Beautiful smiles and straight teeth are not just for children. Parents also want beautiful smiles. Finding dental insurance that covers braces can be difficult because orthodontia can be expensive.
However, there are more plans that offer orthodontic benefits for adults. Don’t despair if you don’t have adult coverage. There are still options that can help you get the treatment you need.
Employer-sponsored Dental Insurance
Employers decide the level of coverage and plan for dental insurance. Some dental plans do not cover orthodontic treatment. In fact, many only cover children under 18. Good news: Coverage for orthodontic treatment is increasing for adults.
Check to see if your employer has any waiting periods or maximums for treatment. It is also important to find out if your insurance covers braces that are not covered and whether you need to see an orthodontist or dentist within the network.
Individual Dental Insurance
Individual dental plans are being offered by more insurance companies. You may be eligible to enroll in a dental plan if you are enrolled in a Medicare plan under the Affordable Care Act. Not all individual plans provide orthodontic coverage. Even fewer offer it for adults.
DeltaCare USA PAA48, an example of an individual dental plan that covers orthodontic treatment for adults, is DeltaCare USA PAA48. An annual premium of $105, with a cost of $2,500 for 24 months, is a reasonable price considering the average treatment fees.
Delta Dental has contracted to offer this reduction to dentists and orthodontists. This plan does not have a maximum or deductible, and there are no claim forms. However, it is important to carefully review the plan’s limitations regarding orthodontics. These are found on page 29 of the Disclosure Form for DeltaCare PAA48.
Get Discounts on All Plans
Although not considered insurance, discount plans (also known as dental savings plans) allow you to buy lower-priced services.
These programs are increasingly popular due to the substantial discounts offered by network dentists. Most of them offer price cuts on cosmetic and adult orthodontia. Careington Care500 Plan is an example of a savings plan that offers 20 percent off the regular adult orthodontia fee. To join, you will need to pay a $20 processing fee and $99 per year.
If you are not covered for orthodontic treatment, or have reached the maximum lifetime payout of your dental plan, discount plans may be a good option.
Shop for Orthodontic Coverage
Compare your options carefully when searching for the best plan for you and for your budget. There are many factors that can affect the cost of dental insurance. These include waiting periods, copayments, discounts, and limitations.
Because most of these plans require you to use a network dentist for treatment, ensure that there are local dentists available in your area. If you are satisfied with the plan, ask your dentist or your orthodontist to join.
It’s easy to compare annual fees, discounts and network dentists using databases like DentalPlans. Another great marketplace is the National Association of Dental Plans where you can search any program, group, individual or discounted.
It may be difficult to find adult dental insurance that covers braces. With more discounts and expanded networks available today, straighter teeth and beautiful smiles are possible without spending a lot of money.