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Should I have dental insurance?

by Sherry
(Wilmington, NC USA)

I have been going to the dentist all of my life and have had dental insurance with employers, but now that I am retired I don't have dental insurance. Should I have it and how can I find the best plan and most resonable cost for me?

Thank you very much.

Comments for Should I have dental insurance?

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dental insurance
by: Sherry/Wilmington, NC

Thank you all for your advice and information! I have to do some research.
Dental Insurance
by: Georgia

Checked with my dental office before I retired. Said the private dental insurance is not accepted by many dentists, mine included, because the coverage is terrible. I pay out of pocket.
POCKET
by: Loyce!

I've always paid for my dental bills and they have been costly but I've worked for myself and I appreciate FREEDOM.
Ask your current dentist
by: Mike

I agree with Wendy - talk to your current dentist. Some dental offices offer plans for $99/year that cover a cleaning and exam plus discounts on other services. Also, if you live near a dental school, you might find discounted services there.

I was offered retiree dental through my employer, and I signed up because the premiums I pay are the same as what I would pay for 2 cleanings and exams each year. Other services are discounted as well.

But, the only limitation is that the plan I have is part of a network and there are no in-network dentists where my summer home is located. Also, some dentists do offer discounts for patients who have no insurance and pay cash.

My parents were offered retiree dental when my Dad retired. But, after speaking with their dentist, they realized the dental premiums just weren't worth it vs. paying the dentist cash.
Check Your Existing Medical Insurance
by: Bob E

You might also check your current medical insurance to see if it has any minimal dental coverage. As a minimum, it may offer lower pre-negotiated rates for dental work that you can use.

I have Medicare Part C insurance with United Healthcare and recently discovered that the reduced rates for dental work offered thru that Part C plan actually closed the gap of what my out-of-pocket costs would be for crowns, etc. thereby negating any benefit from purchasing separate dental insurance.
Dental Insurance
by: Judy

Both my regular dentist and my periodontist suggested that the retirement dental insurance isn't worth whatever you pay for it.

A friend of mine with the medicare dental insurance says that it is more expensive than getting your teeth cleaned and that's about all it pays for. She did have a new crown with the insurance but had to go to a Delta dentist and wasn't happy with the results.
Dental plans
by: Louisewt

Look up dentalplans.com. I have used it for 2 years with my Hub. It isn't considered insurance but they negotiate prices and you pay lower fees. I have not had anything major done but have had cleanings, xrays and Hub had a chipped tooth that was fixed. I think we pay about $165 plus they get $20 to process it for some reason. The dental manager thought it was a good plan.
Retiree Dental insurance
by: Wendy

Sherry,

Look at your use in the past few years versus what dental might cost you per month.

I googled: "self paid dental insurance, sc" but didn't look at the options that come up. You should.

Just depends on each person -- how much they use it, versus what it costs, right? Plus if you needed a big correction, like a root canal, do you have money to pay?

If you only do cleanings 2x a year, ask the dentist what it will cost if you self pay? It might be a lower number, though it shouldn't be (charging higher if they have insurances) but might be!

p.s. My new dentist can take payments for services through some dental plan. I saw it by the desk... didn't look into it as I have dental care, but maybe yours does too (in case of emergency).

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