Tips For Choosing The Right Dental Plan
When it comes to dental coverage, there are a lot of options to choose from. The premiums, deductibles and types of coverage can vary widely, and comparing all of the details can be confusing. Adult dental insurance is needed for things like tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and replacing any missing teeth. Seniors may develop health conditions, such as diabetes or heart issues, so preventive dental care is very important. Here are a few tips for comparing dental plan options.
Look for a plan that has a wide provider network
For any number of reasons, you may want to have more than one dentist to choose from. If you limit your options to only one dentist or practice, what would happen if your dentist is not available or you no longer wish to go to that office because of unforeseen issues? For example, the office location or hours are no longer convenient for you or you do not feel comfortable with the dentist or a member of the office staff. This is where a plan with a large provider network can come in handy. To view the network of providers in your area for any plan, tap the “Find Provider” button under the plan name when viewing the list of plans in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Consider all of the costs
The primary consideration for most people is often the monthly cost (this is what insurance companies call the “premium”). In addition, you will also want look at the deductible – which is the amount of money that you may have to pay out-of-pocket for dental services before your plan pays anything. Copays and co-insurance are also important considerations. A copay is a set amount you pay for a service where as a co-insurance is a fix percentage you pay for a service. Needles to say, understanding how your plan works and the portion you are responsible for will help you know what to expect financially and alleviate any unpleasant surprises. Premiums, deductibles, copays and co-insurance amounts for each plan are displayed within the list of plans in the in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Identify which treatments are covered under each plan
Routine dental treatments are covered under most dental insurance. However, some plans do not cover things like orthodontics or dentures. Other plans may cover these treatments but only up to a certain limit. Make sure you understand what is covered before selecting a plan. To find out what treatments a plan covers, tap the “View Details” button under the plan name when viewing the list of available plans in the
Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Tips For Choosing The Right Dental Plan
When it comes to dental coverage, there are a lot of options to choose from. The premiums, deductibles and types of coverage can vary widely, and comparing all of the details can be confusing. Adult dental insurance is needed for things like tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and replacing any missing teeth. Seniors may develop health conditions, such as diabetes or heart issues, so preventive dental care is very important. Here are a few tips for comparing dental plan options.
Look for a plan that has a wide provider network
For any number of reasons, you may want to have more than one dentist to choose from. If you limit your options to only one dentist or practice, what would happen if your dentist is not available or you no longer wish to go to that office because of unforeseen issues? For example, the office location or hours are no longer convenient for you or you do not feel comfortable with the dentist or a member of the office staff. This is where a plan with a large provider network can come in handy. To view the network of providers in your area for any plan, click the “Find Provider” button under the plan name when viewing the list of plans in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Consider all of the costs
The primary consideration for most people is often the monthly cost (this is what insurance companies call the “premium”). In addition, you will also want look at the deductible – which is the amount of money that you may have to pay out-of-pocket for dental services before your plan pays anything. Copays and co-insurance are also important considerations. A copay is a set amount you pay for a service where as a co-insurance is a fix percentage you pay for a service. Needles to say, understanding how your plan works and the portion you are responsible for will help you know what to expect financially and alleviate any unpleasant surprises. Premiums, deductibles, copays and co-insurance amounts for each plan are displayed within the list of plans in the in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Identify which treatments are covered under each plan
Routine dental treatments are covered under most dental insurance. However, some plans do not cover things like orthodontics or dentures. Other plans may cover these treatments but only up to a certain limit. Make sure you understand what is covered before selecting a plan. To find out what treatments a plan covers, click the “View Details” button under the plan name when viewing the list of available plans in the
Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Tips For Choosing The Right Dental Plan
When it comes to dental coverage, there are a lot of options to choose from. The premiums, deductibles and types of coverage can vary widely, and comparing all of the details can be confusing. Adult dental insurance is needed for things like tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and replacing any missing teeth. Seniors may develop health conditions, such as diabetes or heart issues, so preventive dental care is very important. Here are a few tips for comparing dental plan options.
Look for a plan that has a wide provider network
For any number of reasons, you may want to have more than one dentist to choose from. If you limit your options to only one dentist or practice, what would happen if your dentist is not available or you no longer wish to go to that office because of unforeseen issues? For example, the office location or hours are no longer convenient for you or you do not feel comfortable with the dentist or a member of the office staff. This is where a plan with a large provider network can come in handy. To view the network of providers in your area for any plan, tap the “Find Provider” button under the plan name when viewing the list of plans in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Consider all of the costs
The primary consideration for most people is often the monthly cost (this is what insurance companies call the “premium”). In addition, you will also want look at the deductible – which is the amount of money that you may have to pay out-of-pocket for dental services before your plan pays anything. Copays and co-insurance are also important considerations. A copay is a set amount you pay for a service where as a co-insurance is a fix percentage you pay for a service. Needles to say, understanding how your plan works and the portion you are responsible for will help you know what to expect financially and alleviate any unpleasant surprises. Premiums, deductibles, copays and co-insurance amounts for each plan are displayed within the list of plans in the in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Identify which treatments are covered under each plan
Routine dental treatments are covered under most dental insurance. However, some plans do not cover things like orthodontics or dentures. Other plans may cover these treatments but only up to a certain limit. Make sure you understand what is covered before selecting a plan. To find out what treatments a plan covers, tap the “View Details” button under the plan name when viewing the list of available plans in the
Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Waiting periods
Please note that some dental plans have waiting periods. A waiting period is a length of time that begins when you first sign up for a plan that you must wait before certain services are covered. Many dental insurance plans have waiting periods of 6 to 12 months depending on the type of service. For example, basic services like fillings, space maintainers and recementation of crowns may have a 6 month waiting period. Major services such as extractions, crowns and bridges might have up to a 12 month waiting period. Preventive services like teeth cleanings and x-rays generally do not have waiting periods and are covered immediately on most plans. To find out if a plan has a waiting period, click the “View Details” button below the plan’s name in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Think about dental discount plans (also called “dental savings plans”)
Dental discount plans allow you to join a group where you enjoy discounts on certain dental services. These discount plans are not dental insurance, they are more like a type of warehouse club membership. But rather than getting bargains on food or clothing, you get discounted prices on dental services. Keep in mind that these plans don't reimburse the dentists as regular insurance does. Instead, you pay the dentist directly. Be sure to use a dentist in your plan’s network in order to get any discounts, otherwise you’ll pay full price. Since the services are provided by a network of dentists who have agreed to charge less, you could get 10% to 60% discounts on services. The fact that many traditional dental insurance plans have waiting periods, if you have pressing dental issues that need to be addressed, you could also enroll in a dental discount plan in the interim. Dental discount plans do not have waiting periods and therefore can help bridge the gap while you are still in a waiting period of a dental insurance plan. Click here to view a detailed comparison of dental insurance vs. dental discount plans. You can find dental discount plans that are available in your area in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Dental & Vision Plan Finder
Waiting periods
Please note that some dental plans have waiting periods. A waiting period is a length of time that begins when you first sign up for a plan that you must wait before certain services are covered. Many dental insurance plans have waiting periods of 6 to 12 months depending on the type of service. For example, basic services like fillings, space maintainers and recementation of crowns may have a 6 month waiting period. Major services such as extractions, crowns and bridges might have up to a 12 month waiting period. Preventive services like teeth cleanings and x-rays generally do not have waiting periods and are covered immediately on most plans. To find out if a plan has a waiting period, tap the “View Details” button below the plan’s name in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Think about dental discount plans (also called “dental savings plans”)
Dental discount plans allow you to join a group where you enjoy discounts on certain dental services. These discount plans are not dental insurance, they are more like a type of warehouse club membership. But rather than getting bargains on food or clothing, you get discounted prices on dental services. Keep in mind that these plans don't reimburse the dentists as regular insurance does. Instead, you pay the dentist directly. Be sure to use a dentist in your plan’s network in order to get any discounts, otherwise you’ll pay full price. Since the services are provided by a network of dentists who have agreed to charge less, you could get 10% to 60% discounts on services. The fact that many traditional dental insurance plans have waiting periods, if you have pressing dental issues that need to be addressed, you could also enroll in a dental discount plan in the interim. Dental discount plans do not have waiting periods and therefore can help bridge the gap while you are still in a waiting period of a dental insurance plan. Tap here to view a detailed comparison of dental insurance vs. dental discount plans. You can find dental discount plans that are available in your area in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Dental & Vision Plan Finder
To begin, enter your zip code, date of birth, desired effective date and click “Go”. The system will display a list of available plans sorted from lowest to highest monthly premium. For a quick video tutorial on how to navigate the plan finder, click here.
You can filter the list of carriers to show only specific plans by clicking “Filters/Modify Search” located on the gray bar above the plan list.
To compare plans side by side, check the box to the right of the plans you like to compare, then click “Compare Plans”. You can compare up to 3 plans at a time. The side by side comparison will display the benefits overview for each plan you select. To view more detailed information about a particular plan click the “View Details” button. For tips on choosing the right plan, click here.
To find in-network dentists and eye doctors, click the "Find Provider" button just below a plan's name. This will open a new window which takes you to that plan's Provider Search page. You will be able to search for dentists and eye doctors by name, city, state or zip code.
To enroll in any of the plans, click the “Buy Now” button and follow the simple four step enrollment process. When you're finished with the enrollment process, click the button below to access your ID card and plan materials. NOTE: The 20th of the month is the last date to apply in order for your plan to start on the 1st of the next month.
Waiting periods
Please note that some dental plans have waiting periods. A waiting period is a length of time that begins when you first sign up for a plan that you must wait before certain services are covered. Many dental insurance plans have waiting periods of 6 to 12 months depending on the type of service. For example, basic services like fillings, space maintainers and recementation of crowns may have a 6 month waiting period. Major services such as extractions, crowns and bridges might have up to a 12 month waiting period. Preventive services like teeth cleanings and x-rays generally do not have waiting periods and are covered immediately on most plans. To find out if a plan has a waiting period, tap the “View Details” button below the plan’s name in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Think about dental discount plans (also called “dental savings plans”)
Dental discount plans allow you to join a group where you enjoy discounts on certain dental services. These discount plans are not dental insurance, they are more like a type of warehouse club membership. But rather than getting bargains on food or clothing, you get discounted prices on dental services. Keep in mind that these plans don't reimburse the dentists as regular insurance does. Instead, you pay the dentist directly. Be sure to use a dentist in your plan’s network in order to get any discounts, otherwise you’ll pay full price. Since the services are provided by a network of dentists who have agreed to charge less, you could get 10% to 60% discounts on services. The fact that many traditional dental insurance plans have waiting periods, if you have pressing dental issues that need to be addressed, you could also enroll in a dental discount plan in the interim. Dental discount plans do not have waiting periods and therefore can help bridge the gap while you are still in a waiting period of a dental insurance plan. Tap here to view a detailed comparison of dental insurance vs. dental discount plans. You can find dental discount plans that are available in your area in the Dental & Vision Plan Finder.
Dental & Vision Plan Finder
To begin, enter your zip code, date of birth, desired effective date and click “Go”. The system will display a list of available plans sorted from lowest to highest monthly premium. For a quick video tutorial on how to navigate the plan finder, click here.
You can filter the list of carriers to show only specific plans by clicking “Filters/Modify Search” located on the gray bar above the plan list.
To compare plans side by side, check the box to the right of the plans you like to compare, then click “Compare Plans”. You can compare up to 3 plans at a time. The side by side comparison will display the benefits overview for each plan you select. To view more detailed information about a particular plan click the “View Details” button. For tips on choosing the right plan, click here.
To find in-network dentists and eye doctors, click the "Find Provider" button just below a plan's name. This will open a new window which takes you to that plan's Provider Search page. You will be able to search for dentists and eye doctors by name, city, state or zip code.
To enroll in any of the plans, click the “Buy Now” button and follow the simple four step enrollment process. When you're finished with the enrollment process, click the button below to access your ID card and plan materials. NOTE: The 20th of the month is the last date to apply in order for your plan to start on the 1st of the next month.
When you've completed the enrollment process, click here to get a copy of your ID card and plan materials:
When you've completed the enrollment process, tap here to get a copy of your ID card and plan materials:
- How The Plan Finder Works
To begin, enter your zip code, date of birth, desired effective date and tap “Start”. The system will display a list of available plans sorted from lowest to highest monthly premium.
- Filter Carriers
You can filter the list of carriers to show only specific plans by tapping the menu icon located on the gray bar above the plan list, then select “Filters/Modify Search” .
- Comparing Plans
To compare plans side by side, check the box to the right of the plans you like to compare, then tap “Compare Plans”. You can compare up to 3 plans at a time. The side by side comparison will display the benefits overview for each plan you select. To view more detailed information about a particular plan tap the “View Details” button.
- Search For In-Network Providers
To find in-network dentists and eye doctors, tap the "Find Provider" button just below a plan's name. This will open a new window which takes you to that plan's Provider Search page. You will be able to search for dentists and eye doctors by name, city, state or zip code.
- Enrollment Process
To enroll in any of the plans, tap the “Buy Now” button and follow the simple four step enrollment process. When you're finished with enrollment, tap the button below to access your ID card and plan materials. NOTE: The 20th of the month is the last date to apply in order for your plan to start on the 1st of the next month.
When you've completed enrollment, tap here to get a copy of your ID card and plan materials: