Options low-income families have for affordable dental insurance

Going to the dentist for oral healthcare can be eventful. There’s routine exams, cleanings, and other work to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Research shows people just avoid visiting the dentist, even when they know protecting their smile is important.

While cost is often the main reason people avoid the dentist, one recent study found that people avoid going to the dentist because of other factors like:

• Distance. If there isn’t a distance in your area, or appointment times are inconvenient, many people avoid going.
• Negligence. Many people know they’ve neglected their oral health, so they avoid making an appointment, even though they know they should.
• Disappointment. Patients have been to the dentist before. But it cost too much, took too much time, or their problems weren’t resolved in a single visit. Sometimes even a disappointment experience someone else had at the dentist prevents people from going for themselves.
• Shame. Many people who avoid going to the dentist have neglected their oral health for long they have missing teeth or extensive decay. And they don’t see a dentist, because they’re embarrassed.
• Fear. There’s also a lot of people who avoid the dentist because of fear or anxiety. Maybe it’s the sound of the dental drill, clinical smell of the office, or worry about the cost.

Have you ever skipped going to the dentist for one or more of these reasons?

Cost is the biggest reason people avoid the dentist

A lot of people avoid regular dental care, even when they have insurance or the means to pay.

But for many low-income families, cost is the primary reason people don’t visit a dentist, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Maybe you:

• can’t afford to pay out of pocket
• don’t have dental insurance to help cover the cost care
• Or you can’t afford to miss work to see a dentist

Can you afford dental care?

There’s two things to look at.

1. Affordability. If you had to pay for dental care out of pocket without insurance, how would it impact your ability to buy groceries, pay for housing, utilities, and other basic needs?If the cost of dental care negatively impacts your budget for basic needs, regardless of your income, it isn’t affordable.Too often, people in this situation avoid getting needed dental care, but affordable dental insurance options can help.
2. Income. What’s your annual income? If you meet the Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines for a low-income household, finding ways to stretch your budget makes sense. This could include applying for dental insurance to help you get care at a price that’s right for your needs.

Fortunately, affordable dental insurance for low-income families can be beneficial in these circumstances. And in many areas, you can find a dentist who can help you take care of your teeth and your health.

So how do you find a plan with the coverage you need at the right price for your needs? HealthMarkets can help.

Affordable dental insurance for low-income families: 3 Ways to Find a Plan

If you’re looking for dental insurance, there are several ways to find the coverage you need.

1. Evaluate your current plan. A good starting point is examining your current plan to see if your healthcare coverage already includes dental.
2. Consider supplemental insurance. If you are covered, but notice gaps in your benefits, it may be beneficial to consider a supplemental dental insurance policy or a dental discount plan.
3. Get help. If you’re not covered, HealthMarkets can help you find a plan, at no cost to you.

How dental Insurance plans can cut costs

Affordable dental insurance for low-income familiescan help decrease your out-of-pocket expenses when you receive dental work. If you need a root canal, but you don’t have dental insurance, it could cost an estimated $762 to $1,111.

Plans usually offer basic and preventive services such as:

• Routine cleanings
• Preventive examinations
• Fillings

Some plans may also offer coverage for the following major procedures:

• Orthodontics
• Root canals
• Dental implants
• Crowns
• Bridges

How do dental discount plans work?

Dental discount plans,while not insurance, can offer an array of discounts on a number of in-network dental services like the basic and preventive services listed above. They may be an alternative to insurance for low-income families.

Dental discount plans vary based on a number of different factors, but they usually have no waiting periods for major services.

Find a plan that meets your needs and your budget

It’s important to know what types of plans offer the right dental coverage for your specific needs and budget.

HealthMarkets can make it easy to review your options, at no cost to you. Compare dental plans online today, or call (800) 827-9990 or to speak with a licensed insurance agent.