Finding Low Cost Dental Coverage

By Sally Delacruz


Health insurance is a big deal, because not all employers offer it, especially if that employee is a part-time worker. Similarly, employers don't generally offer insurance benefits to contractors or freelancers, so they must find coverage on their own. Luckily, there are low cost dental coverage plans that can be had if you don't have a traditional plan that your employer subsidizes.

There are two main types of dental coverage: family and individual. If you are single and not pregnant, then the individual plan is right for you. If you have a family, then the family plan is the one you want to go with. Keep in mind that you can always change from an individual to a family plan later if your situation changes, though your premiums will obviously go up.

Not all family or individual plans are created equal. Some have very bare bones coverage that only pays for certain treatments or doctor visits. Others are much more comprehensive and will include just about any kind of dental work imaginable. The bare bones are much cheaper than the comprehensive ones, so keep that in mind when choosing a plan.

When looking for affordable coverage, remember to look at the deductibles and limits. Deductibles are the amount you pay up front before the insurance kicks in and pays the rest. The cheaper your monthly premium, the more likely you are to have a higher deductible. For example, your plan may only cost you $20 per month, which is very affordable. However, you could have a $1000 deductible, which means the first thousand dollars in fees are paid by you, making this plan not quite as affordable. Consider paying a higher monthly premium to get a smaller deductible.

There may also be limits to how much the plan will cover each year, along with a lifetime maximum. Your plan may pay $100,000 per year, but with a lifetime maximum of $500,000 or something along those lines. Each plan is different, so make sure you check for the limits and maximums. If they are too low, you may want to look for another form of coverage.

Not all coverage includes surgeries and orthodontics, so be sure to read the fine print. This is especially true if you have kids, because many kids may need orthodontia like braces in order to straighten out their teeth. Surgeries, even minor ones like removal of wisdom teeth, can be quite expensive when paid out of pocket, so be sure you are covered.

Each plan should also include some preventative care procedures that are either mostly paid by insurance or completely paid. This includes x-rays to see if there are any problems underneath the surface and yearly or twice yearly cleanings to help prevent plaque and other potential issues.

Whether you are single or have a family, getting coverage for your dental health is a big deal. Decide how much you can spend each month on a policy and then go shopping for the one that covers the most in your price range. You will be well on your way to affordable and comprehensive care.




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