Dental Insurance and Alternatives
Learn More about Affordable Dental Plans and Insurance Alternatives
Get helpful tips on finding an affordable dental insurance plan. Find information about discount dental plans, dental PPOs and HMOs and self employed options online now.
Learn more dental insurance plans and alternatives to traditional insurance. According to the National Association of Dental Plans, approximately half of the U.S. population doesn’t have individual or family dental insurance. The cost for dental insurance plans can be high- so it’s important to understand all of your options. What you need to know about dental insurance plans- and available alternatives:
Family and Individual Dental Insurance Plan Basics
Individual dental insurance plans can average about $600 a year. Family dental plans have even higher premiums. Depending upon the dental insurance company you choose, you may experience a waiting period for some services. Many companies also have a price jump in the second year that you have a dental insurance plan. Dental plans provided by the company where you work are usually going to be your most affordable option, offering the most comprehensive coverage for your insurance dollar. You can get quotes for individual and family dental insurance plans from companies online and locally through an insurance agent or broker.
Breaking Down Dental Insurance: HMOs and PPOs
Dental insurance plans for individuals and families are usually an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and operate like traditional health insurance organizations. Dental insurance plans from an HMO have a limited pool of dentists that you can choose from, but it’s less expensive than a PPO, usually less than $150 a year. PPO Dental insurance plans for families and individuals average closer to $400 annually but have a larger network and offer more extensive coverage than the HMO plans.
Discount Dental Plans Make Visits Affordable for the Self Employed
If you’re self employed and looking for an affordable dental plan, a discount dental plan may be right for you. A discount dental plan partners with dentists to provide customers with a savings on visits to the dentist’s office. Discount dental plans usually cost less than $200 annually, so they’re affordable for a self employed individual on a budget. The big downside to discount dental plans is that they aren’t licensed like an insurance product. If something goes wrong, you aren’t backed by a dental insurance company - you’re on your own. You might also be eligible for dental insurance through COBRA if you’ve recently become self employed. COBRA gives you comprehensive coverage, but it can be very costly.
Other Avenues for Discount Dental or Affordable Insurance Plans
Your dentist may also have insurance and affordable dental plan options available to patients. Ask the receptionist if they partner with any plans to see if one might be right for you. If you belong to a professional association you might also be eligible for a discount dental insurance plan. Many associations partner with PPOs to provide their members with discounted dental plans that offer very comprehensive coverage. Dental schools also offer affordable dental services to someone without a plan. You may only pay half of what you’d pay at a traditional dentist’s office. Dental schools seem to be safe, but inconvenient, and treatment for one problem may have to be addressed in multiple office visits.
You might also choose to go without dental insurance or a dental plan. As long as nothing goes seriously wrong, this is a viable option. If you need more extensive work or restoration, your dentist’s office will probably work with you on financing. You can request a schedule of fees from your dentist to see what option will work best for you.
Learn more about paying for your medical expenses, and find out how to save on prescription drug costs and decrease your insurance premiums.
Talk back with a writer- tell Lisa Nichols about your experiences with finding an affordable dental plan.
