Aetna Dental Plans

Aetna dental plans provide a wide range of dental care solutions at affordable costs. And they are offered by Aetna, one of the largest health insurance companies, with over 14 million dental members. Plan options include:

Network-Only Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO) Dental Plans allow members to enjoy a broad variety of services while still enjoying savings on dental costs. DMO is available at half the cost of a traditional PPO plan and has two options: a low-cost DMO with fixed co-pay and co-insurance, and DMO Access that require members to choose a primary care provider while still allowing them to seek care from the Aetna dental discount network. Network-Option Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans are Aetna dental plans that allow members to visit the dentist of their choice but offers lower out-of-pocket costs if you use an in-network dentist. Employers have a choice of self-funded or full-risk options as well as differing levels of benefits, co-insurance, deductibles and annual maximums. Choices include Dental Care RewardSM that offers incentives to members who avail of preventive care during the current coverage year and Dental Prevention CareSM that offers 100% coverage on preventive care and some diagnostic services, as well as discounts on selected services. Hybrid Plans are Aetna dental plans that give members the option of choosing the advantages of two plans. Employees can opt for a DMO plan with lower out-of-pocket costs or Indemnity or PPO plans that allows them to choose from a wider range of dentists. And members can easily shift plans even on a monthly basis. Dental indemnity plans are traditional insurance plans in which employees have the option to visit any licensed dentist and be reimbursed for eligible preventive, basic and major services. Co-insurance, deductibles and annual maximums apply. The plan is available as a stand-alone policy or as part of Aetna Freedom-of-Choice plans. Compare Dental Health Plans   Dental Insurance for Seniors   Dental Health Care Insurance   Dental Insurance Series: Importance of Dental Insurance   Good Dental Insurance for Seniors   

What Dental Insurance Covers

We hear a lot about the growing number of Americans who lack health insurance. Right now, the number is close to 50 million people. But did you know that twice that many Americans lack dental insurance plans. They are even rarer than medical plans! Some companies do not offer them. Other uncovered people may be unemployed or self-employed, and so they lack dental benefits. In addition, Medicare does not cover many dental services, so many seniors look for additional coverage.

However, some dental services are very expensive. Some people may even put off getting regular checkups or having small problems fixed because they are worried about the bill. When regular checkups, teeth cleaning, or routine fillings get neglected, then small problems can grow into large ones. It is important to figure out how you can afford dental care.

Dental Insurance Policies

A typical dental insurance policy will cover many routine services. You should be able to have checkups, teeth cleanings, and even normal fillings attended to by paying a small deductible or copay. If you need more expensive services like crowns or bridges, it will probably mean you have to be concerned about a yearly maximum which many policies have.

Be sure and check into the details of any policy you plan on buying to make sure you understand how it handles covered services, and how much you will have to pay if the services are covered. Also note the plan's yearly maximum payout. And finally, take note of which services are not covered at all.

What services are not covered? The answer to that question depends upon the policy. But many dental policies do not cover cosmetic dentistry or orthodontic braces. If you are buying a policy to help you cover those expenses, be sure the policy you pick will help you.

Also note that some plans impose waiting periods on some covered services. For example, a dental plan may cover routine fillings right away, but force you to be insured for 12 months before crowns will be covered.

Many dental policies also have a network or dental providers. This means you will get the highest level of coverage if you stick to that network or participating providers. Sometimes you will get a better deal on uncovered services because of the network.

Dental Discount Plans vs. Dental Insurance

You may also explore another alternative to an actual dental insurance policy. A dental discount plan is not insurance, but does help members save money by giving them a network of providers who agree to charge lower prices to people who join the plans. They are typically much cheaper than policies, and there is usually no waiting period.

In addition if there are participating specialists on the plan, you may be able to find cheaper cosmetic or orthodontic services, even if they are not covered by your dental policy.

You can search the network. Your own dentists, or dentists in your area, may already participate. Sometimes buying an actual dental insurance policy is the right thing to do. But after you consider deductibles, copayments, monthly premiums, and yearly coverage limits, you may find that a discount dental plan works out just as well.

Compare Dental Health Plans   Dental Insurance for Seniors   Dental Health Care Insurance   Dental Insurance Series: Importance of Dental Insurance   

Why You Should Think About Individual Dental Coverage

There are several reasons why you should think about getting individual dental coverage. And you should start thinking about them, now.

According to recent surveys, there are about 108 million of Americans or 35% of the entire population does not have any dental coverage. The number is bigger, it is 47% according to the National Association of Dental Plans. The lack of dental plans is seriously affecting access to dental services.

It is common to neglect a simple toothache. Shrugging it off, until it becomes unbearable. And when it does, it would require a root canal which could cause thousand of dollars. Lack of dental insurance or coverage could lead to serious dental and oral issues like loss of teeth, gum problems and even, mouth cancer.

Paying for dental insurance would be able to help you gain access to regular dental check-ups, preventive and basic dental care. You do not have to pay the entire dental cost. This is especially important in times of serious dental emergencies.

Paying for dental plans could be more affordable compared to paying for your dental bills. Since you would be paying your premiums on regular basis, then you could prepare or include it in your budget plans ahead of the time.

A regular individual plan could include routine care, check-ups, cleanings and evey X-rays. There are even some insurance companies that would include additional services, like free vision and optical check-ups along with their coverage. Since there are a lot of different plans available, as well as insurance providers, you could search for plans which would suit you and your families' needs. You just need to consider the feedback about the dental insurance provider when looking for dental plans.

Compare Dental Health Plans   Dental Insurance for Seniors   Dental Health Care Insurance   Dental Insurance Series: Importance of Dental Insurance