Research indicates that people avoid going to the dentist despite 40% of low-income or uninsured adults having untreated cavities. People with low incomes are most likely to avoid dentists due to how expensive dental care is, according to the CDC.
Fortunately, it is possible for adults to get dental care without insurance, and low-income policies are also available. Here’s Gov Relation’s guide to the best dental based on income plans designed to help low-income families afford dental care.
Dental Insurance Plans: Overview
As Medicare does not cover dental expenses and Medicaid offers only limited coverage, a dental insurance policy can help cover dental care costs. Luckily, most dental insurance plans cover the cost of both regular dental care and dental surgery. Furthermore, dental insurance often offers discounts on dental services through a network of dentists.
There are three main categories of dental care: preventive, basic, and major. Most dental insurance plans cover basic procedures, preventive care, and major services. Depending on the level of coverage you select, however, the cost and coverage may vary. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a dental insurance plan. It can be difficult to find the right dental insurance plan that fits your budget and gives you what you need.
You can reduce out-of-pocket costs with affordable dental insurance. Preventive and basic services included in most plans:
- Fillings
- Preventive oral exams
- Routine cleanings
- Extractions
The following major procedures may also be covered by some plans:
- Root canals
- Orthodontics
- Bridges
- Crowns
- Dental implants
Best Dental Insurance Plans To Consider
There are several dental insurance plans to choose from. When choosing the right insurance, consider your lifestyle, budget, and family size, and explore all your options. Make sure you understand the limitations of your coverage by reading the details of your policy. There is no one-size-fits-all dental insurance plan. Here are the best dental insurance plans so that you can make an informed decision:
Guardian Direct
More than 8 million Americans have dental coverage through Guardian Direct. Prices range from $500 to $1500, with the benefits, costs, and plans to vary from state to state.
Guardian Direct dental insurance plans provide coverage for:
- X-rays
- Cleanings
- Root canal
- Braces
- Crowns
- Implants
- Regular exams
It offers dental insurance policies with no waiting periods for preventative services. You can select from its three insurance plans:
- The entry-tier plan covers 100% preventative care at the network dentist, including X-rays and cleanings. Fillings are covered at up to 50% on this plan.
- The mid-tier plan covers 80% of all cleaning and X-ray costs, leaving only 20% to pay out-of-pocket. Crowns, root canals, and fillings are covered up to 50%. So, you will only need to pay 50%.
- The top-tier plan is the best option for those who want to cover all dental services for themselves and their families, including implants, crowns, root canals, or orthodontic care.
You can purchase dental insurance in any state through Guardian Direct at any time of the year and even get a policy instantly after enrolling.
Delta Dental
One of the country's largest dental benefit systems, Delta Dental, operates in 15 states and has more than 25 million members. There is a range of dental insurance plans that range from $26.59 to $180.80 monthly, depending on the level of coverage you select. It covers a wide range of dental care services, including:
- Routine cleanings
- Fillings
- Preventative exams
- Tooth removal
- Oral surgery
- Root canals
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Dentures
- Bridges
- X-rays
There are different levels of coverage offered by Delta Dental, as well as different copayments, deductibles, annual maximums, and premiums. When choosing a plan, you should consider your and your family's specific coverage needs.
If you need assistance verifying eligibility or accessing claim information, you can use the Dental Office Toolkit® or call 800-524-0149.
Humana
In terms of dental insurance discounts, Humana is a great choice. Insurers regularly offer discounts to patients who use in-network providers.
In-network providers offer discounts on some plans without a waiting period. Depending on their plans, dentists in a dental network may offer enrollees 10% to 60% off dental services. Humana offers five dental insurance policy options with varying benefits and pricing. Services include:
- Exams
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Emergency care
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Dentures
- Onlays, inlays
- Oral surgery
Cigna
Patients who travel a lot can take advantage of Cigna Dental's nationwide network at affordable rates. You can choose from three dental insurance plans to suit your budget and needs:
- Low Deductible Plans, starting at $20 per month, offer low-cost coverage.
- High Annual Maximum Plans offer more comprehensive coverage and higher benefits at an average monthly premium of $24.
- Bundled Plans offer dental coverage along with vision and hearing coverage at an average monthly premium of $32.
In most cases, dental insurance covers x-rays, cleanings, and exams twice a year. Basic coverage pays 100%, but only for preventive services. The dental coverage is good, but it doesn't cover as much as other options.
Spirit Dental
One of Spirit Dental's unique features is that it waives all waiting periods, including those for major and restorative dental work. The Spirit PPO dental plan allows you to choose any dentist you want. Visiting one of the 130,000 in-network dentists across the country can save you 25-50% off your dental care.
Benefits include:
- Periodontics
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Bridgework
- Inlays and onlays
- Dentures
- Oral surgery
- Implants
- Denture relines
- X-rays
- Fluoride treatment
- Sealants
- Oral exams
- Cleanings
For dental plans, policyholders must be 18 years of age or older. In addition to your spouse/domestic partner, your unmarried children up to the age of 26 are eligible for this program. Their dental plans do not have a maximum age limit.
Find The Best Dental Plan For You
Studies show Americans are more likely to visit their dentists, receive necessary dental services, and take their children to the dentist if they have a good dental plan in place. The good news is that you can find affordable dental based on income plans. Searching for the right resources to guide you is the first step.
If you’re looking for low-cost or free dental care through dental assistance programs, Gov Relation’s guide on low-cost dental assistance programs may be helpful.
