Is dental insurance worth the premium?
This is a question that often comes up when working with clients. The answer will all depend on who you talk with.
Dental Insurance will vary in premium depending on the plan, the maximum the insurance company will pay out on your behalf, and the coverage offered.
If you are blessed enough with healthy teeth and truly only need cleanings twice a year, there is no reason to spend your hard earned income on dental insurance. The reason for this is because the normal premium for dental insurance is approximately $600.00 a year. If you pay for your cleanings with X-rays, the cost would be below $600.00.
The flip side of this is that dentists will tell you that many people will not come in for their cleanings unless they have dental insurance.
This means that over 40% of Americans are not getting regular dental cleanings.
This means that 40% of Americans are putting their health at risk by not getting regular dental check-ups.
There are other ways to make sure you are not putting your health at risk.
If you are offered dental insurance through your employer, your employer may contribute some of the cost of the premium. Be aware that the dental insurance can have caps on what they pay out. Dental Insurance is not regulated like health insurance is so it is important to do your homework on what will be be covered.
If you aren’t offered dental insurance through your employer, consider dental discount programs. Although you will still have to pay out for dental visits, the amount can be reduced with a discount program.
Another option would be to use what you would pay for the premium and contribute to a Health Savings Account instead. The money you contribute to a Health Savings Account could be tax free if you have a health plan that is eligible for a Health Savings Account.
Community Health Centers may offer either low cost dental services. The services may be limited, but it is worth exploring.
What I wanted to point out through all of this is there will always be options for you.
Dental Insurance may not be right for you, but remember that going to the dentist no matter what your circumstances are will always be right for your health.
If you live in NH or Maine and don’t have coverage through your employer, Balanced Care can share what dental insurance will cover and if it is right for you.
If you want to do some research on your own, follow these links and as always, know that Balanced Care will always provide you with information to help you with every option available.
NH: https://www2.deltadentalcoversme.com/?agency=1724424904
Maine: https://www2.deltadentalcoversme.com/?agency=1739009302
Terri Trepanier is the owner of Balanced Care Health and Supplemental Insurance and a licensed insurance consultant and broker with Associated Brokers. Licensed in both Maine and NH, her specialty is working with small businesses, individuals, and families with their health and life insurance needs. She is certified to offer health plans both on and off the exchange and is contracted with every health insurance company that offers plans in both New Hampshire and Maine. Her other passion is assisting Medicare beneficiaries with their Medicare Supplemental, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicare Advantage plans. Terri has seen firsthand the importance of insurance products and how they help families. Her goal with Balanced Care is to “Insure Security and Peace of Mind One Family at a Time”