Why Dental Discount Plans Are Your Best Choice
No insurance? No problem! A dental discount plan is the best option for everyone to get affordable dental care. Here’s what you need to know about dental discount plans.
Dental care is now the largest out-of-pocket expense in the US. And if your employer doesn’t offer affordable dental benefits, you need alternatives to traditional dental insurance. And you can’t avoid the dentist to save money either. So, what can you do to get the affordable dental care you need?
If you’re looking to save money at the dentist, then you have another option: a dental discount plan.
What is a Dental Discount Plan?
Just to be clear, dental discount plans are not insurance. Dental plans are affordable alternatives to insurance offered as a membership.
They operate similarly to a warehouse membership, like Costco or Sam’s Club. For a monthly fee, you can choose from a network of dentists who offer 15 to 50% rate reductions, depending on the practice.
In the end, you pay a reduced rate for a variety of dental procedures.
Instead of receiving insurance from an employer, dental plans are available to anyone who wants an affordable way to upkeep the dental health of their family. It’s perfect for someone who is self-employed, between jobs, or if your employer doesn’t offer dental benefits.
5 Benefits of Dental Discount Plan Membership for Everyone
1. Everyone Qualifies for a Dental Discount Plan
Unlike traditional dental insurance, a discount plan is truly for everyone. You don’t need to qualify for it.
Insurance companies often put a high premium on their coverage. This limits how much they pay for your insurance. Until you reach your premium set by your dental insurance, you’ll have to pay for your dental care out of pocket anyway.
Insurance also often has a limit.
While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) covers children’s dental care, this coverage doesn’t extend to adults. And most employers don’t offer dental insurance either. This is why dental discount plans are the best choice for adults compared to dental insurance.
2. You Get More Procedures at Discounted Rate
Dental discount plans are the most cost-effective solutions for dental care. Traditional dental insurance doesn’t cover as many procedures as a dental discount plan. Once your insurance caps out, you’d have to pay for the dentist out of pocket anyway. The amount varies depending on your dentist and the type of dental work.
If you need more than one procedure done, you can count on the best dental discount plans
3. You Can Get a Dental Discount Plan Easily
One great benefit to dental discount plans is how simple it is to sign up. It’s easy, straightforward, and starts working the moment you subscribe. Plus, it doesn’t require any sensitive patient details. Finally, there aren’t any complicated forms to fill out.
You simply fill out your details on a sign-up form, purchase, and you’re done. You’ll get your dental discount card, which guarantees immediate savings at participating dental practices.
It’s that easy.
4. A Dental Discount Card Works Immediately
Once you get your dental discount card, there’s no waiting period. You can reap the benefits of the best dental discount plans immediately.
All you have to do is show your card at the dentist. Even for emergency dental procedures. If you’re at a participating practice, they’ll instantly give you a quote with a discounted rate.
5. Even Your Dentist Prefers DDP over Insurance
Practices that accept dental insurance must add extra fees for various treatments to comply with insurance company policies. Dental discount plans let dentists work directly with patients.
The Challenges of Dental Discount Plans
Of course, dental discount plans aren’t bulletproof. There are a couple of disadvantages you should be aware of before you budget with a dental discount plan.
Cheaper Doesn’t Mean Free
Having a dental discount card means you’ll have to pay less. But, you’ll still have to pay. If you can’t afford the dental procedure out of pocket, a dental discount plan may not be the best option for you.
Not All Dental Discount Plans Are the Same
You need to read the fine print carefully. Not every dental discount plan is the same. Make sure you check their policies and do your research before you opt in. You don’t want to end up with a dental discount plan that leaves you missing out on savings.
Not Every Dentist Participates
Before you visit a dental practice, make sure they participate in your dental discount plan’s services. Only registered dental discount providers will accept your card.
Who Should Get a Dental Discount Plan?
Dental discount plans truly provide affordable dental care for everyone. Even those with functional dental insurance. But if one of these situations applies to you, you should definitely consider becoming a member of a dental discount plan.
You Can’t Afford a Dental Insurance
We all know how important regular dental checkups are. But if the price of dental care or dental insurance is an issue for you, you’re not alone. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 40% of Americans avoided dental care because of the cost.
If you can’t afford dental insurance, dental discount plans are your best option to get reliable care for cheaper.
Your Employer Doesn’t Pay For Your Dental Insurance
Although more and more employers offer dental coverage to their employees, it’s still not mainstream. If your employer only offers medical health insurance, or none at all, you need to work out your budget for dental care. A dental discount plan may be the best option for you.
Your Dental Insurance Doesn’t Cover All of Your Procedures
Even if you have dental insurance, it may not cover all the procedures you need. Make sure you read the fine print and check with your provider. You may need to pay out of pocket if you need more dental care, or specialist treatments.
And if out-of-pocket is your only option, it’s best to get a dental discount plan.
You Don’t Want to Wait for Your Insurance
Dental insurance isn’t immediate. Once you apply for it, you’ll need to wait some time before you’re covered. This protects the insurance from people who are purchasing their policies as soon as they find an issue. But, it doesn’t protect you.
Unlike traditional insurance, your savings from a dental discount plan kick in immediately.
The Best Dental Discount Plan on the Market
Without a dental discount plan, you have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for any emergency and non-emergency procedure at the dentist. Or even worse, you’ll avoid the dentist, and develop serious health issues because of it.
Don’t risk your health or your wallet. Get a dental discount plan directly from Carefree Dental.
Carefree Dental is an industry-leading dental discount plan provider. With thousands of participating practices, Carefree Dental has a wide range of dentists that accept your membership.
To unlock the incredible benefits of the best dental discount plan today sign up for a Carefree Dental Card!
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
