Understanding Dental Insurance

Thanks to the Affordable Healthcare Act, more citizens of San Antonio now have access to medical insurance than ever before. As everyone considers their healthcare coverage, they should also take into consideration another important kind of coverage: dental insurance.

What Is The Best Dental Insurance?

Many of the large healthcare insurance carriers offer dental insurance such as Aetna, Humana, Cigna, and Delta Dental just to name a few. These plans cover individuals or entire families and offer varying levels and plans of coverage. Many San Antonio employers offer dental coverage as part of their benefits package; check with your HR representative to find out what coverage your employer offers and whether you’re eligible to receive it.

How Does Certain Dental Insurance Compare To Others?

Unfortunately, not all employers can or will offer dental benefits, and it can be expensive to obtain on your own. However, there are alternatives for those without access to dental insurance.

Patients can elect to pay out of pocket, or “cash” option, when they pay. Some dentists will offer a prorated amount for cash payments, but paying out of pocket can still be costly. Still others may choose to use a credit card when paying, but you are subject to variable interest rates that can increase the amount you ultimately pay for your dental services.

Here at Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental, we offer Care Credit, a unique dental financing plan, for those who don’t have insurance or wish to supplement the coverage they have. There are many financing options available that work with your budget.

Is It Worth To Have Dental Insurance?

Many people don’t understand dental insurance and subsequently place little value on it. Because dental care is so important, insurance can help reduce the costs of regular cleanings and restorative procedures. Even if you brush and floss daily, routine professional cleanings are required to keep your pearly whites in top condition. Many policies cover the cost of cleaning at low or no cost and offer discounted prices for other procedures including fillings, whitening, crowns, or orthodontics. Without insurance, many of these procedures cost a great deal of money.

Dental Insurance For Elders And Children

Proper dental care is crucial for senior citizens in their golden years, but many do not have access to decent dental insurance since many senior citizens are retired. Additionally, Medicare doesn’t cover any dental care and Medicaid is limited on what it covers. However, there are programs available to help seniors in San Antonio gain access to quality dental care. Toothwisdom.org lists organizations by state that can help seniors find health care resources, including dental care. Seniors can also dial 2-1-1 to find out which services are offered locally.

For children, establishing healthy dental practices early on will prevent future health problems and minimize future dental costs. Parents can contact 2-1-1 to sign up for CHIP Children’s Medicaid or find out more about free or low-cost dental care programs offered in San Antonio.

If you have questions about your dental insurance or are want to know more about dental financing plans through Care Credit, our knowledgeable staff at Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental can help. Call us at 210.877.2273, or email us at info@210wpfd.com to find out more!