4 Ways to Afford Dental Care Without Insurance
NEW YORK, March 3, 2021 (Newswire.com) - Dental health is as important as it is expensive to maintain. Even routine dentist's visits can cost hundreds of dollars, and any higher level of work just adds to that number.
If you don't have employer-sponsored dental insurance, here are four alternative ways to pay for the dental care you need.
Option 1: Get dental care done at a nearby dental school
Dental schools have long been an excellent resource for people who need affordable dental care.
At a dental school, dental students provide the care at a reduced cost while being supervised by licensed dentists. Dental schools will often have more experienced students or post-graduates that take over for more complicated procedures, ensuring that your teeth are always in capable hands.
Option 2: Work with dental charities
There are many charities set up that provide free or low-cost dental care. These charities may target groups who are in particular need, such as seniors or people with disabilities, so try to research anything that you could qualify for. You may also have more luck with local charities and clinics rather than nationwide organizations.
Option 3: Consider a payment plan or savings program
Many dentists have set up their own systems to help patients afford continuing care. This can include payment plans that are coordinated directly with your dentist, where you pay for your procedure in installments over a period of time, usually with low or very little interest attached.
Alternatively, some dentists are part of savings programs, which patients can buy into for a flat annual fee. Dentist savings programs work with one or several dentists agreeing that participating members can get a certain discount on the dental procedures they need for that year. The savings can range from 10-60% depending on the plan.
Option 4: See if you qualify for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid or CHIP
Medicaid programs are state-run insurance intended to help people living below the poverty line afford medical care. If you qualify for Medicaid, you may qualify for covered dental benefits, although Medicaid coverage can vary from state to state.
CHIP is also a state-administered program that provides medical insurance to uninsured children and young adults 19 and under. Many states' CHIP programs provide dental coverage.
People who rely on Medicare for insurance may be familiar with the fact that it doesn't offer any coverage for routine dental visits. However, many Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, will offer vision, dental and/or hearing insurance at either a minimal additional premium or no additional premium to the Part B costs. However, these plans may come with the waiting periods that are typical of private dental insurance, so compare waiting periods before choosing a plan if you need immediate work.
Source: iQuanti, Inc.