Supplemental dental insurance is one of the many available types of supplemental health insurance plans. Supplemental health insurance plans are meant to cover gaps in your existing healthcare coverage, so you won’t get stuck with out-of-pocket costs for medical services.
While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it easier for many individuals and families in the United States to find health coverage, most plans on the healthcare marketplace only require health insurance companies to offer pediatric dental coverage. There is no such requirement for adults, and unless they can afford a higher premium plan that includes dental insurance or obtain it through an employer’s policy, they’ll be left without dental coverage.
In general, gaps in health insurance plans can occur when either a policy’s annual spending limit is reached or when certain treatments aren’t covered under the plan. While some health insurers may cover preventive dental care, a lot of dental treatment isn’t covered by regular policies. Here are some of the most common reasons people choose supplemental dental insurance.
Medigap Plans
Medigap refers to any kind of supplemental insurance meant to cover gaps in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Medicare Part A covers inpatient costs for hospital care, including hospital stays related to dental care, but you’ll be stuck with the out-of-pocket expenses for the actual dental treatment.
Medicare Part B covers medical costs for a variety of preventive care visits, but this doesn’t include cleanings at the dentist. It also won’t cover treatments like root canals, crowns, dentures, extractions, or fillings. If you suspect you’ll need or want to make regular visits to a dental office, you’ll need additional coverage.
One way you may be able to do this is with Medicare Advantage (Part C). These plans include an additional monthly premium but often include dental, vision, and other forms of coverage. You’ll need to check the documentation of your plan to see if you’re covered. Medicare policyholders can also purchase standalone dental insurance from health insurers, but they won’t be able to hold these policies and Medicare Advantage at the same time.
Standalone insurance can be great for more comprehensive treatments and can allow you greater control over premiums and deductibles. See mynulifedental.com for information on general dentistry, emergency treatments, cosmetic dentistry, and more. NuLife Dental is an expert with an FL dental office in the Orlando area.
Supplements for Existing Coverage
In some cases, you may have dental coverage through an employer or an existing health insurance plan, but it’s not enough to cover your needs. Most dental insurance plans have annual limits on how much they’ll pay. This may be fine if you just need standard cleanings or occasional digital x-rays, but if you need more complex treatments like oral surgeries or require expensive prescriptions, supplemental insurance may be able to save you a great deal on medical expenses.
If you need supplemental coverage for ongoing treatments or pre-existing conditions, it’s a good idea to talk with your dentist to see what they recommend. Some plans may not cover these, and it can be challenging to coordinate benefits across multiple plans.
Dental Savings Plans
A dental savings plan (sometimes called a dental discount plan) is an alternative to regular dental insurance that can help make treatments more affordable. These plans are like clubs that work with a network of dentists who agree to offer discounted rates to members. Many people combine these with their regular dental insurance to ensure that they have pediatric coverage and a way to make adult coverage more affordable. These plans also don’t have waiting periods like some insurance policies, so you can start taking advantage of benefits right away.