You know it’s important to see a
dentist regularly—but you just can’t afford it. Or can you?
It’s no secret that finding
affordable dental insurance can be tough. With premiums increasing each year
and limited government support, it’s hard to find coverage you can afford.
However, you may be surprised to learn that dental care doesn’t need to break the bank. Preventative dental care is important for everyone, especially as we age, so don’t put it off any longer.
Instead, keep reading to learn how to find affordable dental coverage, even on a tight budget. Then, make an appointment for your dental check-up!
See
If You Qualify for Any Government Programs
If you’re struggling to find
affordable dental insurance, you should first check to see if you qualify for
any government programs.
Depending on your income levels, you
may be able to purchase dental insurance through the Affordable Care Act, designed to help lower-income
families find health insurance they can afford.
Or, you may qualify for Medicare or
Medicaid. If you’re under 21, Medicaid includes preventative dental care, but
after 21, you’ll need to arrange it yourself.
If you are a veteran, or your spouse
is, you may also qualify for dental coverage through the VA—contact them to
find out more.
Shop
Around
If you’re not eligible for
government coverage, you’ll need to look for dental from a private health
insurance company. Finding care within your price range can be a big task, as
there are plenty of providers out there.
Costs can vary wildly, so it’s
important to take the time so shop around. Work out what coverage is essential
to you and your family, and only look for plans that provide what you need.
Generally, the more extra inclusions
you have, the more you’ll pay each month, so selecting a bare-bones, simple
plan is usually the most affordable way to go.
Before signing up, be sure to read
all the fine print, making sure you understand what you’re purchasing. You’ll
want to consider things like monthly premiums, waiting periods, and copays,
which can be high.
If you have any questions, give the
insurance company a call—they should be able to walk you through how everything
works.
Ask
Your Insurer for a Discount
If you already have insurance and
the time has come around to renew, be proactive—give them a call and ask if
there are any special offers or promotions running.
They may well say no, but you also
may find that they don't want to lose a valuable customer. If the company has
any special deals happening, you may be able to lower your monthly costs,
helping you save.
What
If I Can’t Find Affordable Dental Insurance?
Is dental insurance worth it? Yes,
but only if you can afford it.
Sometimes, the extreme costs of
health insurance make it impossible. However, you still have a few ways to
visit a dentist, even if you’re uninsured.
Here are a few ideas you may want to
try.
Look
for a Free Clinic
Often, you can find free or
sliding-scale dental clinics (meaning your payment is calculated based on your
income). Dental clinics usually receive federal or state subsidies to operate,
with the aim of helping those who can’t afford private dental.
Look online to see if there’s a free
clinic near you. However, patience is required, as they can often be busy with
long waiting times.
Seek
Out Dental Schools in Your Area
Another option to find dental care
is to look for dental colleges or schools in your area. Dental students are
always in need of patients that they can practice on, so you may find that this
is an easy way to get cheap dental care.
You may be nervous about getting
seen by a dental student, but not to worry—they are overseen by professionals
and they offer the same quality dental care you’d get elsewhere.
Ask
Your Dentist for a Payment Plan
Sometimes, a lost filling or
unexpected root canal comes at a time when there’s just not any money in the
monthly budget to cover it. However, you can’t ignore the pain and discomfort,
so you need to seek care right away.
In these cases, we recommend asking
your dentist if they can offer a payment plan. Many caring dentists are
sensitive to the fact that affording dental care can be hard, so they help out
by offering a plan.
Generally, the plans will be at low
or no interest, allowing you to pay off your invoice over time, without getting
stung by high interest fees.
If you’re in Boise, here’s an
example of a dentist who offers a discount for those without insurance: http://www.boisedentist.com/dental-financing-and-payment-options/i-have-no-dental-insurance/.
As a last resort, you could also try
to take out a small personal loan to cover your treatment, but payday and
personal loans often have steep interest costs. Only consider this option if
you’re unable to find a dentist who offers a payment plan.
Save
on Dental Care With These Top Tips
Affordable dental insurance may seem
impossible, but with the tips above, it doesn’t need to be. Start doing
research to see what your options are in terms of dental coverage, and don’t
give up until you find something that works for you.
Regular dental care is a necessity,
and shouldn’t be avoided because you think you can’t afford it. We need dental
care to keep our teeth healthy and strong, so get started today and sign up for
a dental plan that fits within your budget.
Did you find this helpful? If so, please keep reading for more great articles.
