According to the National Association of Dental Plans, more than 50% of Americans lacked dental cover in the past year. The Affordable Care Act dictates that all small group markets and individuals to cover pediatric dental services, but adult oral health isn’t included.
3 Tips on How to Bite Out Some of Your Dental Expenses
Commit to Preventive Care
If you had the privilege of choosing, you’d retain your normal teeth for life. If you maintain good dental care by visiting your dentist regularly, flossing, and brushing your teeth, you can meet your goal. Preventive dental care won’t only save your natural teeth but also save you money. This is the main reason as to why the Consumer Federation of America has listed preventive dental care as one of the best ways of saving money.
Purchase Dental Insurance
Although dental insurance often seems to be expensive, it will depend on your annual dental needs. There are affordable dental insurance plans where you can pay less than $20 every month depending on the type of plan and location.
In case you already have dental insurance, make a point of maximizing your benefits by:
- Visiting a dentist who provides dental services only to clients within the insurance network
- Take advantage of HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) and FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) to save pre-tax dollars that can be used both for dental and medical expenses.
- Consult your dentist and create a payment plan in case you are incurring high out-of-pocket expenses.
Sign-up for Discount Dental Plans
These plans offer discounts on dental care services such as cleanings, check-ups, and x-rays among others. They also cover more invasive dental procedures such as dentures, root canals, and braces. To get discounted services, you should join a discount dental plan by paying an annual fee which can range between $80 and $150. Discount dental plans such as DentalSave have over 100,000 dental care specialists, which makes it easy to find a dentist near you.
Dental plan vs insurance
Both dental savings plans and dental insurance can help you save more on your dental care costs. However, the option you choose is your personal decision which can be based on your budget, dental care needs, and preferences.
What You Should Know About dental plan vs insurance
Cost
Individual insurance cover costs around $350, while a family cover will cost $550 annually. Dental plans cost less than half these prices.
Caps
Insurance covers have caps, which is the maximum amount your insurance can reimburse per year. Discount dental plans don’t have caps.
Deductibles
Dental plan vs insurance differ due to deductibles. You have to pay deductibles before the insurance kicks in while discount dental plans don’t have deductibles.
