Discount dental plan options
Insurance alternative can offer some savings
No dental insurance? You’re not alone. Roughly 1 in 4 Americans don’t have dental coverage, according to industry figures.
Employers are by far the biggest provider of dental benefits in the U.S., accounting for nearly half of all enrollees, followed by the government’s Medicaid plan for low-income people.
Researchers have shown that costs are a bigger obstacle to dental care in the U.S. than all other forms of health care.
Dental discount plans are a lesser-known option, used by just 5 percent of patients with private dental benefits, according to the latest survey figures from the National Association of Dental Plans.
Here’s a look at how discount plans work and when they can make sense:
Discount plans explained
The plans aren’t insurance. Instead they function like warehouse clubs, giving members access to discounted prices on various dental procedures, ranging from 20 to 60 percent. Discount plans are offered by a number of large health coverage providers, including Aetna, Humana and CVS Health.
The networks of dentists who participate can be smaller than insurance networks, limiting patient choice. And they won’t cover the complete cost of preventive cleanings and X-rays like most insurance plans.
Still, discount plans can be a good option for patients who might otherwise skip check-ups altogether, said Dr. Dave Preble, senior vice president of the American Dental Association’s Practice Institute.
If you get patients to a dentist “and keep them coming back on a regular basis, it’s been proven to keep them healthier,” Preble said.
A look at the cost
Most discount plans range from $200 to $400 in fees for a family, offering potential savings for those on a tight budget.
In comparison, annual fees for a typical family dental insurance plan in 2017 were nearly $600, according to industry statistics, not including copays and coinsurance.
Discount plans give access to savings on exams, fillings and other procedures. Enrollees can wind up paying more out-of-pocket than they’d save on insurance premiums.
Not enough coverage
Discount plans can also make sense for patients who have maxed out their insurance benefits.
Many employer-sponsored plans cap annual care at $1,500 per person. Root canals, crowns or dental implants can sometimes exceed that limit. Enrolling in a discount plan could be a way to save on those uncovered expenses.
“If you need something done right away and it’s a major procedure you’re going to get that discount immediately,” said Evelyn Ireland, executive director of the National Association of Dental Plans.