Dental Insurance: Beyond Medical Coverage

auto insurance, either provided by your employer or a policy that you buy directly from a dental insurance company, is meant to help cover some of the costs associated with your dental care.

Routine dental care, including regular checkups and preventive services, such as cleaning, is relatively inexpensive, however, restorative dental procedures such as dental implants and crowns can be quite expensive.

Although many employers provide regular health insurance as a benefit, fewer also provide dental insurance. As the cost of healthcare has increased, many employers have dropped dental coverage or shifted most of the monthly premium cost to their employees. For example, if you work for the federal government, you can get dental insurance at a relatively low cost but you will have to pay 100% of the premium.

How Long Will You Live?

The average U.S. life expectancy at birth for men is just over 76 years, while women are expected to live a little over 80 years, says the National Association of Insurance Commissioners 2001 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, the legally required mortality table used among life insurance companies to determine life insurance reserves.

The mortality table shows the average life expectancy for men and women of any age. For example, a 30-year-old man is expected to live another 47 years, while a 30-year-old woman is expected to live another 51 years. But a 60-year old man has a probability of living another 20 years, and a 60-year-old woman another 24.

The Top 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing A Dental Insurance Plan

Dental insurance can be an effective way to prevent damage to your teeth and gums. But when determining what dental insurance plan would fit you best, it is important not to just look for cheap and affordable dental insurance. Besides cost, you want to consider other factors before choosing your next dental insurance plan. Below are five of the top questions to ask yourself before choosing dental insurance.

1. Can I choose my own dentist? Just like health insurance, some dental insurance plans will restrict you to only certain dentists while others will give you your choice. So, if you have a favorite dentist and s/he does not fall into the cheap dental insurance category, it may be worth it to you to pay a little extra for the dental insurance that includes your favorite dentist.

2. Will my dentist and I get to choose the best treatment for me? Some dental insurance plans will restrict payment to the cheapest treatment for a condition, although there may be other treatment choices available.

3. What will be covered? A good dental insurance plan should cover two cleanings a year with no fee or office visit. X-rays and fluoride treatments are also usually covered at no additional cost. The cost of other services are usually split 50/50 with the insurance plan and patient, up to the plan's maximum payout amount depending on the policy. But, if you are looking for a more affordable dental insurance plan, you still can find good plans with a little less coverage than above.

4. Will I be limited to when I can schedule an appointment? Sometimes dentists limit scheduling times to certain dental insurance participants. Make sure your dentist does not limit appointments to people in your dental insurance plan to certain days or times of the week if that will be an inconvenience to you.

5. What will I pay? Dental plans are usually worth the premium cost. An employer sponsored dental insurance plan is usually the best deal and typically will cost a family much less than if they paid for the dental procedures without dental insurance. In addition, depending on your tax situation your premiums may be tax deductible. Even if you opt for the cheap and/or more affordable dental insurance choices, it will more than likely still be a better savings over paying for the procedures out of pocket.

Dental Plans and Costs

How much out-of-pocket spending are you comfortable with? A plan's affordability is based on its premium payments (often deducted directly from your paycheck, if your employer offers insurance) and on the cost of dental procedures it doesn't cover.

For example, an HMO may deduct less money from your paycheck, but you will end up footing much more of the end costs of complex treatment, such as bridges, implants or braces. It may not be the bargain you'd hoped for. Conversely, paying high premiums for a freedom-of-choice plan when your dental history is uncomplicated and you only need the dentist to clean your pearly whites twice a year may be overkill.

Before choosing a dental plan, visit your dentist and undergo an exam that includes a set of diagnostic x-rays. Have your dentist assess your overall dental health and determine what, if any, complex procedures are needed by you (or your dependents). This needs assessment should point you in a firm direction as to what level of insurance would best protect you and your wallet. Although it won't make choosing a plan easy, it will simplify your options and needs to determine the optimal match.