Dental work can get expensive. Insurance to pay for the dentist can help to offset the costs of preventive dental care as well as work needed to repair teeth, such as fillings and root canals. According to consultants at the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, dental insurance usually does not provide the same level of benefits as medical insurance. At the same time, dental insurance typically is less expensive and can help consumers maintain their oral health.
Step 1
Ask your dentist what insurance she accepts so you can find a policy that will pay the dentist of your choice. Some plans require patients to visit only certain dentists, while others reimburse dentists out of network at lower rates.
Step 2
Consider the amount of dental work you need. There typically are not pre-existing conditions placed on dental insurance, with the exception of major restorative work. So if you know you have some cavities and need fillings or crowns, look for coverage that has the lowest co-pay. If your teeth are in good condition, then you should look for insurance that pays more for preventive care such as bi-annual cleanings and X-rays so you can maintain your healthy smile.
Step 3
Look for a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers dental coverage if you are older than 65 years old or disabled. Medicare Advantage is a plan many seniors choose instead of purchasing a supplemental policy. The benefits and premiums vary widely among carriers and might contain benefits to pay for preventive care with little or no co-pay as well as varying degrees of co-payments for other services.
Step 4
Read the policy you are considering to find out if the insurance company pays the dentist directly or reimburses you after you have paid the bill. Consider how the out-of-pocket expenses will affect you. The lower premiums offered by a reimbursable plan may not offset the money you must do without while waiting for reimbursement.
Step 5
Check with your state social services office to see if you may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. Although many states have eliminated dental coverage for low-income clients, consultants at the Consumer Guide to Dentistry report about 50 percent of the states still offer some level of dental care to Medicaid recipients.
Tips and Warnings
- Check with your employer to see if there is a health savings account program in which you can enroll. Instead of paying dental premiums, you can put pre-tax earnings into the account and use them to pay for dental services.
- Many dental plans have exclusions. Dentists at the American Dental Association advise patients to read the plan carefully before enrolling as the company may not pay for treatments or services that you want or need. Some common exclusions include dental implants to replace lost teeth and dental sealants that can prevent decay.
