Altus Dental previously known as Altus Dental Insurance Company is a dental insurance care provider in the New England region. Founded in 2011, Altus has served dental insurance coverage to more than 220,000 members throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and southern New Hampshire.
As one of the largest dental Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) in Massachusetts, Altus provides affordable and quality dental insurance coverage to meet different dental needs.
In addition, Altus also has strategic partnerships with several organizations, including AAA, MA Health Connector, and Chewsi. Interestingly, if you are an AAA Northeast member in Massachusetts, you may have exclusive access to dental insurance through Altus Dental.
If you are seeking dental coverage for yourself, family, or your employees, Here’s all you should know about Altus Dental insurance, including the coverage plans, cost, and policy exclusions.
Related: The Standard Dental Insurance Plans Review
Is Altus Dental good?
Altus Dental was founded in 2011 and has been serving dental solutions to residents of Massachusetts for over a decade.
Its partnership with top brands like AAA, City of Boston Credit Union, Health New England, and Chewsi shows that the company can be trusted. With Altus, you are allowed to choose your preferred dentists if you don’t need an in-network dentist.
Availability
Altus insurance is available only in and for Massachusetts residents alone.
Individual and family plans
Altus through its Altus Dental for 1 plan offers individual and family dental insurance care. This plan comes with full-service insurance and a low monthly premium. This coverage is available to any class, including students, employed, unemployed, or children.
Since it is a Preferred Provider Organization, customers can have access to an established network of dentists and receive insurance that provides quality dental care.
Altus Dental insurance coverage for individuals and families
Altus dental plans typically cover basic dental care, including, Preventive and Diagnostic, Restorative, and other services like palliative treatment of dental pain.
Preventive & Diagnostics
- Oral exam
- X-rays
- Cleanings
- Fluoride treatment
- Sealants
Restorative
- Amalgam (silver) fillings
- Crowns over natural teeth, buildups, posts, and cores
- Recementing crowns or bridges
- Composite (white) fillings on all teeth
Here’s the average cost of each dental service
| Procedure | Average Cost in Your Area | You Save | You Save |
| Diagnostic | |||
| PERIODIC ORAL EVALUATION | $56.00 | $0.00 | $56.00 |
| COMPREHENSIVE ORAL EVALUATION | $99.00 | $25.00 | $74.00 |
| INTRAORAL-COMPLETE SERIES OF IMAGES | $156.00 | $50.00 | $106.00 |
| BITEWING X-RAYS – TWO | $58.00 | $10.00 | $48.00 |
| PANORAMIC X-RAY | $144.00 | $50.00 | $94.00 |
| Preventive | |||
| PROPHYLAXIS – ADULT | $109.00 | $25.00 | $84.00 |
| SEALANTS – PER PERMANENT MOLAR | $67.00 | $25.00 | $42.00 |
| Restorative | |||
| AMALGAM – TWO SURFACES, PRIMARY OR PERMANENT | $180.00 | $60.00 | $120.00 |
| RESIN – TWO SURFACES, ANTERIOR | $222.00 | $80.00 | $142.00 |
| RESIN-FOUR+ SURF/INCISAL ANGLE, ANTERIOR | $334.00 | $110.00 | $224.00 |
| Other Services | |||
| PALLIATIVE TREATMENT OF DENTAL PAIN | $100.00 | $25.00 | $75.00 |
Note that if you intend to use a dentist who is not in the network, you will receive an increased out-of-pocket cost.
Policy Exclusions
Not all dental care services are included in your basic coverage. Some policy exclusions and limitations in your dental insurance include, but are not limited to:
- Specialty exams
- Consultations
- Occlusal guards
- Implants.
- Bone grafts.
- Splinting and other services to stabilize teeth.
- Prescription drugs, lab exams, or reports.
- Guided tissue regeneration
- Temporary bridges or crowns
- Services related to congenital abnormalities
You can visit here to get the full policy exclusions of Altus Dental for 1 coverage plan.
Also check: Costco Dental Insurance Plans Review
Cost of Altus Dental Insurance
The average monthly cost of Altus dental coverage for a 25-year-old is $20.04.
Age is an important factor when determining the cost of your coverage as adults will tend to pay more than children.
Enrollment fee cost
Altus charges a $35 non-refundable enrollment fee. This fee is charged once for your new coverage either through your bank or credit/debit card.
Eligibility
Residents of Massachusetts are eligible for enrollment in this plan. A parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of a dependent child who is under the age of 18.
Employers plan
If you need flexible dental plans for your employees, the Altus Employers plan is the right choice for you. Basic coverage includes preventive and diagnostic services, minor and major restorative work, periodontics, oral surgery, and orthodontics.
These plans come in handy and are affordable while providing comprehensive coverage for your employees. The Employer Plan is grouped into three: Altus Plus, Altus Preferred, and Altus Preferred.
Here’s how the plans rack up.
Altus Plus
| Covered Services | In-Network | Out-of-Network |
| Preventive Care | Plan pays 100% of allowance | Plan pays 100% of usual and customary |
| Basic Restorative Care | Plan pays 80% of allowance | Plan pays 80% of usual and customary |
| Major Restorative Care | Plan pays 50% of allowance | Plan pays 50% of usual and customary |
Altus Preferred
| Covered Services | In-Network | Out-of-Network |
| Preventive Care | Plan pays 100% of allowance | Plan pays 80% of usual and customary |
| Basic Restorative Care | Plan pays 80% of allowance | Plan pays 64% of usual and customary |
| Major Restorative Care | Plan pays 50% of allowance | Plan pays 40% of usual and customary |
Altus POS
| Covered Services | In-Network | Out-of-Network |
| Preventive Care | Plan pays 100% of allowance | Plan pays 100% of usual and customary |
| Basic Restorative Care | Plan pays 100% of allowance | Plan pays 80% of usual and customary |
| Major Restorative Care | Plan pays 60% of allowance | Plan pays 50% of usual and customary |
What is Altus Dental waiting period?
Waiting periods vary by plan. If your plan has a waiting period, you will find it in the Benefits Summary and the Schedule of Covered Dental Procedures.
More: Is Dental Bonding Covered By Insurance? Here’s What To Know
Discounts
You will get a $2 per month discount when you pay your monthly premium via direct withdrawal from your bank account on individual and family plans.
Consumer Experience
Website: Altus provides a user-friendly and mobile-responsive website. All information you need regarding dental insurance, policy information, or filing for a claim can easily be accessed.
Claims: You can easily file a claim through the Altus Dental site.
Pros and cons of Altus Dental Insurance
Pros
- Large PPO network
- Full-service dental insurance
- Low premiums
Cons
- Limited availability
- No mobile app
- $35 enrollment fee on individual/family plans
Altus Dental comparison with Delta Dental
Altus Dental vs. Delta Dental
Both are good dental insurance providers, and the choice between them may depend on various factors, including your location, specific dental needs, and personal preferences. Here’s a quick side-by-side review of the two insurers.
Delta Dental
- Size and Coverage: Delta Dental is one of the largest dental insurance providers in the United States, offering coverage in many states. You can easily find a nearby dentist from their extensive network of in-network providers.
- Plan Options: Delta Dental plan options include PPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for individuals, families, and employers. This allows for more customization based on your needs.
- Reputation: Delta Dental has a long-standing reputation and is often recognized for its customer service and comprehensive coverage options.
Altus Dental:
- Regional Coverage: Altus Dental is a smaller regional dental insurance provider, primarily serving the New England area. If you live in this region, it may be a good option.
- Local Focus: Altus Dental has a more localized and personalized approach, which can be appealing for those who prefer a more community-oriented service.
- Plan Options: Altus Dental plans include individual and group plans. You can explore the plan options available in your area to see if they match your dental care needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is covered on a family plan?
An individual membership covers the employee only. A family membership covers the employee, spouse, and dependent children until they turn age 21.
What if I forgot to add or cancel an employee’s coverage?
Altus Dental has a 30-day retroactive policy for adding or canceling employees from your plan. Keep in mind that if Altus Dental paid a claim after the requested retroactive termination date, your employee will be terminated on the last day of the month in which the claim was paid.
Do I have to go to a particular dentist?
No, you always have the freedom to choose any dentist you want; however, your out-of-pocket costs may be higher at a non-participating dentist.
How do I cancel my coverage?
You may cancel your coverage by logging in to your account on their website and selecting the cancellation action. You must notify them at least 30 days in advance.
Does Altus Dental cover invisalign?
Yes, Altus Dental covers invisalign treatment. The same goes for braces. However, its individual/family plan does not cover implants.