#dental insurance

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The federal government unveiled details about its highly anticipated Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) earlier on Monday.  The CDCP is a $13-billion insurance program that will start covering most basic dentistry costs next year for uninsured Canadians with a household income under $90,000. That's about nine million Canadians, according to the federal government. In its current form, the plan is expected to cost the federal treasury about $4.4 billion per year.

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Tagging @politicsofcanada

[raincross]

While we're at it, can we do something about dental insurance? I've had a broken molar for years, and it hurts to swallow things that are too hot or cold. Not to mention food that gets stuck in there, and I have to hurt myself with a toothpick to get anything out or constantly swig mouthwash.

I can't afford dental and my health insurance obviously won't cover because it's considered cosmetic and not health.

[morlock-holmes]

Catch-22

Now I'm looking at dental insurance.

As I understand the process from talking to a succession of harried and/or confused people, it works like this:

Each dentist has a contract with each insurer that they cover to provide services at a specific price, and then another price structure for out of network visits.

Dental insurance can, even post-Obamacare, have annual coverage maximums, and marketplace plans tend to be around $1,000- $1,500. They also function on a co-insurance model, meaning that instead of charging you a flat rate for, say, a cleaning, they pay some percentage of the cost of a cleaning, which is applied to your out of pocket maximum.

What this means is that the insurance company cannot tell you the price of a procedure unless you are asking about a specific dentist.

Meanwhile, the dentist cannot tell you the price of a procedure unless you tell them what specific insurance plan you have.

[dream-thief-forever-amen]

American healthcare is a nightmare. I’m sure you may be aware.

My supplementary dental insurance covered $600 of my $1,900 root canal and filling (which were filed as separate things… cause they will hollow your tooth out to the core but apparently it’s extra if you want to seal that space up when they are done… wtf). I had to pay $1,400 up front. So as annoyed as I was by my insurance being paltry, I was even more annoyed I had to basically force the dentist office to reimburse me the $100 I overpaid. They refused to put it back on my card and are now going to mail me a check.

In my small single world with zero financial support coming in from any direction other than my monthly paycheck… forking out $1,400 to a dentist was more painful than my tooth’s nerve damage.

Why did I foolishly assume my dental insurance would actually cover a dental emergency? It was my front tooth, so I couldn’t just have them pull it.

I just wanted to complain about it into the ether. Cause I just needed to.

[smashing-yng-man]

[tears-that-heal]

Dear Lord Help Me! 🦷🍭😖

Well….I got to finally see a dentist for the first time in almost 2 yrs. Many of you probably know what’s coming next. Yes, my teeth need some serious TLC.

What’s most frustrating is that I wish I could’ve prevented this from happening, but in the same time, since I moved to another state, finding the appropriate insurance has been a major challenge. Along with finances and etc. *sigh* Anyways, progress has been made and now I can receive decent dental help. Now for the real health report, I need to have 3 procedures to remove 2 wisdom teeth, repair broken filling and a possible root canal. 😫 Along with taking prescribed antibiotics for my gum infection, too.

Yes, my teeth are a mess! 😭

Since seeing the dentist, I’ve been staying in bed for the most part. The meds are really helping with the pain, but I’ve been also having to manage my stress and anxiety too. *sigh* Been fighting against a lot of past reacquiring insecurities like “feeling like a burden” to my family. Feeling somewhat helpless to my situation. Feeling like a baby that I can’t just push through the pain. 🥺 I can easily be too hard on myself, but I also know the great value of caring for myself; physically and mentally.

It’s more than okay to make the time to rest. It’s actually a very good lifestyle practice. Our bodies aren’t made to function 24/7, then more highly possible malfunctions will occur. I’ll, of course, make it top priority to make routine dentist visits after all this is set and done. I refuse to go through something like this with my teeth again…..but I have to get through it first. The Lord is still with me as He always is. I just need to once again trust in Him through this trial. ❤️

(images & gifs from pinterest)

[leyahealth]

Our Chatter Box :) Comment on this post to keep the conversation going.

[emperornorton47]

Back in the early nineties, I paid $39,000 to reconstruct my mouth.

[tiredoflyme]

Thought of this today while I'm waiting through the weekend to see the dentist. I've been ignoring general soreness on one side of my mouth for months because I don't have dental insurance but on Friday it flared to whimper-level pain if anything touches one of my teeth. Even with numbing gel and lots of advil, I could still barely sleep at all last night. I don't care how much it costs, I'm going to be on the dentist's doorstep as soon as they open on Monday.

[desjardinsinsurance]

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[dentalspecialistsgroup]

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Dental Insurance and Coverage 

Navigating dental insurance can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics is key to making the most of your coverage and maintaining a healthy smile. At Dental Specialists Group, we’re here to help you decode the complexities of dental insurance. Here are 10 essential things everyone should know about dental insurance and coverage:

1. Dental Insurance is Different from Medical Insurance

Unlike medical insurance, which covers catastrophic events and illnesses, dental insurance focuses on prevention. Most plans emphasize routine care, such as cleanings and exams, while providing partial coverage for more extensive procedures like fillings, crowns, and orthodontics.

2. Understand Your Plan’s Structure

Most dental insurance plans operate on a 100-80-50 coverage model:

100% coverage for preventive care (cleanings, exams, and X-rays).

80% coverage for basic procedures (fillings, root canals, and extractions).

50% coverage for major procedures (crowns, bridges, and dentures). Be sure to review your plan’s specifics to understand what’s covered.

3. Know Your Annual Maximum

Dental insurance plans typically have an annual maximum, the total amount the insurer will pay in a year. Common maximums range from $1,000 to $2,000. Once this limit is reached, you’ll be responsible for any additional costs.

4. Preventive Care is Key

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care at no or minimal cost. Regular check-ups and cleanings not only maintain your oral health but also help you avoid costly procedures in the future.

5. Understand Waiting Periods

Many dental plans impose waiting periods before certain treatments are covered. For example, a plan might require a six-month wait for fillings or a year for major procedures. If you’re purchasing new insurance, plan accordingly to avoid surprises.

6. Network Providers Can Save You Money

Choosing a dentist within your insurance network often reduces costs. In-network providers have agreed-upon rates with your insurer, which means lower out-of-pocket expenses for you. Out-of-network care may still be covered but at a higher cost.

7. Not All Procedures Are Covered

Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening and veneers, are usually not covered by dental insurance. Be sure to review your plan for exclusions to avoid unexpected expenses.

8. FSA and HSA Funds Can Help

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical and dental expenses. These funds can cover deductibles, co-pays, and procedures not covered by insurance.

9. You Can Appeal Denied Claims

If your insurer denies a claim, don’t panic. Many insurance companies allow appeals. Work with your dentist’s office to gather documentation and submit a formal request for reconsideration.

10. Read the Fine Print

Every dental insurance plan is different, so take the time to read the details. Pay attention to coverage limitations, exclusions, and out-of-pocket costs. Knowledge is power when it comes to maximizing your benefits.

Final ThoughtsUnderstanding your dental insurance and coverage empowers you to make informed decisions about your oral health. At Dental Specialists Group, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the care you need. If you have questions about insurance or need assistance navigating your coverage, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your healthy smile is worth it!

[tntdentalmarketing]

Use Dental Insurance Benefits Before They Expire!

Every year, more than $100 billion (yes, billion) of unused dental insurance benefits in America goes back to the insurance companies. If you pay for dental insurance benefits but aren't using them, you're basically throwing away your money! Before your plan resets on January 1, make sure you take advantage of benefits you're entitled to. Visit your dentist, who can help not only keep your smile strong and healthy but also make sure your insurance money doesn't go to waste!

[blitzgamer]

Health insurance is already a scam, but dental being kept separate is a double scam.

[verdanttunicx2021x]

Exactly: If a doctor says something is medically necessary, health insurance should cover it.

And A big Fuck You to the idea that there is any part of "medical necessity" that should be cut out of the idea of medical necessity:

Insurance should cover the preventive costs of toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and mouthwash. Health insurance should include oral/dental health, rather than relegating it to a separate subscription or an addon -- everybody has a mouth that needs to be looked after for their good health.

Vision exams, glasses, contact lenses, and prescription sunglasses should also be part of the same health insurance instead of something extra or separate.

Electrical expenses for medical devices (including a refrigerator that keeps refrigerated medications stable until their use)? Include that shit.

Healthy food choices should be covered by health insurance, because preventive care will always be cheaper than on-the-spot care.

Gym memberships should be covered by insurance (so long as they cost money).

If insurance does not cover all of your health it is not health insurance, just treatment insurance.

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