If you’re shopping for dental insurance plans, you need to know where to look and what type of coverage is available for your needs. If braces are in you or your child’s future, be sure to look for a plan with orthodontic coverage. At Speaks Orthodontics, we accept most major insurance policies and Medicaid, but be sure to call us at (720) 513-3743 for details before scheduling your first appointment. Here’s how to find dental insurance that covers braces.
Understand Your Needs
Choosing the right dental plan is about balancing coverage, costs and networks.
Coverage
The type of coverage you need depends largely on your age and whether you have dependent children. Dental coverage is considered an essential health benefit for children ages 18 and younger, so if you have kids in this age group, make sure they’re covered. Also make sure orthodontic coverage is part of your plan.
If you’re in the 20s or 30s, you’re less likely to face oral health challenges, which means you may benefit from a simple plan that decreases the cost of preventative cleanings and checkups. As you get older, the need for restorative dentistry increases, meaning you should look for a plan that covers fillings, root canals, crowns and other restorative work. Remember, if at any time in your adult years you decide to straighten your smile with braces, orthodontic coverage makes the investment much more affordable.
Costs
Dental insurance costs include monthly premiums, copayments for each visit and deductibles you must pay yourself before coverage kicks in. You may also be subject to yearly or lifetime maximums. Make sure the plan you choose covers the types of services you expect to utilize without charging higher premiums for services you have no need of.
Network
Also remember the issue of networks. In order to receive full coverage from your dental insurance, you must choose an in-network dentist and orthodontist. If you have your eye on Speaks Orthodontics for you or your child’s braces, be sure to ask us about network information before you choose a dental insurance plan.
Talk to Your Employer
Full-time employees receive benefits from their employers. Dental insurance is often included in this package, which means your employer decides what level of coverage to offer. Keep in mind that not all employee-sponsored dental plans include orthodontic treatment, and those that do often don’t cover braces for adults.
If you’re unsure whether dental coverage is included among your benefits, or what your dental plan covers, check with the Human Resources department. Ask questions about yearly or lifetime maximums, waiting periods, coverage exceptions and network requirements.
Find Your Own Dental Coverage
In the past, dental insurance was only available through an employer. For part-time workers or self-employed people, you can now find your own dental coverage through the healthcare.gov website. Dental coverage purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace can stand alone or combine with a health plan if you need to purchase your own health insurance, too.
Find a Discount Dental Plan
Dental plans, or dental savings plans, aren’t technically insurance, but they provide the same benefit of lowering dental service costs for a low monthly or yearly fee. This could be a good option for you if:
- You have health insurance but no dental coverage.
- Your dental plan doesn’t offer orthodontic coverage.
- You’ve already reached your dental plan’s yearly or lifetime maximum.
Contact Speaks Orthodontics to find out more about the discount plans we accept.
Look into Medicaid
Your income may qualify you for Medicaid, in which case health and dental coverage is much more affordable. Be aware that Medicaid usually only covers children ages 21 and under whose orthodontic needs are deemed “medically necessary.” Meet with Dr. Speaks to find out if your child’s braces will be covered by Medicaid. Remember, this coverage won’t make your child’s orthodontic care free, but it helps cover much of the cost.
Ask Us About Our Affordable Payment Plans
Whether you have dental insurance with orthodontic coverage or not, we can help make braces more affordable with a flexible payment plan. We want to help you make the best choice for your health and smile, no matter your budget. If you find insurance to help cover any portion of your orthodontic treatment, our staff is available to help with insurance claims and paperwork.