Understanding how dental plans and dental insurance work can be helpful when you need to find affordable dental care. Millions of Americans every year have to make the best personal choices about dental care and affordable plans when faced with the expense. Accessing affordable dental treatment can be challenging unless you understand your options. With so many procedures and preventative oral hygiene measures needed to maintain healthy teeth and gums, it is important you understand the logistics of dental insurance, dental plans and government subsidized dental programs.
Americans are looking for affordable dental care.
Millions of people in America need affordable dental treatment. Unfortunately, dental care access can be challenging for the average American to access. Families are searching for affordable dental care and affordable dental plans or dental insurance to help cover some of the associated costs for dental treatment. Challenging situations can include, finding a suitable dentist, getting an appointment, placing dental care above other individual or family crises, waiting periods required by some dental insurance companies, financial issues due to the expense of some dental procedures, and understanding complex dental treatments and whether or not, the dental treatment is covered by insurance.
Oral hygiene education is important, but not always a priority.
America is a melting pot of many cultures, diverse ethnic backgrounds and an abundance of personalities. Affordable health care for families is indeed important, but unfortunately, oral hygiene isn’t always the top health-related concern. In economically disadvantaged areas, some families do not have the opportunity to bathe and brush their teeth regularly. If individuals are disabled or have physical challenges, it may affect oral hygiene care. Some Americans, simply lack the education and awareness of the importance of good, oral hygiene.
Many individuals in America may not understand the causes of tooth decay and how it can lead to gum disease. When people suffer from gum disease and it is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and unfortunately, not everyone can afford to get dentures.
Do I qualify for low-cost dental care?
Some people may need special financial assistance, discounted treatments or case management services to overcome financial obstacles in order to afford dental treatment Dental insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP assistance can help qualifying Americans find affordable treatment options. Local health departments offer educational and dental services collateral to help answer any questions about qualifications, dental hygiene recommendations and opportunities to locate dental treatment.
Medicare is a health insurance program available for people who are 65 years of age and older. Medicare is also for people who have been diagnosed with specific disabilities. Unfortunately, access to all dental treatment is limited because Medicare dental coverage does not cover many routine dental care treatments, including dentures.
A state-run program that offers health benefits is called Medicaid. The challenge for accessing dental treatment via Medicaid is that since it is state-run, some dental benefits are not available or eligible to individuals and families. States are allowed to set up their own guidelines in regards to who is eligible for Medicaid and what dental treatment will be covered.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) helps children up to 19 years of age who do not have health insurance. CHIP provides some dental services to qualifying children, but the dental coverage varies from state to state.
Dental insurance and dental plans
If you do not qualify for low-cost dental care, you can consider a dental insurance policy or a dental plan to help save on the costs of dental treatments. Policies and plans can help improve access to dental care for millions of Americans. Dental insurance is designed to provide people coverage on routine checkups, X-rays and dental procedures, but depending on the policy, can cost more annually. Because many people opt out of getting dental insurance coverage, they avoid routine dental care and only seek a dentist when they have a problem. Unfortunately, this has caused dental insurance companies to place provisions on the policies. Some dental insurance programs require a substantial waiting period before the policy will kick in coverage on varying dental treatments. Waiting periods can differ between dental insurance carriers and policies. Some insurance companies offer a no waiting period, while other dental insurance plans may require as much 12-months of a waiting period.
One good thing about choosing a dental plan instead of dental insurance is that there is never a waiting period for dental treatment. Dental savings plans offer a viable option to lower your dental bills 15%-60%, simply by signing up, choosing a dentist in the network, printing your Member ID card and making the appointment to see the dentist. By showing your dental savings ID card when you check into the dentist’s office, you can start saving immediately on dental treatments. Other great reasons to choose a dental savings plan include, no caps, limits or restrictions for dental care, you can use it as often as you like and there is a 30-day money back guarantee on your plan.
Choose from a nationwide network of dentists.
When you sign up for a dental plan, you will have your choice of dentists from the available network. By typing in your zip code, you can review the dentist available nearby your home or work. Choosing a dental plan can assist you in getting an appointment with a suitable dentist without having to wait due to waiting periods. Once you enroll in a dental savings plan, you can begin using your membership savings.
