People above the age of 60 are more prone to dental problems. This is because age comes with oral health problems such as gum disease, root decay, and tooth loss among many others. Additionally, some common non-dental conditions that affect seniors such as arthritis may affect dental health as well. Unfortunately, retirees coming off an employee group health plan don’t often enjoy benefits after leaving work which means that you will have to purchase senior dental discount plans NJ.
Why you Need Senior Dental Discount Plans NJ
Currently, the government offers minimal dental health assistance for seniors. Additionally, health insurance plans don’t include dentistry and those that do only cover teeth extractions and exclude other dental health procedures that seniors require. According to a research by the NIH, you may need dental discount plans NJ because you’re prone to the following dental problems:
- Tooth loss: People above the age of 65 have approximately 18.90 teeth remaining while those between the age of 20 and 34 have an average of 26.90.
- Dental caries: Approximately 93 percent of seniors above the age of 65 have had dental carries at least once.
- Oral cancer: Chances of oral cancer increase with age, especially between the age of 60 and 70 years.
- Gum disease: According to the NIH, periodontal gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss.
- Facial pain: The most common cause of facial pain among seniors is TMJD (Temporomandibular muscle and joint disorder).
Medicare and Dental Coverage
Although it’s the largest health insurance service provider for seniors above the age of 65, Medicare A and B doesn’t cover for routine dental care services such as cleanings, dental exams, crowns, plates, bridges, or dentures. It may only cover for dental procedures that intersect with other medical needs. Additionally, Medigap also doesn’t cover dental care services. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can reduce the cost of dental care services.
Alternative Senior Dental Discount Plans NJ
Medicare Advantage plans
Part c of the Medicare Advantage plans cover for routine dental services, prescription drugs, and vision. You can choose between a few plans with different premium rates and coverage options. However, ensure that you consider both your current dental needs and future needs. For instance, in case you have dentures or you think that you may need them in the future, you should look for a plan that covers dentures.
Purchase a stand-alone dental plan
You can choose to buy a dental-only insurance plan. These plans require monthly premiums and you will also be required to pay out-of-pocket fees. Additionally, most of these plans will require you to only visit in-network dental care providers who offer lower rates than out-of-network dentists. Although some plans may allow you to visit in-network and out-of-network dentists, you may have to pay higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Join senior dental discount plans NJ
These plans are similar to your shopping club where you pay an annual fee to receive discounted rates from in-network dental care providers. Most senior dental discount plans NJ give plan members discounts of 20 to 50 percent.
Benefits of Senior Dental Discount Plans NJ
- Senior dental discount plans NJ have no deductibles.
- They have low annual fees ranging from $99 to $199 depending on your plan.
- Senior dental discount plans NJ have no limits to the number of dental services.
- No waiting periods.
- Senior dental discount plans NJ have additional benefits such as vision, hearing, and prescription drugs.
There’s no doubt that senior dental discount plans NJ can help you save more money. To enroll in senior dental discount plans NJ, visit DentalSave today.