Dental insurance for seniors is just as important as dental insurance for other individuals. If you are a senior looking for affordable dental insurance, consider one that helps you budget and save money in retirement and still get decent dental care.
The best insurance should offer coverages that cater to dental needs like; dentures, periodontics, tooth replacement, extractions, fillings, orthodontia, root canals, and crowns. Medicare is a good example of an insurance plan that can help pay for some medically necessary dental services. Medicare is for Americans 65 and older, people with certain disabilities, and patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). So, consider this when looking for Medicare dental coverage.
Though these coverages are not particularly unique to seniors, when compared to other individuals, seniors might need these coverages even more.
What is the Difference Between Dental Insurance and Dental Discount Plan
- Dental Insurance: This insurance covers dental care and is often provided in conjunction with vision insurance under a single plan. Unfortunately, besides having deductibles, they also have benefit caps that restrict the amount of money that the insurance plan can provide for senior dental care.
- Dental Discount Plans: Unlike dental insurance, dental discount plans do not pay for any dental expenses. What they do is avail discounted prices for you from participating dentists. These discounts range from 10% – 60% for ordinary dental producers with no; annual maximums, deductibles, or waiting periods to encounter.
What Are The Benefits Of Getting Dental Insurance
Dental Care Improves Overall Health
Researchers continue to make discoveries of connections between overall and oral health. Extensive dental problems result in dangerously elevated levels of bacteria in the body. Once they enter the bloodstream, they worsen pre-existing medical conditions such as; diabetes, heart problems, and chronic illnesses.
Protects You From Financial Risk
In a general sense, insurance cover plans keep you from financial risks. With a dental insurance plan, you will be able to afford the best preventive care whenever a major dental issue arises.
Enable You To Solve Dental Issues Immediately
With dental insurance to cover oral preventive procedures, you can stop any dental problem in its tracks. Regular teeth cleaning and dental exams are essential for identifying plausible issues before they reach a point where they will require intensive care or major procedures.
What To Consider Before Settling For A Specific Dental Insurance Plan
1. What the Plan Covers
Although insurance plans often appear to have similar components and policies, they do not! Unlike health insurance which covers a significant percentage of every medical procedure – even extensive ones, dental insurance plans are more erratic depending on your coverage level. It is important to carefully review the policy and determine whether it suits your needs.
2. Eligibility For Group Coverage
Many individuals and seniors prefer to receive dental insurance through group coverage plans like; AARP, Affordable Care Act, or public programs such as Tricare and Medicaid. The main reason group coverage is a more alluring option is their premiums, which are generally more affordable and deliver better benefits than individual insurance plans. Either way, before signing off on anything, make sure its benefits are worth your money.
3. Insurance Caps, Limits, and Waiting Periods
Most dental insurance policies have extended waiting periods with coverage on procedures like; crown or cast restorations, dental implants, and dentures, which can be withheld for as long as two years. The best way to avoid getting caught out would be to acquaint yourself with the insurance’s; waiting periods, caps, and limits to ensure it is reliable, especially when you might need an emergency dental procedure.
4. Your Budget
Choosing a dental plan that you can afford is as important a strategy as any. There are two common dental plans: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Dental Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). PPO dental plans have higher premiums compared to HMOs and lower out-of-pocket costs which makes it a more economical choice.
To Sum It Up
Although there are many more factors to help determine the best senior dental insurance plan for you or your loved one, it is advisable to take the ones listed above into serious consideration. Generally, a proper dental insurance cover should offer you quality and prompt services while saving your money.
