How To Find Dental Coverage You CAN Afford
When was the last time you paid your dentist a visit?
If you’re like almost 25% of U.S. adults, it’s
been over a year.
Unlike many medical conditions, most dental problems are
entirely preventable by adding routine cleanings and check
ups to good home practices. So why isn’t everyone making
it to the dentist’s chair?
It could be they’re afraid of the price.
Over 108 million adults and children go without dental insurance,
according to the last Surgeon General’s survey. Dental
benefits aren’t offered by employers as often as health
benefits, leaving many consumers stuck footing the entire
bill for their dental care.
But just because you can’t get dental coverage through
your job doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You
have three basic options to explore that may be more affordable
than you think:
1. Consider Individual Dental Insurance
There are several types of dental insurance plans out
there that work similar to medical insurance. Your insurer
establishes what procedures will be covered and how much
they’ll
pay for, and you are responsible for paying any deductibles,
co-pays and yearly premiums.
2. Look for Group Dental Insurance
Your employer isn’t the only one you can get group
dental coverage from. Many local associations buy into
a group dental plan to get better benefits with their combined
buying power. This type of coverage can be a little pricey
($30 or more a month) but generally being part of a group
means the benefits are better.
Ask your dentist if he or she works with any local groups.
3. Dental Discount Plans
Discount plans are becoming a popular alternative to traditional
dental insurance. Your discount plan negotiates with dentists
to get discounted prices on specific procedures. Unlike
insurance, you pay the discounted amount up front, and
there is no paperwork and typically no health restrictions.
Discount plans can offer savings of up to 60% off of common
dental procedures. Discount dental
plans can be found for
as little as $10 a month.
Before You Buy Dental Coverage
- Find out what services will be covered or discounted
by your plan.
- Find out how often you will be able to have certain procedures,
such as cleanings and exams.
- Some plans only let you work with dentists in their network.
Find out if your dentist participates in a plan before
you choose one.
- Choose the plan that offers you the best combination
of services, frequency of care, dentist selection and price.
Dental care is important. With the right coverage, it can
be affordable, too. |
