An estimated 85 million Americans are without dental insurance. Here are some suggestions when searching for the appropriate dental insurance plan for you and your family. Being a smart consumer is important when it comes to purchasing a dental policy. Shop around and secure estimates prior to settling on a decision.
By far, the Internet is the best resource for information regarding dental coverage. The Internet makes it easier for you to compare and contrast plans, coverage, deductibles, and the fees related to maintaining the monthly premium.
How Dental Insurance Works
Dental insurance works similar to how health insurance works. For a specific monthly premium rate, you are entitled to certain dental benefits. These benefits generally include x-rays, cleanings and regular check-ups. Some plans provide broader coverage than others and some require a greater financial contribution on your part at the time when services are rendered. Also, there are some plans that may provide coverage for dental implants, certain types of oral surgery, or orthodontia.
Dental Insurance Advantages
Seeking dental coverage ensures the health of your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, if you have to pay the full cost of dental care, you may find it difficult paying your dentist bills. Perhaps even more seriously, without dental insurance coverage, you may be tempted to skip regular cleanings and checkups, a decision that could lead to serious dental health problems.
Dental Insurance Disadvantages
Most dental insurance policies require you to be signed up for a set period, often three to six months, before they will pay out for treatment. A number of providers will set a cap on the total amount they will pay out in any one year, while cosmetic work such as teeth-whitening is unlikely to be covered by a dental policy.
Many dental insurers place limits on specific services. If you have questions regarding this, make sure that you ask the representative so you completely understand what protection you will see from the carrier.
There are many individual dental insurance plans which DO NOT cover emergency work. Be sure to check if emergency work is provided in your plan. Be aware because emergency dental work can cost thousands of dollars.
The ages that family members are eligible are often times the same from carrier to carrier. Children are generally covered up to the age of 18 but this could extend longer should they attend college.
Many times, dental insurance restricts the number of visits which a person is permitted. You need to be sure you have access to routine visits to the dentist in order to keep good oral health.
Dental Insurance Plan Types
Similar to medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans are often categorized as either indemnity or managed-care plans. The major differences concern out-of-pocket costs, choice of dental care providers, and how bills are paid.
Typically, indemnity plans offer a broader selection of dental care providers than managed-care plans. With an indemnity plan, the carrier pays for covered services only after it receives a bill, which means that you may have to pay up front and then obtain reimbursement from your insurance carrier later.
Managed-care plans typically maintain dental provider networks. Dentists participating in a network agree to perform services for patients at pre-negotiated rates and usually will submit the claim to the dental insurance company for you. In general, you'll have less paperwork and lower out-of-pocket costs with a managed-care dental plan and a broader choice of dentists with an indemnity plan.
Alternatives to Insurance
Some dentists allow you to pay a regular monthly amount instead of paying bills after treatment. This can be an effective way to spread the bills of your routine dental health appointments.
Finally, if you currently have a dentist, make sure that the insurance program you select can pay for their services. You need to be aware that certain plans may only provide a select network of dentists. When searching for dental plans, look for plans that have maximum benefits as it relates to monthly charges.
Sources:
Anastasia L. Turchetta RDH, www.AnastasiaRDH.com, http://twitter.com/AnastasiaRDH
http://www.rollcall.com
www.carecredit.com
Journal of Dental Education
Delta Dental
MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton and Coca-Cola. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.