This blog will help explain dental insurance.
The following will clarify several common questions regarding dental insurance. You may be able to buy company offered dental insurance. If not, you may buy a dental insurance plan as an individual or family. Welch Insurance offers self-employed, 1099, and gig workers dental insurance with no waiting period for major care.
- What is covered?
- How important is good dental hygiene?
- The difference between HMO and PPO dental insurance?
- What is the meaning of the insurance billing term UCR (Usual, Customary, and Reasonable.)
What is covered by dental insurance?
Most dental plans will cover a portion of “preventive care.” This usually includes two cleanings a year, extractions, fillings, crowns, and annual X-rays. Depending on the plan, it may help cover other dental procedures. For individual dental plans, you may have a waiting period for “major care.” The waiting period, depending on the plan you choose, could be 6 to 18 months.
How important is good dental hygiene?
In order to have good dental hygiene, it is much easier than most health habits people undertake. There are no long periods of physical exercise or recovery. Your learning curve for good dental hygiene is negative. The time involved flossing and brushing your teeth is minimal. Remember, you only want to floss the teeth you want to keep. But the risk and complications of poor dental hygiene are great. The following are examples of some of the risks and complications of poor dental hygiene.
- Cardiovascular Disease. Having poor oral health puts a person at risk for heart disease.
- Dementia. Poor oral health can affect the brain.
- Respiratory Infections.
- Diabetes.
- Pregnancy Complications.
- Infertility.
- Erectile Dysfunction.
- Cancer.
What is the difference between HMO and PPO insurance?
There are major differences between a HMO and a PPO. You need to know the difference to make a good choice.
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization.) This type of insurance normally costs less and gives unlimited coverage of benefits, however, you must stay in the network of dentists. You must also have a primary care dentist that would need to refer you to a specialist. There may be additional costs for dental services, due to procedures not covered.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization.) This type of insurance commonly costs more than HMO dental insurance. It typically has an annual limit of $1,000 to $5,000 of coverage per calendar year.
The meaning of the term UCR (Usual, Customary, and Reasonable.)
The amount you pay for dental service in a geographic area is based on what providers in the area usually charge. What you need to know about UCR amounts sometimes is used to determine the allowed amount. Source: Healthcare.gov
Conclusion:
If you’re on company dental insurance, you should compare your plan to what is offered elsewhere. If you do not have dental insurance through your work, you should consider applying for a personal dental plan. In spite of everything, you should keep up your good dental hygiene routine at home. But you also need to see the dentist regularly. By visiting your dentist regularly, you maintain your dental hygiene and catch any gum or other dental problems early. For a quote on dental insurance for a company, for an individual or family, for self-employed or gig worker.
