CONSULATE
Consulate Dental Plan – Why Have Dental Insurance?
I need to understand how dental insurance works. I have a dental insurance PPO plan through my job, but it could be better. I am considering removing it and getting just the medical. Why have insurance if you have to pay the dentist?
Reply: Medical insurance has a cost paid out by the insured. Dental insurance is designed to make dental care more affordable, not free. You may not think dental care without insurance is so bad, but to give you an example of how, even in preventive care, dental insurance is worth the cost of having it. Say all you need is preventative care. Without insurance, preventive care costs (Office visits, Bite-wing X-rays, Oral Exam, and Basic Cleaning) can range around $200 – $400, keeping in mind most low-cost HMO plans range from $8.00 to $20.00 a month with preventive care typical being free. More extensive dental care is more expensive when you don’t have dental insurance. Without insurance, patients are responsible for covering the entire cost of their dental treatment out-of-pocket.
In addition, dental providers may charge different rates for their services, making it difficult for patients to know exactly how much they will be paying for a particular procedure. For those who require extensive dental work, the cost can be prohibitive, leading many to delay or forego necessary treatment.
Without insurance, patients may also miss out on preventative care, such as regular check-ups and cleanings, which can help identify and address dental issues before they become more serious and require more costly treatment.
Overall, the cost of dental care without insurance can be a significant financial burden for many individuals and families, highlighting the importance of affordable and accessible dental coverage.