| Major services (Day 1) | 20% |
| Major services (Year 2+) | 50% |
| Orthodontics | Not covered |
| Waiting periods | None |
| Enrollment fees | None |
Best for individuals needing repeated dental work. Highest coinsurance levels for basic and major services.
Ameritas Network Information
- Over 400,000 access points nationwide
- Over 100,000 unique providers nationwide
- In-network savings of 20-40% vs. retail fees
- All plans offer out-of-network benefits at UCR rates
- 94% provider persistency - dentists stay in the network
Network Savings Example
Sample of the average procedure fees utilizing the Ameritas network (based on 78415 ZIP code, Advantage Plus II plan):
| Procedure | Retail (80th U&C) | Network Rate | Day 1 Cost | Day 1 Savings | Year 2 Cost | Year 2 Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | $108 | $61 | $0 | 100% | $0 | 100% |
| Filling | $139 | $80 | $52 | 62% | $16 | 88% |
| Crown | $1,117 | $748 | $635 | 43% | $374 | 66% |
Rates vary by location. Benefits based on Advantage Plus II dental plan. Network Rate = MAC/MAB charge.
Where Ameritas Beats BCBSTX and Delta Dental in Texas
Ameritas Advantages
- Orthodontics: Most Texas PPO dental plans from BCBSTX and Delta exclude adult ortho entirely. Ameritas covers it on Primestar Complete and Boost.
- Waiting period waivers: Replacing coverage with no gap? Ameritas usually waives all waiting periods - crown in month two instead of month thirteen.
- Rate stability: Over the last four Texas renewal cycles, Ameritas has taken smaller annual rate hikes than BCBSTX dental on comparable plans.
Where BCBSTX or Delta May Be Better
- Rural Texas network: Outside major metros, BCBSTX's dental network is denser. If you live in the Valley, Panhandle, or East Texas, confirm your dentist first.
- Medicare Advantage bundling: If you're on a Texas MA plan with built-in dental, a second standalone plan rarely makes sense.
- Integrated medical + dental: BCBSTX medical members get simpler billing by bundling BCBSTX dental.
How to Apply for Ameritas Dental in Texas
Applications take 5-10 minutes. Effective dates are first of the following month if you apply before the 25th. You'll need:
- Name, DOB, SSN for every enrollee
- Current address and Texas ZIP
- Payment method (ACH saves roughly 3% vs. credit card)
- Prior dental coverage details (if you want waiting periods waived)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ameritas a good dental insurance in Texas?
Yes, for the right profile: Texans who need orthodontics, are replacing prior dental coverage, or whose dentist is in the Ameritas Classic network. For entry-level preventive-only plans, Humana and Renaissance are typically cheaper.
How much does Ameritas dental insurance cost in Texas?
In 2026, individual Texas premiums range from roughly $29 to $65 per month depending on plan tier, annual maximum, and whether ortho is included.
Does Ameritas cover orthodontics in Texas?
Yes, on Primestar Care Lite (child only, $1,000 lifetime max) and Primestar Care Boost (15-50% coinsurance). Primestar Care Complete does not include orthodontics.
Does Ameritas dental have a waiting period in Texas?
No. All three Primestar plans offer coverage beginning day one with no waiting periods. If you are replacing prior dental coverage, benefits may increase immediately.
Is my dentist in the Ameritas Texas network?
Check ameritas.com/find-a-provider. Texas has two networks: Classic (larger, most PPO plans) and Network (narrower, lower-cost plans). Confirm before you enroll.
Can I apply for Ameritas dental anytime in Texas?
Yes. Texas dental has no open enrollment restriction. Applications are approved same-day with first-of-next-month effective dates.
Does Ameritas offer vision insurance in Texas?
Yes. Ameritas offers standalone vision plans through VSP and EyeMed networks. Vision can be added to any dental plan or purchased separately.