Some good dental plans for family’s ?

[LostDollar]

That's why I'm specifying Individual Dental Plans. Where someone proactively seeked out and pays for the coverage.
Group dental plans can work because some people who have it won't use it.

Thank you. I was questioning the validity of using an opinion about the utilization of Group Dental Insurance to justify an opinion about the utilization of Individual Dental Plans---but I have no experiences or knowledge to use in addressing the concern.

 

[InsuranceGuy29]

Many people would be unable to afford the premium for that level of coverage.

There's one that exists in my area. It's only $34/month. It's the only one I've ever seen with coverage limits that high. Mutual of Omaha.

 

[LostDollar]

Most plans that cover 2-cleanings and a set of x-rays each year cost about the same as paying for 2-cleanings and a set of X-rays. Because people don't buy dental coverage if they aren't going to use them.

It seems to me the Dental Insurance Plans will always cost more than 2 cleanings and 2 sets of bitewings and 2 exams.

I think the lowest maximum benefit plans -- say in the $500 to $800 range have to allow for the two cleanings and two sets of bitewings and two exams, but also "profit" and "recordkeeping and administrative cost recovery" and maybe one or two fillings over some large policy holder database. They can limit the preventive category of the plan to the cleanings and toss the bitewings into basic along with fillings--and all the charges in basic will be subject to a deductible. There will be no major coverage at all. The coverage for the exams can also be very carefully structured and restricted. (sorry, but it's been too long, off the top of my head I can't remember exactly how they do that.)

And of course, their 70% to 100% payments are going to be tied to that plan's specific allowed amounts for the services.

 

[LostDollar]

There's one that exists in my area. It's only $34/month. It's the only one I've ever seen with coverage limits that high. Mutual of Omaha.

in another thread, @goillini52 told me Manhattan and Aetna had plans with $5k limits.

Today I learned that NCD has a MetLife plan with an annual limit of $10K. you could probably ask @Sam about that if you have a reason to be interested.

I can't tell you anything about any of those.

 

[renee15]

I have been using Humana and Manhattan life for a while depending on needs and budget. Just wrote a couple and their kid with Humana dental, came to $99 a month, 100% preventative services, 80% basic services, 50% major services. They have cheaper plans as well, down to about $35/month for the same scenario above.

I know dental is considered "horrible", but what's worse is sending someone to the dentist without insurance and getting a $3000 dental bill and put on a payment plan.

they'll still get a 3K dental bill with the 50 % copay, premiums, and what isn't covered. Implants for instance

 

[melbell90]

I love FLBCBS/Anthem but I needed a crown and root canal done and had a great dentist that didn't overcharge to begin with, he also accepted Medicaid patients too but wouldn't advertise that he did. I paid 400 for my crown which was the lowest I found anywhere in the Central Florida area. The plan did have a 6 month waiting period though.
I had lucky combo between my plan and him, he got me in for an emergency extraction where a tooth broke under the gums, next day vist/1st visit and removed it in less than 30 min. Of being in the office without needing a second appointment 3 months out like everywhere else as I could not eat anything.

 

[jadynshay]

Finding a good dental plan for the family can be quite a task, but it's worth it. I've been in the same boat and did some digging. One option to consider is checking out local dental practices that offer comprehensive family plans. For example, this dentist in Lake County, Ohio [EXTERNAL LINK] - Dental Implants - The Healthy Smile - Eastlake, OH has some solid options. They offer a range of services that could be handy for different family members, from the little ones to the grandparents. It might be a good idea to look into what local dentists offer in terms of family plans, as they often have packages that cover routine check-ups, cleanings, and more specialized treatments like implants or orthodontics if needed. This way, you can get a sense of what's available and pick a plan that suits your family's needs and budget. Plus, having everything under one roof makes managing appointments a lot easier.