2006-09-15 09:06:41 · 6 answers · asked by Dawnyb 1 in Health ➔ Dental
Most of the time, the only way to get really good dental coverage is through your employer. When you buy dental insurance as an individual, there are deductibles and co-pays and annual maximums that you need to analyze in order to figure out when and if you will actually save money by having insurance coverage. Some of the premiums I have seen make it almost impossible to realize any positive cash flow from the related policy. I mean, at $60 a month with $100 deductible and $1,000 annual maximum, you will have to take $820 out of your own pocket before you realize one penny of "profit" or net gain from your dental insurance.
Then you have to calculate the effect of co-payements. Check the figures and do the math yourself.
Be cautious about buying or choosing a plan where you do not have any choice about the dentist you can see, because you just might not like the dentist(s) listed on the plan and then you are stuck for a year until you can get out of it.
Be cautious about buying a so-called "dental discount plan," often mentioned on Yahoo!, since they also have restrictive lists and they really are not dental insurance at all. Just be careful and understand what you are buying.
For many people who just can't get good dental insurance, a regular savings plan sort of like a Christmas Club with $20-25 a month deposited into a dedicated account will pay off when you examine the return over a lifetime. You may run way over your savings at first, but once you get your mouth straightened out, your annual expenses should not be more than a couple hundred dollars most of the time.
For major treatment, dental insurance is no great deal anyhow. They limit you to $1,000-1,500 per year, subject you to deductibles, co-pays, etc. Imagine if you were in a car accident and your carrier said, "Yep, it's a total loss. Here's a check for $1,500. Good luck coming up with enough money to buy a new car." Dental "insurance" should usually be considered a payment arrangement where you give your dollars to a large company who holds onto them until you say the secret word and manage to get a few of them back.
2006-09-15 11:29:15 · answer #1 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a great dental plan! It is not Insurance but a great discount plan! Save anywhere from 50% to 80% on most services and even 25% when you have to go to a specialist. I love it! And yes there is online enrollment! Recently I went to dentist and had x-rays, teeth cleaning and some polishing, my total bill came out to $197 but I only paid $59, so I save $138 bucks on that one visit! The plan is only $11.95 a month for an individual or $19.95 a month for household. You also get 3 additional benefits free with the plan vision, RX, & chiropractic!
Get more information at:
http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/pjackson...
Let me know if you can't locate the website or have some questions!
2006-09-15 10:22:59 · answer #2 · answered by preciousp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to say, there aren't any...at least in the US.
Individual dental plans are not cost-effective, and buying online is a bad idea. You'd have to give out your social security number and there's no regulation of these companies. If it fails to deliver, you have no recourse.
Put aside a "premium" every paycheck and save for when you needed dental care. Most dentists will give a small discount for paying in cash (less paperwork for them).
Edited to add:
"I have a great dental plan! It is not Insurance..."
No, it is not insurance. And since it isn't, these on-line sales are not regulated by any agency. You will be asked to give out personal information and if they don't deliver, you are out of luck. Most dentists are unwilling to accept less than half of their normal fees - why on earth would they?
Ask yourself: What part of the dentistry won't be delivered if a practice is asked to severely discount their fees?
2006-09-15 10:08:48 · answer #3 · answered by emmalue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually the company Aflac has a good dental plan but you need to sign up in person. but that might be because im an agent for them. you could try to have an agent set it up with your employer, it lowers the cost to you cause you get the group rate and is doesnt cost your employer anything. go to www.aflac.com
2006-09-15 09:23:06 · answer #4 · answered by Erik N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no such thing as good dental insurance. If you check the policies, it is a joke.
2006-09-15 12:13:34 · answer #5 · answered by sassytxlassie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Online? what's the difference? Metlife is good, DeltaDental but that goes with your job, etc mostly.
2006-09-15 09:52:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋