Even if you have health insurance, the thought of needing to get separate dental coverage is a major hassle. It’s still better to have some kind of protection, even if it’s just to keep things safe. But as you become older, a lack of dental care may have a significant influence on your overall health.
According to the American Dental Association, non-insured Americans paid $685 to $1,624 per year on market-value dental care in 2013. Children have fewer financial hurdles to dental treatment than adults, yet the average cost of dental care climbs with age.
Delaying dental care worsens the consequences. Regular dental visits may help prevent plaque accumulation, tooth damage, and even oral cancer.
According to the American Dental Association, the most common reason people don’t go to the dentist is the cost. According to a recent study, over 15.2 percent of the U.S. population who needed dental treatment between 2013 and 2016 could not gain it because of financial constraints.
The finest carriers provide a range of plans with varying costs, levels of coverage, and reasonable yearly benefit caps. Check out our assessment of the top dental insurance plans for 2023 to make sure you’re prepared for everything.
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What is Dental Insurance and how does it work?
Dental insurance is like health insurance, but with a few key distinctions. Dental insurance policies are substantially cheaper, with monthly premiums around $50 and yearly deductibles between $50 and $100.
Instead of yearly out-of-pocket limits, dental insurance often limits your protection for the year. The National Association of Dental Plans estimates that just 5% of Americans actually surpass their in-network limit for the year.
Typically, patients must pay a reimbursement or deductible for procedures not covered by their dental insurance plan. The greatest dental insurance covers:
- At least 100 percent of the cost of services such as twice-yearly physical exams, oral cancer screening exams, X-rays, and diagnostic testing.
- Over eight out of ten of the most common operations, such as fillings and extractions.
- Crowns and bridges; dentures; and implants are all covered by 50% of insurance policies.
Other operations, like tooth whitening or orthodontic therapy, are not part of dental insurance coverages, leaving patients to pay out of pocket.
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Best Dental Insurance Plans.
Thankfully, there are several low-cost dental insurance options available to you. We’ve produced a list of the finest dental insurance companies to make your search a little simpler.
#1. Delta Dental Insurance
Dentists in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and other US territories may rely on Delta Dental’s 39 independent dental insurance carriers for complete dental coverage. Almost 150,000 dentists are part of the company’s countrywide network, which serves over 80 million people.
Delta Dental provides HMO and PPO plans, and also service charge and discount alternatives, to its customers.
Pros.
- Over 150,000 service providers make up this vast network.
- Participating dentists provides lower costs to customers who sign up for discount programs.
- Consumer Affairs users have given this product an overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
- AM Best gives you an A (exceptional) for financial strength.
Cons.
- Many plans have a $1,000 maximum benefit cap.
- Restrictions on orthodontic coverage and cost-sharing
#2. Humana Dental Insurance
Humana Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, has 20 million members and an 8% market share. This network has roughly 260,000 dentists in the US. Humana offers PPOs, DHMOs, cheap plans, and value plans to fit any budget.
Pros.
- There are around 260,000 dentists in this massive network.
- One may choose from a variety of programs, including those for veterans.
- Some programs provide a yearly whitening allowance (in office).
- Humana’s dentistry businesses have an excellent grade from AM Best for financial strength.
Cons.
- There are limited maximum advantages.
- They partially cover major services.
- The availability of all plans and perks may not be the same in every state.
#3. Renaissance Dental Insurance
The Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of America, based in Indiana, provides coverage to over 13 million clients nationally. Its countrywide network connects patients with over 300,000 dental professionals.
Aside from affordable dental insurance plans, Renaissance Dental Insurance also offers a Healthy Savings Card valid at over 175,000 locations. Last year, they answered 99 percent of calls on the first try, which shows their strong customer service.
Pros.
- Preventative and diagnostic treatments are available without a wait.
- If there’s no network in a plan, customers can use whichever service provider they want.
- Over 300,000 dentists are part of this massive network.
- They have coverage for implants and crowns.
- The firm has an excellent financial strength grade according to AM Best.
- They have a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from ConsumersAdvocate.org users.
Cons.
- Benefit maximums are low, at $1,000 per year.
#4. UnitedHealthcare Dental Insurance
One of the top three insurance companies in the United States is UnitedHealthcare, which has its headquarters in Minnesota. You may get access to collaborating dentists in the UnitedHealthOne to provide network anywhere in the United States.
UnitedHealthcare offers preventive treatment without a deductible or waiting period. The company’s dental insurance policies have no upper age restriction.
Pros.
- On the company’s website, it’s simple to gain prices for insurance policies.
- UnitedHealthOne has a wide network of providers.
- Most times, there is no deductible or waiting time for preventative treatment.
- 5 stars on ConsumerAffairs with 373 reviews in the previous year.
- AM Best gives you an excellent financial strength grade.
Cons.
- There is no coverage for significant services on dental insurance plans with low monthly fees.
- There are limited coverage choices for major operations and orthodontic treatment on dental insurance plans with low monthly prices.
- In certain cases, dental insurance policies only covered important dental treatments after the first year that a consumer has purchased a plan.
- Low yearly maximums.
#5. Cigna Oral Dental Insurance
Cigna, a major medical insurance company in the US, has over 17 million dental patients. The Connecticut-based company’s countrywide provider network includes 93,000 dentists in 297,000 locations.
Plans include six-month basic waiting periods and 12-month major and orthodontic waiting periods. Cigna’s highest dental insurance plan, Cigna Dental 1500, is the only one that covers braces and other orthodontics (though a 12-month waiting period applies).
Pros.
- There is no need for the main dentist.
- There is no need for recommendations for specialist appointments.
- The network has nearly 93,000 participatory dentists.
- ConsumersAdvocate.org has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 52 customer reviews.
- AM Best has given the company an excellent financial strength grade.
Cons.
- Restorative and orthodontic treatments have 12-month waiting periods, which may vary by state.
- Compared to other insurance organizations, there are fewer plan alternatives here.
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Types of Dental Insurance Plans.
The following are the most prevalent forms of dental insurance:
#1. Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO).
In order to keep costs down, the insurance company contracts with a group of dentists who all agree to give treatments at a set rate. With these insurance policies, you have the choice to use out-of-network dentists with lower coverage if you prefer to use contracted providers.
#2. Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO):.
Each month, they give a charge to a group of dentists who treat a patient. In return, the patient receives services at a lower cost. DHMOs often require you to remain inside their network.
#3. Dental Point of Service (DPOS).
Patients may see out-of-network doctors, but they will save money if they remain inside the insurer’s network.
DPPO and DHMO plans are available to each of the above companies.
What is the Average Cost for Dental Insurance?
The finest insurance coverage prices vary based on whether you choose an individual or family plan. Other criteria include your location, insurance provider, and any prior problems.
Determining the cost of dental insurance for an individual may be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. A 59-year-old male’s monthly premium in the same location is more likely to be between $25 and $50. The yearly deductible for both will be about $50. The maximum annual benefit is between $1,000 and $3,000, which is typical nationally.
Can You Buy Standalone Dental Insurance?
There are numerous standalone dental insurance policies available to match any budget. These plans are available from insurance companies or through the government Affordable Care Act marketplace. In most cases, you may compare plans and purchase them online.
Is Dental Insurance Worth Purchasing?
Dental insurance is worthwhile to purchase if the benefits are comprehensive enough to give a solid financial safety net, especially if it covers 100% of preventive care. One study even found a correlation between gum disease and cardiovascular illness. Adding a dental insurance plan can be a great way to supplement your health coverage, avoid more serious dental problems, and keep your medical bills low.
Do All Dental Insurance Plans Have A Waiting Period?
Not all dental insurance plans have a waiting period, and may only apply to certain types of services. For example, a waiting period for important procedures is far more typical than one for preventative care.
FAQs.
What type of dental insurance plans does Liberty Dental accept?
Liberty Dental accepts all insurance plans and submits claims for patients. The following insurance companies endorse Liberty Dental:
- Delta Dental Premier.
- The Blue Dental Group.
A patient’s normal, customary, and reasonable charges apply to those not covered by the aforementioned insurance policies.
Does Liberty Dental accept Medicaid insurance?
They do not take Medicaid dental insurance. Sorry, but you will need to make alternate financial arrangements before treatment.
Is payment expected at the day of service?
Liberty Dental will require co-payments at the time of treatment. As a service, they will file your dental insurance claim. If there remains a debt after insurance has paid their half, they will charge you for it; you are liable for it.
Otherwise, payment is due on the day of service. Paying cash or checks gets you a “Same Day” discount.
Payment arrangements are available for comprehensive treatment. Questions? Ask the front desk staff.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Every six months, most patients go for teeth cleaning with a dental hygienist. Your dentist can monitor your dental health by having you visit twice a year.
My gums bleed when I brush sometimes, is this normal?
Healthy tissue does not bleed, thus this is not good. Many individuals accept this as usual. Gingivitis and gum disease may cause bleeding gums, serious infections, and tooth loss.
They have also related it to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Keeping your gums healthy may help you live longer and healthier by lowering your risk of various ailments.
Can I cut down on how many appointments it takes to fix my teeth?
That’s possible. Liberty Dental’s goal is to do as much work as workable within a certain time frame.
References.
