Here’s something that trips up many people: they assume health insurance covers dental as well as medical. Unfortunately, this is seldom the case. Medical and dental coverage are almost invariably separate products.
That’s because, without one or the other, even a routine visit to the dentist for a check-up or filling could hit you out of the blue.
We’ve all been there. We constantly talk to our patients at Elegant Smiles in Atlanta about how dental coverage works, and why it’s so important to have it or, at least, to be prepared for it. Let’s take a closer look at when a separate dental plan might be necessary and what you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Health Insurance vs. Dental Insurance
Let’s face it, even excellent medical plans don’t usually cover dental work, cleaning, fillings, X-rays, extractions, root canals and crowns.
The only exception might be very limited dental coverage as part of certain kids’ programs or a specific medical event like an accident. Otherwise, for the average adult, most dental treatment isn’t covered. This need prompted dental coverage to be established as a separate entity in its own right.
Whether this comes as a private, stand-alone plan or as part of a benefits package through your employer, there are numerous options to explore.
Who Definitely Needs a Separate Dental Plan?
A separate dental plan is especially important for you if:
You don’t receive dental benefits through your employer : If you work for yourself, then your employer is you, which means it’s entirely up to you to ensure you’re protected. The same applies if your employer offers only the bare minimum, but not dental.
You are nearing retirement age : Dental costs tend to go up as you age, and often that’s exactly when the dental benefits you received from your job for years will disappear.
You are enrolled in Medicare : It’s easy to assume that Medicare covers all healthcare needs, but that’s often not the case when it comes to dental care. Unless you’ve enrolled in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that includes some dental benefits, you will likely need separate dental coverage, or a private membership, to care for your teeth. Those who have Medicare in Georgia can depend on Elegant Smiles for top-notch dental care, and we accept most major insurance providers (Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, United Healthcare, Humana, etc).
You’ve got a procedure on the horizon : If you’ve recently gotten word from the dentist that you need a crown, implant or root canal, get your finances in order soon. A plan or savings account can make an enormous difference in the overall cost.
What If You Don’t Have Dental Insurance?
Don’t panic. Many of the dental patients who come into our office in Atlanta and the surrounding areas have no dental insurance. When we hear that, we typically sit down with the patient, explain our payment options, offer a clear, upfront price structure and discuss our affordable in-house membership program.
Financing with Sunbit, CareCredit and Cherry
We are pleased to offer financing with Sunbit, CareCredit, and Cherry on all treatment plans. If you’re approved, you will be able to make small monthly payments. These options help you fit your dental care into your personal budget without having to pay for treatment upfront.
Blueprint Smiles Membership Family Dental Plan
Have you ever considered purchasing a membership plan from your dentist? Our Blueprint Smiles Membership program is a family dental membership plan Atlanta patients can join directly through our office, and it offers many benefits for the entire family. Your cleaning appointments, exams, and X-rays are covered annually for a low flat fee, and members also save on all other treatments. No annual maximum, no waiting periods, and no hassle with claim forms, just affordable, quality care.
Choosing the Best Plan for Your Family
Ultimately, there’s no single dental plan that works best for everyone. It depends on your overall health, your family’s history of dental issues, whether or not you are a Medicare recipient, and even the frequency with which you typically visit the dentist.
We’re happy to sit down with you and help you make sense of it all to decide whether an insurance plan, membership plan, or simply paying as you go makes the most sense for you and your family. Feel free to take advantage of any current specials while you’re planning. We offer various promotions for new patients and for individual treatments throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does my health insurance cover dental care?
Not really, most health insurance policies do not include preventive and routine dental care like cleanings, fillings and crowns unless your dental needs were prompted by an accident. Many employers’ benefits packages do, however.
2. What’s the difference between dental insurance and a membership plan?
Dental insurance, much like other types of insurance, involves paying an annual premium and a deductible, and there is usually an annual maximum and a waiting period before a procedure is covered. A membership plan with your dentist, on the other hand, is a straightforward program: you pay a low flat annual fee, and in return, your cleanings, check-ups and X-rays are covered. It may also include discounted prices for additional services and has no annual caps.
3. Are dental benefits included with Medicare for seniors?
Not directly Original Medicare plans A and B rarely cover routine dental procedures. There are Medicare Advantage plans that cover dental benefits, but the extent of these benefits can vary greatly.
4. What if I’m not insured and need dental work?
No problem, We work with numerous patients to help them receive the dental care they need, even without insurance. We will sit down to discuss financing options, including Sunbit, CareCredit and Cherry plans, and our Blueprint Smiles Membership program for families.
5. How do I know if a separate dental plan is right for me?
This depends on your family’s situation. A membership plan may be best for routine checkups and cleanings. A traditional dental insurance plan may cover procedures like root canals and implants more effectively if cost is your primary concern. When you meet with our team, we can review your needs to help you choose the option that makes the most financial sense for your family.
We proudly serve patients from across metro Atlanta, including communities like
Dunwoody
Duluth
Druid Hills Rd Suite A, Atlanta
Buford
Whether you need a routine check-up or require more specialized treatment, we are here to care for your smile.
Conclusion
Health insurance and dental insurance aren’t the same thing that many people discover at the most inconvenient times. The most vulnerable individuals, often those on Medicare or who lack employee benefits, can be caught off guard by the cost of dental care. However, as you can see, there are many ways to make dental care affordable. Whether the Blueprint Smiles Membership or financing with Sunbit, CareCredit or Cherry Payment Plans seems more appealing, we’re happy to help you protect your smile.
If you’re still unsure about the best option for you, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. We can be reached at +1(404) 634-4224 or by filling out our online appointment request form.
Visit us at 2882 N. Druid Hills Rd, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30329 to begin your smile journey with Elegant Smiles
Author Name
Dr. Kimi Patel
Author Bio
Dr. Kimi Patel graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She is a dentist at Elegant Smiles in Atlanta, GA, who is passionate about delivering personalized, patient-centered care and empowering her patients with knowledge. Dr. Patel has a profound interest in dental education and enjoys educating patients on prevention and treatment options to help them make informed decisions about their oral health and overall well-being.
2882 N. Druid Hills Rd Suite A
Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: 404-634-4224
Email: staff@dentalatl.com
