Should i see a dentist and make paynents or try for dental insurance?
I hаνе dental problems thаt im pretty sure іѕ going tο cost mе several thousands οf dollars, maybe more thаn ten thousand i thіnk, аnd mу roomate tοld mе οf a dentist thаt takes payments, bυt іf im going tο mаkе payments anyway, ѕhουld i try tο gеt dental insurance? οr wіll thеу even take mе wіth current tooth problems?
I was in your same situation about 3 years ago when I was in college. I needed alot of dental work but could not afford to pay the high cost of insurance and waiting for it to kick in.
http://www.healthsavings.ourperfectcard.com
This is the website I found my current plan. Its very affordable and has saved me thousands of dollars from root canals, cleanings, extractions …etc. I signed up online and had my benefits active in 2 hours and did use them the same day. They helped me in my time need, they could do the same for you. Hope this Helps and good luck.
does your employer carry it, if your thinking it will cost you definitly check into insurance becasue this will keep you going every 6 months causing less problems when you go more frequently
Dental insurance is a big rip off. They generally only cover about 1,500 per year and that is with a good plan. The way it normally works is you will have to pay a deductible and then you are responsible for 50% of procedure. They will pay 1,500 tops and after that you are on your own. Most will not pay for any kind of root canal or crown for the 1 year after getting insurance so make sure you know what you are getting before hand. I would go with installments. I had some pretty bad problems myself and was quoted about 25,00 worth of work with root canals and crowns on my top teeth. I have soft teeth that lose fillings in about 2 years. I opted to get them pulled at the age of 22 and wear dentures for my top teeth. It cost around 4,500 to get teeth pulled and have denture made. They look fabulous and nobody can tell unless I tell them.
My dental insurance saved my a$$! I had to have a root canal, and a crown. Total bill was $2,500…I ended up paying $300 for everything because of my insurance. Seriously, I could’ve bought a small car with the payments I would’ve made to the dentist had I no insurance. Check your local state agencies..there is no need to disclose your dental history when you apply. If you fall within certain income guidelines, you may be eligible for free dental work.
Consider getting treatment from a local school of dentistry. You could receive the treatment at a fraction of the cost. You could also contact your local dental society and get the names of dentists/surgeons that provide free, low cost and sliding scale treatment. If you don’t know where your dental society is, contact the American Dental Association to verify.
You have four options with dental.
1. Visit a local dental school. You can get many procedures done for a reduced price if you’re willing to let them practice on you.
2. Insurance – Depending upon the policy: cost $30-$60 per month. You pay a $50 deductible first, they have an annual maximum that they’ll pay per year of $750 – $1500, they have a waiting period up to 18 months for major work and then you’re paying 50% of the charges. Example – average cost for a root canal in my area is $919. With insurance you pay $460 after paying 18 months of premium (around $800 or $900). Advantage – you can use any dentist with most plans.
3. Discount plans – Cost – $5-$12 per month. No deductible, no annual maximum and no waiting periods. Also, hardly any dentists will accept the plan and when they do you MIGHT get a 10% discount, which is about the same discount you can get by paying cash. Example – average cost for a root canal in my area is $919. With discount plans you pay around $827. Be very wary of these plans because most are scams. The people that sell these plans have little or no knowledge about health & dental insurance and do not need a license to sell them. The plans are not regulated by the state so you have no recourse when you have problems. Some states are starting to ban these plans from being sold. Here is an informative link http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2006/11/22/74554.htm concerning these plans.
4. Fee for Service discount plans – Cost $7-$15 per month. No deductible, no annual maximum and no waiting periods. Many dentist will accept the plan (check providers first before signing up with any plan). When you use the plan there is a set fee that the dentist will charge you. Example – average cost for a root canal in my area is $919. With fee for service plans you pay as little as $404.
I’m an insurance agent and my personal plan is the fee for service plan. I got mine here http://www.dpbrokers.com/default.aspx?locationid=20349 specifically the Aetna Dental Access plan but which one you get depends upon your area and comparing the fee schedule to find the best for what you need covered.
Go to http://www.dentalplansignup.com , then go to a dentist. If not get ready to pay big bucks.