Exclusive Article by Dennis Hung at EMRIndustry
Each state varies some on how their insurance industry is regulated. This includes restrictions on how insurance companies can operate, what income level qualifies people for assistance and much more. Despite the Affordable Care Act requiring every state to offer a health insurance exchange, there has been little effort made to ensure consistency of care from state to state. Before making any decision about what coverage to purchase, every detail should be considered. This is not just for medical coverage, but dental insurance as well.
Why Dental is Separate
Many people wonder why dental coverage is not included in the average medical plan. After all, every research project on dental care has determined that it plays an important role in overall health. Poor dental health can lead to heart problems, risk of life-threatening infections and even an increased risk in developing diabetes. The reason is because of the cost. Initially, dental care was covered, but the services dentists offered were much more basic and affordable. As the cost rose, the number of medical insurers who carried it lowered. Today, dental costs rise an average of 9 percent each year and even the Affordable Care Act only includes coverage rules for children in its plan.
Why Insurance is Necessary
It is estimated that 60 percent of the population has no dental insurance coverage. This is why millions of people are not getting the care they need. Annual office visits and cleanings average $150-$200, something that many people can afford, but with the average root canal costing approximately $700, it is easy to see why the uninsured would avoid the procedure for as long as possible. Or, unfortunately, opt for an extraction rather than a repair. Of course, dental problems will not go away on their own. Putting off treatment due to a lack of insurance will usually lead to more expensive medical problems. This can include the high cost of extractions, antibiotics to clear infections and even hospitalizations.
How to Get Coverage
In Texas Dental Insurance is a necessity that people must acquire on their own. Some employers offer dental plans, but many people will discover it is more affordable for them to seek out their own. It is not easy to find the best dental plan, because a lot will depend on the number of people who will be covered and what their dental needs are likely to be. A senior couple will require different care than a young family who will be looking at braces in the future. There are several factors to consider when choosing the policy that makes the most sense.
- The premium price of the plan. This is the amount that must be paid each month, quarter or year to keep the insurance.
- The services that are covered. Some dental plans will cover only a certain amount for braces and some will not cover dentures or implants at all. Make certain to list out the services that are currently needed or may be needed within the next couple of years and make certain they are at least partially covered under the plan.
- The limit the plan pays per year. There are still caps allowed on dental insurance plans. If there is a great deal of work that needs to be completed over the next couple of years it may not make sense to pay for a plan with a low threshold. However, if someone wants insurance for emergency purposes only, this may be an affordable option.
- Make certain the basics like annual or semi-annual cleanings are covered. This is the case with the majority of plans.
- Know how much is covered. Very few plans will cover 100 percent of anything other than an annual visit. What they will cover varies wildly. Know exactly what share of the bill they will pay to determine if it is worth the premium price.
- Availability of dentists in the area. Not every dental practice accepts all insurance plans. Make certain that any current dentist is covered or that there are an adequate number in the area to choose from
- Know when the coverage starts. Many policies will cover a cleaning in the first few months, but will not pay for major dental care for the first few months. Some plans even require members to wait a year or more for certain charges to be covered under the plan.
Another possibility to consider is whether discounts can be found by purchasing multiple plans. Some insurers offer a rate cut when their customers purchase dental and vision care at the same time. There are many plans to choose from, so consumers who want the most for their money need to be patient. Choosing a plan can take a week or two of research before the best option is found. Never buy any plan without determining whether or not it will actually save money.
