Dental Archives - Healthedly Insurance Services

Dental Care Decline Linked to Medicare Coverage Gap

As the population ages, the need for dental care increases. Subsequently, the challenge of access to proper oral care grows with it. Unfortunately, the current Medicare system does not provide adequate coverage for many seniors. This leads to a decline in proper dental care and overall health.

The effects of inadequate dental care can have serious implications, ranging from physical and psychological health to financial security.

Recent studies have found that seniors without proper dental coverage are much more likely to suffer from issues such as tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis. This in turn can lead to more serious health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, seniors without adequate dental coverage are also more likely to suffer from depression and social isolation.

The current Medicare system does not offer enough coverage to meet the needs of seniors. This leaves many without access to necessary dental care. Medicare does cover some routine services such as exams and cleanings. However, other services like fillings, crowns, and bridges are not covered. Furthermore, many seniors cannot pay for oral care out of pocket, due to a lack of funds or insurance.

The solution to this problem is providing adequate dental coverage under Medicare.

Doing so would help seniors maintain better oral health. It would also save money in the long run. Recent studies have shown that providing dental coverage for seniors improves overall health. It can also reduce medical costs for other treatments.

The current Medicare system does not provide adequate dental coverage for seniors. This leads to a decline in proper dental care and overall health. To ensure that seniors have access to the necessary dental care they need, it is essential that Medicare be updated to provide adequate coverage. Doing so will not only improve seniors’ oral health but will also result in long-term cost savings.

Seeking the answers to your questions on all things health insurance? Healthedly agents can help you get started in your journey to getting enrolled in a health insurance plan. Give us a call at 855-522-2201.

February 13, 2023

How Much Does a Bridge Cost with Dental Insurance?

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Missing teeth, or having bad teeth, can be very uncomfortable and damaging to your self-esteem and even to your quality of life. Missing teeth make you self-conscious, making you less likely to engage in social activities.

It can also make a bad impression in job interviews, on dates, and in any other situation where you’re trying to impress someone. Consequently, getting a dental bridge can be a lifesaver. But how much does a dental bridge usually cost?

Dental bridges are no doubt expensive, which is all the more reason why you want to have insurance coverage for this type of dental work. But even with dental insurance, a traditional dental bridge can be expensive.

With insurance, a dental bridge can cost around $1500 per tooth. Of course, this will depend on the dental insurance coverage that you have, and it will also depend on the type of bridge that you are getting. Very often, insurance companies will have a maximum benefit amount–they’ll pay that much and no more, no matter how many teeth you’re getting work done on. Other insurance companies will pay 50% of the cost of your bridges, provided you’ve had the dental insurance for more than a year.

What Types of Dental Bridges Are There?

Traditional Dental Bridge

A bridge is something dentists can use to cover up a missing tooth. The bridge has two parts: the false tooth called a pontic (note: this is different from a dental implant) and the attachments to the two remaining teeth to the sides, called abutments. Together, the pontic and abutments bridge the gap between the two teeth–hence the name “bridge”.

Bridges can be made from many different materials, including metal or porcelain, or even gold. When you have the bridge in your mouth you will be able to chew as normal without fear of the bridge coming loose. You’ll be able to have a clear smile again and feel better in social situations.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but instead of having an abutment against the two next teeth, it only has an abutment to one of the adjacent teeth. Because a cantilever bridge has to bear twice the pressure, this procedure is only done in certain circumstances, such as if the other tooth is also in bad shape and may need a bridge of its own.

Maryland Bridge

The Maryland Bridge is not as strong as the other type of bridges, because the dentist doesn’t crown the two abutment teeth. A metal framework holds the pontic in place. Maryland bridges can come loose, and also can be uncomfortable rubbing against the gums. Your dentist will talk you through the pros and cons.

Implant Supported Bridge

Implant supported bridges are the most expensive types of bridges, as many dental plans have very restrictive rules about implants. Instead of abutments to natural teeth, the bridge will have an abutment to an implant–false teeth. It will be the strongest type of bridge.

Browse dental insurance plans and request a quote today.

September 9, 2022

Will Insurance Pay For Dental Implants?

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The big question when it comes to dental implants is: will my insurance cover dental implants? At first, it may seem that a dental implant is a cosmetic procedure and therefore not covered by insurance–and in some cases that may be true.

But as anyone who is missing a tooth or teeth can tell you, the loss of teeth is a major health problem that affects more about their body than just their smile.

Getting your health insurance to pay part of the cost of this dental care is essential.

There are certainly parts of the dental implant procedure that insurance companies will cover (though all dental insurance plans offered are different and you should consult them before you undergo major procedures). One of the most commonly covered parts of dental implant care is tooth extraction. For some people, they will already be missing the tooth, but for others, removal of a bad tooth is necessary. And the good news is that most dental insurance coverage will pay for tooth extraction.

Bone grafting comes next in the dental implant process. At this point, the jawbone is reinforced to establish a secure foundation for the implant. Although this is an important part of the procedure, not all plans cover this.

The third step is actually implanting the implant. This is a major dental procedure according to insurance companies, which doesn’t necessarily mean that they will reject your claim. “major dental” refers more to cost than the intensity of the surgery. Check your insurance benefits, but it’s common for dental plans to cover up to half of this.

Finally, we come to placing the artificial tooth (which is different from placing the implant). The artificial tooth is a crown that looks like a natural tooth. This is part of the procedure that most insurance companies will cover at least some part of. Insurance providers usually consider crowns a much more common and necessary procedure than other aspects of dental implantation.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Implant Crowns?

While an insurance company may not cover the total cost of the implant, it may very well cover the cost of the crown, bridge, or denture that is part of the dental implant.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Full Mouth Implants?

In cases where someone needs an entirely new set of teeth, due to dental deterioration or for cosmetic reasons, a full mouth implant can be done. This procedure involves replacing all or most of the teeth in a person’s mouth with implants. It’s a major procedure, and it’s not cheap. A full mouth implant requires a lot of time and precision by the orthodontist. Subsequently, the procedure requires a lot of waiting on the part of the patient.

Insurance companies almost never cover these procedures, unless there is a medical need, such as traumatic injury to the face, or severe infection. However, even in these cases, it will be an uphill battle getting your dental insurance to pay out for a full mouth implant.

How To Get Dental Implants Covered by Insurance

Getting medical insurance to cover your implants means that you need to prove that your implants are a medical necessity.

If you suffer from bone atrophy caused by osteoporosis, or diabetes, your provider may cover dental implants. Insurance companies will also cover this procedure if you suffer traumatic injuries that affect your ability to chew.

Sometimes, cancer treatments require the extraction of some teeth, and insurance will cover it. Some prescription drugs can lead to dry mouth and tooth decay. This can include antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants.

Ultimately, the decision to cover your tooth implants comes down to the insurance company that you use.

Need dental insurance? Get a quick quote here today.

August 23, 2022

Is Dental Insurance Worth It?

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Buying dental insurance can be immensely important, but what you really need is a plan that fits your needs. Some insurance coverages can be expensive, offering things that you’re never going to need. Other oral insurance plans can be much more reasonable and offer the services that you’re going to use regularly.

Let’s look at some numbers: whether you’re buying dental insurance through your employer or independently, dental insurance monthly premiums will cost somewhere between $40-$60 per month. That means that you’re spending around $600 in 12 months on dental insurance, whether you use it or not.

So what’s the answer? Well, if you care about your teeth then you’re probably going to want some form of dental insurance. Your mouth health can affect everything from your gut health to your mental health, so making sure that you take care of your teeth is something that is essential. Will you need $600 per year in coverage? That’s a question you’ll need to weigh against your dental history and your family’s needs. But you’re going to need something, just to be on the safe side.

The answer is going to be getting the best dental insurance at the best price–because we know it can be expensive. So how do you solve that problem? How do you get necessary medical care for your mouth without breaking the bank?

Why Is Dental Insurance So Expensive?

Insurance companies are good for dentists because they bring new patients into the dentist’s office (most people have dental insurance and then look to see which dentists accept their coverage and pick one that does). But insurance companies then put the squeeze on the dentist, giving them little reimbursement and sometimes not paying for procedures altogether.

If you’re in a unique situation, you may wonder about the efficacy of dental coverage. Is dental coverage worth it for the self-employed?

Although if you know a dentist you may see it as a very profitable business that can make the dentist a lot of money. And that’s true—in some cases. But there is so much overhead that goes into a oral practice and, unfortunately, much of that money is not coming from the insurance companies and into the dentist’s office accounts receivables.

As a result, patients get the brunt of dental care costs. The dentist’s office takes their cut, and the insurance company pays back some, but most of the cost gets passed onto the consumer.

Is Dental Insurance Worth It for Seniors?

Is this type of coverage worth it in retirement? It depends. Most of these insurance plans for seniors will cover 100% of preventative care, like cleanings, exams, and x-rays. But the dental plans only cover a small portion of other important types of care like fillings, root canals, and, especially important for seniors—crowns, implants, and dentures.

Seniors are more likely than younger people to have poor dental health: gum disease, tooth decay, and lost teeth. According to one study from the Kaiser Family Foundation, 53% of seniors have said they’ve had to delay or go without dental care because of high cost.

It’s important to note that for most Medicare plans, dental coverage is not part of the program. Medicare Parts A and B do not cover dental work. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may involve dental plans.

Still looking for the right health insurance plan? Browse our plans here. Get a quote for dental insurance today.

July 21, 2022

How to Find Affordable Dental and Vision Insurance

Dental, Supplemental

Is it possible to find affordable Dental and Vision Insurance?

Does access to vision or dental insurance seem out of reach or impossible to ever attain?

Don’t lose hope! You just have to know the right company that can determine the right plan for you and your financial needs.

But is Dental and Vision worth all the hassle and stress?

Think of investing in Dental and Vision as preventing future health complications from arising. Having a dentist or eye expert regularly check up on your teeth or eyes means any possible, more serious health risks getting identified or addressed. Without monitoring your oral health or vision, you could be paying much higher prices out of pocket further down the road when a significant concern arises. Dental and Vision Insurance provides the means to take preventative measures against any complications and also reduce the number of medical bills if something does happen that warrants medical care.

Moreover, paying out of pocket for eyecare or oral care can add up quickly. Contacts and glasses tend to be on the pricier side. Braces or a jaw surgery can zap your bank account.

Where do you even start looking for the right Dental and Vision insurance?

In 2022, there are endless options for everything under the sun. This can become overwhelming, especially when considering which insurance company to use, or which healthcare provider to select. Which healthcare provider is the best fit for you and your family’s needs? Which Insurance company covers what you need to be covered?

There is a way to find the right Insurance provider for you, tailored to your financial and healthcare needs. Whether you need a trip to the dentist or a new pair of eyeglasses, both of these usually expensive services can be covered by an insurance company that is perfect for you. You can start by getting a free quote TODAY to determine which insurance provider is the best fit. Don’t wait on finding the right Dental or Vision insurance at the last minute. Start today using Healthedly to determine the best option for YOU.

May 25, 2022

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

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Crooked Teeth? Unhappy with your smile? Have you ever wondered if your insurance provider covers orthodonture, or if dental insurance is worth it? If you have health or dental insurance you can check with your current provider, however most health plans will not cover anyone over the age of 18 years old, but may partially cover children under 18.

If you think your child may need braces, you may want to speak to a representative or review details of your plan, because every plan is different. Some plans can help cover the cost of braces and some do not, you just need to verify you have the right coverage for your needs.

Things you need to know about dental insurance:

Insurance typically doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers or whitening. However, if your child has a need for braces, it may be covered by your provider
All dental plans have an annual cap for coverage each year. Ask your provider if the cost of the braces for your child could meet or exceed that cap
There are waiting periods to have certain procedures done. So, if your child needs braces, make sure you plan ahead
If your child got braces before the start of your orthodontic plan’s effective date, the braces become an out-of-pocket expense
Sometimes a supplemental orthopedic plan is necessary to receive coverage for orthodontic care.

Does any dental insurance cover braces?

Oftentimes major medical insurance plans will not offer dental coverage. It will most likely be a supplemental plan that you will need to purchase. Certain states require that the dental insurers are state licensed to provide cover children’s orthodonture. Restrictions in coverage may apply.

Are adult orthodontics covered by dental insurance?

Unfortunately most dental plans that cover orthodontics for adults do not cover orthodonture for cosmetic purposes.

If you want to learn more about dental insurance and how they work with braces, visit us at Healthedly so you can speak to an agent and get a quote today!

May 16, 2022