Day: January 24, 2017

Protect Your Teeth: Dental Insurance or Discount Dental Plans

Posted on by Team DS

If you are experiencing problems in finding affordable dental care, you aren’t alone. Many U.S. citizens share your problem which explains why 80% of American families lack any form of dental coverage. The lack of affordable dental services has led to a tendency of people avoiding to visit dentists until problems such as visible cavities, broken teeth, or pain in the mouth arise. The best way of finding affordable dental care is by planning ahead before you experience major and expensive dental problems.

Dental Insurance

Most people think of dental insurance to avoid any potential dental hazards. This comes naturally considering that most people have health, auto, and homeowners insurance. However, most dental insurance plans are very expensive. Although there are advertisements by some insurance companies that they offer dental insurance for less than $15 per month, you should look at what is covered before you purchase. Also, ensure that you read how much it will pay annually for your individual or family policy. Remember to also look at the dental procedures that are excluded in the cover.

One of the disadvantages of dental insurance covers is that they don’t cover any dental services for pre-existing conditions. This means that if you had any dental problems before you purchased your dental insurance, your insurance won’t cover them and you will have to meet the full cost. Some insurance companies may begin to cover pre-existing conditions after waiting for a span of one year, but even then you’ll incur high out-of-pocket expenses.

Should I Get Dental Insurance?

Due to the high costs, should I get dental insurance? Can it save you money? Or is joining a discount dental plan a better alternative? Discount dental plans have become very popular over the last couple of years. They are like membership programs where you only pay an annual fee to access experienced and qualified dentists. It’s not similar to traditional dental insurance, but it is very affordable.

Discount Dental Plans

When you pay an annual discount dental fee, which often ranges between $100 and $150, you will get a discount dental card. With such a card, you can get discounts ranging between 10% and 60% of the total amount. However, you are responsible for paying the rest of the amount in full during your visit to your dentist. Keep in mind that even when you have insurance, you have to meet the full cost and later claim for compensation from your insurance company.

Should I get Dental Insurance or a Discount Dental Plan

Many wonders if they should choose from dental insurance or dental plans. The best option will mostly depend on the dental services you will need annually. If you need major dental work, then a discount dental plan can help you save more.

5 Easy Tips to Make Visiting the Dentist More Affordable

Posted on by Team DS

Visiting your dentist isn’t only expensive but also scary. However, if you’re one of the several Americans who delays dental care due to fear of costs, you have some options. More than 50% of Americans with dental insurance leave some dental problems such as bleeding gums and toothaches untreated due to the high dental expenses. According to a recent survey by Dental Care Affordability and Accessibility, more than 80% of uninsured Americans avoid dental treatment. Regardless of when you last visited your dentist, follow these five tips for a more affordable trip to your dentist.

1.Get Dental Insurance

Purchasing dental insurance will protect you from paying high out-of-pocket expenses in dental treatment. Rates will often vary depending on your location, dentist, carrier, and policy. However, most dental insurance policies have a standard 100-80-50 plan, meaning that your insurer will cover the full cost of diagnostic and preventive costs, covers 80% of basic dental procedures such as extractions and fillings, and will cover 50% of invasive dental services such as dentures and crowns. All dental insurance policies have a coverage cap which means that you will only be covered to a certain set amount.

2.Make Regular Visits to Your Affordable Dentist For Dental Exams

In a recent research, it was discovered that annual cleanings for most dental patients are quite effective just like the recommended twice annual visits to the dentist. The research indicated that there are no notable benefits by visiting your affordable dentist twice a year compared with a single visit.

3.Use a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Your health savings account will enable you to save money in a tax-free account that is specifically designed for dental and medical costs. In most cases, these accounts are used together with high-deductible health insurance, where the HSA funds are used for uncovered dental procedures, copayments, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Your HSA can work for you if you can estimate the amount of money you will spend on your total dental expenses.

4.Request for a Cash Discount

Several affordable dentists prefer cash payments compared to filing insurance claims. Most of these dentists are willing to offer a 5% discounts to customers who pay cash. However, you can request your dentist to give you a similar discount to what they offer insurance companies, which often ranges between 10% and 15%.

5.Consider Discount Plans

Discount Dental plans are becoming a popular option. With this plan, you will only have to pay an annual membership fee which can range anywhere between $80 and $120 and you will get discounts ranging from 15% to 60% on all dental procedures. You also don’t have annual limits as is the case in conventional dental insurance.