Take This Lousy Dental Insurance And Shove It!
Let's face it: Some dental plans aren't worth the paper they're
printed on, and they certainly aren't worth the money you are
shelling out every month for coverage. Now, if your employer is
picking up the tab, there isn't much you can do. But because
employers are increasingly turning to cutbacks in benefits such
as dental insurance, an increasing number of people are just
getting their own.
The reason that so many are joining dental networks, and getting
their own dental insurance, is because it is actually a cheaper
option than using the coverage provided by their employer. After
all, if your dental insurance doesn't cover preventative
procedures and won't pay for a root canal, what exactly is the
point? Add insult to injury by being asked to pay a yearly
deductible of a couple hundred bucks, with maximum annual
benefits being capped at five hundred, and it's no wonder that
people are seeking real dental insurance with real benefits.
So what am I looking for in dental insurance?
Honestly, the same benefits-to-cost ratio that you look for in
any insurance. You should save 40-60% by using dental insurance
over what you would pay if you did not have coverage. If this is
not the case, then the dental insurance is all but worthless.
Great answer, but specifically, what am I looking for?
Specifically, you want to know what the maximum coverage is for
the calendar year. A plan with a five hundred dollar cap may
work for individuals, but it will definitely be inadequate for
families. Add up your anticipated costs during the course of an
average year, and make sure that it is below or close to the
maximum payout for the dental insurance.
You also want to know what will be covered. A growing number of
dental insurance plans are refusing to cover preventative
maintenance, or cover things like root canals or even x-rays! I
mean, what is the point? Plus, if you have children, make sure
that braces are not considered "cosmetic" dentistry, as this too
is worthless to you. Dental insurance that fails to actually
provide adequate care should be avoided like the plague.
Getting to choose their own dentist is important for many
people, so see if there are any provider restrictions in your
dental insurance. Dental networks are usually a good choice for
people picking up the tab for their own dental insurance, as
they at least offer a list of providers from which to choose.
That's only four...what else?
Finally, the deductible is an important factor to keep in mind
when selecting dental insurance. Many plans ask that you pay one
hundred dollars or some similar fee before your benefits for
that calendar year kick in. Again, dental insurance plans that
have insane deductibles are of little or no use to you. In
addition, check into the waiting period of your dental
insurance, because some companies have excessive ones that
render the plans all but useless. After all, if you can't use
the dental insurance for three months, then why pay premiums for
12?
Anything else before I go brush my teeth?
Yes - if you follow these guidelines, you'll be well on your way
to making informed and wise choices for dental coverage. Which
will give you two good reasons to smile.