Have You Reviewed The Benefits Of Your Dental Plan Lately?
The wide availability of dental plans from multiple insurance companies means that there is a lot of competition in this market. There is an ongoing battle to offer the best package of benefits for the lowest premium. This is good news for people who buy their own dental insurance! If you have had your dental policy for over a year, it may benefit you to shop around and see if there is a better option for you and your family.
Why Get Dental Insurance?
Dental health is a crucial part of overall well-being. Unfortunately, too many people don’t have regular cleanings or checkups to catch small problems before they become major issues. Some of this is due to a dislike of seeing a dentist but another significant reason is the cost of going to a dentist. Even if you are on Medicare or have a qualified health insurance plan, your dental benefits could be limited. This is where an individual dental plan can really help you keep your out-of-pocket costs to a minimum.
What Benefits Do I Get With A Dental Plan?
There are a multiple dental plans available from various insurance companies. The most appropriate plan for you will depend on your unique situation. When shopping for a plan, you can expect most dental plans have certain things in common:
- Coverage for basic preventive benefits. These include exams, cleanings and x-rays. Usually, there are no waiting periods for these benefits.
- Coverage for more extensive dental work. These include fillings, extractions, dental bridges, implants, etc. Usually, these benefits have a waiting period of 6 to 12 months before the company will cover them. They are often subject to coinsurance of 50% to 80%. There are some plans that provide immediate benefits even for these services.
- Orthodontia is covered on some plans with a waiting period but includes a lifetime maximum benefit per person.
- Annual Maximum Benefit: this is often a per person maximum than can be anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
- A Per-Person Annual Deductible: usually a low amount ($50 to $100) and often will not apply to basic preventive benefit.
- Vison coverage may be included or an optional benefit that can be added. Vision benefits usually cover exams, frames, lenses and contacts with a maximum allowance per service, per year.
- Hearing benefits for exams and hearing aids can be found on some plans.
A licensed Savers Health agent can help you with finding the best plan for your needs.
Why Doesn’t Medicare Or My Health Plan Cover This?
Medicare and most health plans for those under age 65 provide very limited benefits for dental or vision expenses. They are provided only in limited instances such as restorative surgery after an accident or illness. The vast majority of routine and other dental and vision expenses are not covered under Medicare or your health insurance plan. Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan may have some of these benefits included depending on the plan. You should check with your agent or insurance provider if you need more detailed information about your current coverage.
How Easy Is It To Get A Plan?
Dental insurance is one of the easiest protection plans to get. Most plans have no underwriting which means you don’t have to be in perfect health to get a plan. Some plans are available up to age 90, so age is not a limiting factor. These types of plans are also very affordable considering the benefits available to you. The insurance companies that provide these plans have multiple options so finding one that fits your budget and coverage needs is easier that you might think!
