How to Choose the Best Dental Insurance

There is a common perception that dental care is something that most people cannot afford. There is, of course, some element of truth to that since many of the latest high-tech procedures can be somewhat costly. And given the fact that many Americans have lost family income and purchasing power over the last seven years, it is also true that disposable income is at one of its lowest points in a generation. With many families having less money to spend on things outside the family budget, medical and dental care are often neglected.

The thing is, though, that most people have a natural desire to keep their own teeth for life. To do that, however, they need to ensure that those teeth are properly cared for and maintained – and that can only happen with professional dental care. The good news is that dental insurance can help to cover much of that cost. The bad news is that many patients are understandably confused about which type of plan they should have. Here are some important considerations that can help you to choose the best dental insurance plan for your needs.

• Begin by checking out employer group plans. If you work for someone else, there’s a good chance that the company has some sort of medical plan that may cover dental – either as part of the overall coverage, or as an optional benefit. It never hurts to ask, and then evaluate the premium costs so that you can compare them to the actual benefits the plan provides.
• Don’t just compare costs. The lowest premium plans might have features that make the policies less beneficial than they seem. For example, some low cost plans cover only basic maintenance, leaving you with no help in the event you need root canals, crowns, or other more expensive care.
• Make sure that the insurance plan you choose is one that your dentist will accept. Also make sure that the plan covers any care that your dentist expects to provide over the course of the next few years. If your dentist has already talked to you about the need for oral surgery or other treatment in the near future, be sure to find coverage that includes that care.
• Be aware that many plans require that you maintain your policy for a full year before certain benefits become available. Make sure that any such requirements won’t interfere with any near-term treatment your dentist has recommended.
• Carefully consider your coverage needs and what any plan can actually cover over time. Many policies cover only part of your costs and that can be problematic if you have major work that needs to be done within the foreseeable future. Patients who expect to incur thousands of dollars of dental care over the next few years may even find that a dental discount plan might better provide for their needs.

At Ebenezer Dental, we know how worrisome dental costs can be for patients who lack proper insurance coverage. Fortunately, we are always here to help you make sense of it all. Contact us today for the answers to all your important dental questions, and learn how the best dentist in midtown Manhattan can help you get the care you need.