What Is Supplemental Dental Insurance?
Getting the right dental insurance is important because it will determine how much your treatments will cost and what you’ll pay out of your pocket. It may also affect which dentists you see. However, most health insurance plans don't cover dental care. So, supplemental dental insurance could be one of the solutions. Learn more about supplemental dental insurance, why you need it and other alternatives available to you.
Why Get Supplemental Dental Insurance?
Currently, there are many healthcare insurance plans you can choose from. The trouble is it can be challenging to make sense of the kind of coverage they offer and how much they cost. You may even be unaware of their exclusions and limitations because it’s not clearly stated, even after subscribing to them.
Many healthcare insurance options don't include dental care. And finding affordable dental coverage can be challenging. You'll also have to consider your income, where you live, and your family members. Fortunately, extra dental insurance, also known as supplemental dental insurance, can help.
Supplemental dental insurance helps you pay for unexpected dental work. It also enables you to keep up with the cost of routine preventive care.
Who Should Get Supplemental Dental Insurance?
While supplemental dental insurance can benefit everyone, if you’re one of these groups, you should definitely think about your dental coverage.
Working Individuals
If you’re lucky enough to have dental insurance through your job, you probably think you don't need insurance from someone else. However, most base-level policies only pay for preventive care. They may partially cover the costs of tooth extractions, root canals, and emergency procedures. But, they may not cover dentures, braces, or implants.
People With State-Run Health Insurance
If you already have health insurance policies that comply with the Affordable Care Act, you may need additional coverage. What's more, dentistry for adults isn't considered "medically necessary" under the terms of the Affordable Care Act.
People With Medicare
People with Medicare are also candidates for supplemental healthcare. Unfortunately, Medicare Plan A and Plan B don’t pay for dental care.
The Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) automatically includes Parts A and B Medicare plans. In addition to medical care, a Part C plan may cover dental care and medication (Part D). However, you may still need a supplemental coverage plan. Although the government does not run supplemental dental plans, these plans will fill the gaps left by Medicare (Parts A and B).
According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 47% of Medicare recipients lacked dental insurance. And an equal number of them hadn’t visited a dentist in the previous year. There was a significant gap in coverage for those without dental insurance. 19% reported spending over $1,000 on dental care not covered by their primary plan.
Older adults are even more prone to dental issues like cavities and gingivitis. And these problems worsen diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This makes the situation even worse, mainly because older adults make up the bulk of Medicare recipients.
Is Supplemental Dental Insurance Expensive?
Dental care is expensive. So, supplemental insurance will be worth the investment if your primary health insurance doesn’t cover dental or just covers a tiny fraction of it.
Without dental insurance, a routine checkup and treatment may cost you $200 to $300 out of pocket. So, supplemental dental plans can help you avoid some or all of your dental care costs.
But is supplemental dental insurance really the right option for you? Or is there a better alternative out there?
An Alternative to Supplemental Dental Insurance
Unfortunately, dental insurance isn't always straightforward. And the last thing you need in the middle of a dental emergency is a shocker from the "fine print" about the limitations, exceptions, criteria, and restrictions of your dental insurance.
Budget-friendly dental discount plans are much simpler than traditional dental insurance plans. With dental discount plans, you can get discounts ranging from 15-50%*.
A dental discount plan differs from insurance. Unlike dental insurance, you can use your discount plan as many times as you need without any limits. Simply ask the dentist to apply the Carefree Dental discount before you get any work done. Then pay your bill at the time of service and save money!
Save Money on Your Dental Care
You don’t have to go without dental care because you have no dental insurance. Simply opt for the Carefree Dental discount plan as an alternative.
For just $15.95/month for individuals and $19.95/month for families, you can receive discounts of 15%-50%* off your dental cost at participating providers per visit in most instances.
Enroll in the Carefree Dental program to maintain your dental health and care for your teeth at a minimal cost.
*Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service, and geographical area
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.
