Paying for Dental Care
The good news is that Americans have more choices to help cover the expense of dental services than ever. Though many people with dental benefits get them through their employers, individual plans are also available through the Health Insurance Marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act. It’s important to know all your options when choosing the right dental plan for you and your family. Not all employers offer dental benefits. If you’re struggling to find affordable dental care, here are some places to start.
Massachusetts Dental Insurance Resources
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The Health Connector is a state-based health insurance marketplace that makes shopping for affordable health and dental coverage easier for Massachusetts individuals, families, and small businesses. It offers plans from the state's leading insurers that have been awarded the state's Seal of Approval, so you can be sure the plan you choose meets both state and national coverage standards.
What to Consider When Selecting a Dental Plan
Don’t let confusion over dental costs stand in the way of good oral health. Use the resources below from the American Dental Association to learn more about options for covering the expense of dental services:
What Does a Dental Plan Cover?
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Even for covered services, most dental plans share the costs of treatment with you. If you have benefits through work, the amount the plan covers is determined by how much your employer pays into the plan. If you have an individual plan, the terms will be spelled out in a contract. Although you may be tempted to make dental care decisions based on what your plan will pay, the least expensive option is not always the healthiest option. Before committing to a plan, make sure you understand how you and your plan share costs.
- Under in-office or dental membership plans, the patient pays the doctor or dental office a fixed amount of money on a monthly or annual basis. In return, the patient generally receives preventive services at no charge, with other procedures offered at a discounted fee.
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When it comes to dental treatments, it might sometimes sound like your dental benefit plan is speaking a different language. If your dentist mentions these terms, you can ask questions, but your dental plan documents may not give you the answers you need immediately. This guide outlines terms frequently used in dental benefit plans and the more common terms most non-dentists use when talking about them.