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.
