DENTAL COVERAGE: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
Dental coverage can be expensive but without it, many people simply cannot afford to visit the dentist. The National Institute of Health says that for every $1 spent on preventive dentistry (exams, x-rays, cleanings, etc.) results in savings of $4 in restorative dentistry (root canals, caps, implants, etc.).
Despite its cost, quality dental coverage is worth it, both in terms of good oral health as well as long-term fiscal savings. "Dental benefits can help eliminate the cost barriers that prevent many people from seeking the level of oral health care that is most appropriate for them, helping to reduce the likelihood of more severe oral health problems and additional costs in the future," said MetLife Dental Director Dr. Alan Vogel.
COVERAGE OPTION #1: Dental Insurance
It's precisely because dental coverage is so important that insurance companies keep raising their premiums. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation's 2008 Employee Health Benefits survey, since 2001, premiums for family coverage insurance increased four times the rate that wages increased. It has gotten to the point where the average middle-income family cannot afford the cost of a typical dental insurance policy. Online shopping has made dental insurance somewhat less expensive as it has forced insurance companies to compete over price quotes, but it hasn't exactly made dental insurance cheap.
When it comes to purchasing dental insurance, consumers are increasingly using the Internet. A study done and 2008 by the National Association of Dental Plans showed that employers rely less on printed materials and more on the Web as a source for dental plan information as 53% of employers visit dental plan Web sites and 44% request Web-based or electronic information. The Internet is fast replacing insurance agents and brokers.
COVERAGE OPTION #2: Discount Dental Plans
While traditional dental insurance is familiar to most of us, discount dental plans (a.k.a. referral plans or discount cards) are very similar to holding a membership in a buyers club. Members pay either a flat monthly or yearly fee for access to dental providers (dentists and specialists alike) who accept these plans agree to provide their services at the pre-arranged or "discounted" rates.
According to a 2005 report put out by the National Association of Dental Plans, the average yearly premium for individual dental HMO insurance is nearly $192 per year, compared to nearly $288 per year for individual dental PPO insurance and nearly $372 per year for individual dental insurance making them more affordable than traditional dental insurance.
However, discount dental plans are not without their flaws. For one thing, to my knowledge there is only one plan --Aetna Dental Access-- that actually guarantees that any dental provider listed in the database will accept the discounts promised by the plans promotional material (i.e. web sites, brochures, advertisements, etc.). When researching discount plans, make sure to read all the fine print associated with any discount dental plan before joining.
Can You Use Both Types Of Plans Simultaneously?
Yes... providing that you have the type of dental insurance where you are free to go to any dentist and then the insurance company pays you directly for any procedures the dentist performed. For example, if your dentist charges $700 for a root canal, you may be able to get that procedure for a little as $350 by using a discount plan. Then, you may use your traditional insurance payment toward the procedure, say $150, to reduce your overall cost to $200 giving you a savings of $500 (62%)!
How The "Dental Prices Crisis" Can Lower Your Dentist Bills
Now that you have a full understanding of the problems of the American dental care system -with emphasis on the certainty that things aren't going improve anytime soon- let me show you some ways in which you can exploit the "Dental Prices Crisis" to your advantage so that you can save lots of money on both dental coverage and dental care instead of just sitting back and getting soaked. After all, what's more American than saving money?
Bottom line is that with more and more people losing their jobs or having their hours cut, more and more people are losing their health benefits, especially their dental coverage. This means that less people will be going to see the dentists which means that, on average, business will be down for dentists which means he'll be in more of a mood to make a deal for your dental dollar.
For more on the differences between the two types of coverage (dental insurance or discount plans), check out this eight-minute video outlining the differences between dental insurance and discount plans by a former insurance agent who used to sell both.
Money-Saving Tips For People Without Dental Coverage
(1) Does Your Dentist Give A Discount For Cash?
Some dental offices will allow you to pay and receive a discount for cash. If pre-paying, ask if you're prepayment will entitle you to a complimentary discount on future dental services. Either of these methods could save you as much as 10% off to dental bill.
(2) Join a Discount Dental Plan
For $10 to $20 a month, these plans offer their members savings of anywhere from 10% to 50% or more on dental work, including those procedures not covered or only partially covered by insurance such as braces, implants, teeth bleaching, veneers, etc. In my opinion, the best place to find a discount dental plans is to visit DentalPlans.com where you can meticulously comparison shop between as many as 30 different plans.
(3) Bring Your Own X-Rays
If you have any current x-rays, you don't need new x-rays taken, saving the cost.
(4) Ask If Your Dentist Offers Any Coupons
Many dentists spend money on marketing so it doesn't hurt to ask if they have any "sales going on". If there isn't any coupon or discount right now, ask to be notified when a money-saving special will be offered to the public.
(5) Negotiate The Dental Fees
A national survey recently found that 10% of respondents had haggled with their dentists over fees, and 64% had been successful in getting a price break.
(6) Load Up On Dental Freebies
When you go to the dentist, ask for extra samples of toothbrushes, dental floss, mouth rinse, trial or new product samples and any other type of dental products they have.
(7) Ask For Free Drugs
If your dentist prescribes any medication part of your treatment, ask your dentist if they have free samples they can give you. These prescription-only drugs are usually very expensive so the samples will save you a nice chunk-of-change should you lack Rx drug coverage.
(8) Does Your Dentist Give A Discount For Referrals?
If you send in your friends and neighbors, will you are dentist's office give you break on your dental bills? Word-of-mouth is a dentist's best marketing tool that means you're his best marketing representative!
(9) Visit Dental Schools
Both dental colleges and dental hygiene schools frequently operate clinics that offer free or low cost exams, x-rays, cleanings and even extractions. Dental work performed by these school clinics usually charge using a sliding scale system which makes them extremely affordable and in some cases free of charge. Contact your state Dental Society to see if there are clinics in your area.
(10) Choose Cheaper Fillings
Many consumers opt for the aesthetic appeal of resin-based fillings, which are tooth-colored, instead of the old metallic (a.k.a. amalgam) variety. But amalgam fillings are 20% cheaper, and they last longer too. This applies especially to fillings in teeth in the back which most people cannot see.
Money-Saving Tips For People With Dental Insurance
(1) Know Your Dental Care Options
Ask if your insurance coverage has an option that uses a PPO or DMO network where your premium dollars will get more dental services. Often, using a PPO dentist can save you 10% to 20% from the usual fees.
(2) Ask If Your Treatment Can Be Set Up In Stages
If some dental services are more urgent than others, perhaps your dentist can provide the services over two calendar years, thus utilizing two annual maximums. Annual maximums are usually $1000 to $1500 and that can be reached quickly with multiple services. Your dentist should prioritize a treatment schedule to help you distinguish problems needing immediate attention from those that are less urgent. Often, treatment can be phased in over time to assist you with your budget.
(3) Seek Second Opinions On Expensive Work
Often, a dental problem can be solved in different ways, all of which are both satisfactory and appropriate. For instance, missing teeth can be replaced by implants by a bridge or (in most instances) by a partial denture. All of these are acceptable dental care, but the costs can vary widely. Talk to your dentist about why he or she believes that this treatment is best for you.
(4) Take Advantage Of Dental Freebies
Utilize any and all free exams, teeth cleanings or x-rays your dental coverage may provide. Some coverage dictates you get your teeth cleaned twice a year, while others limit you to once every 6 months. Remember that if you have the second kind and your cleaning occurs before 6 months have passed, the insurance will not pay the benefit.
(5) Check That Your Treatment Is Covered By Insurance
Mak.e sure that the dental work that your dentist proposes is covered by your dental plan. Sometimes, new forms of cosmetic treatment services are not covered. Be sure to check your benefits guide and/or have your dentist submit a pre-treatment estimate to confirm that the services will be covered. If the services are denied, you and/or your dental provider may need to write a letter and send more explanation regarding the need for these services.
(6) Utilize Bone Implant Procedure
Have bone implants to replace dental bone lost from periodontal disease. This helps to prevent bacteria from forming in pockets caused by bone loss where the teeth are attached.
(7) Request Treatments Done In Installments
Ask your dentist if he/she would be willing to allow you to pay for treatments in installments over a period of weeks or months. Your dentist should be able to prioritize a treatment schedule to help you distinguish between problems needing immediate attention from those that are less urgent. Often, treatment can be phased in over time to assist you with your budget.
(8) Don't Take NO For An Answer
If the treatment or your dentist proposes is denied, you have the option to petition the insurance provider. You or preferably your dentist may need to write a letter and send a more detailed explanation regarding the need for these services.
(9) Can't Afford Your Dental Work?
Assuming that you are credit worthy, BankRate.com recommends that you get an interest-free credit card. These don't actually reduce the size of the bill, but zero-percent financing helps take the bite out of it. Charge your dental expenses with a card that's specifically designed to cover health-care expenses. Dentistry.com has an excellent article on dental financing options. Of course, and you can always ask for a loan from a friend or family member. If they turn you down, you could work a second shift or sell a valuable item you own or put off this year's vacation or fire the gardener and mow the lawn yourself or cancel HBO or...
(10) Over Your Yearly Limit?
Every dental insurance policy has a limit that you can spend in one year, usually somewhere between $1000 and $2000. What happens when you need major dental work and you've already spent your yearly cap? Enroll in a discount health benefits plan as these programs can save you as much as 50% on dental work, although the average savings is closer to 33%. If you're paying privately for your dental insurance, consider dropping the policy altogether in favor of a discount plan as it will more than likely save you money, especially if you don't need any extensive dental work done.
Resources For Free\Low-Cost Dental Care
National Children's Oral Health Foundation - Plans to build 500 centers, treat 5 million children and educate 20 million people over the next five years.
Dentistry From The Heart: Dental Events Days - National nonprofit organization which lists "dental events" (a day of free dental care) in 29 states around the country.
Smiles Across America - Operates in Chicago, Las Vegas, Minneapolis/St. Paul (MN), Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties (CA) and Maine provides oral health programs through school-linked programs.
Ronald McDonald House Charities - Locates treatment for special cases, connecting such patients with dentists and oral surgeons.
Oral Health America's National Sealant Alliance - Committed to sealing one million teeth by 2010.
CDC's National Oral Health Surveillance System - Provides info about early childhood-oriented programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Head Start, childcare centers and Family Resource Centers.
National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped - Helps to meet the dental care needs of the disabled.
Children's Dental Health Project - Helps policymakers, healthcare providers, healthcare advocates, and parents improve children's oral health and increase their access to quality dental care.
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Victor Victoria says: | 2010-11-18 14:58:11 |
| Not a bad article at all! | ||
Comments: 1