With the so much confusion about the health care market and new health care bill in congress, very few people know of the best option for health insurance much less for dental health insurance.
Well, if you are looking for the best dental health insurance in Alabama, there are none. The best dental health insurance is the one that is best for you- as long as the plan suits you and your family’s health situation and budget.
Most of the dental policies in the market differ primarily in terms of premiums, co-pays and deductibles as well as the types of dental services to perform. For instance while some dental health insurance companies offer discounts on tooth extraction or cleaning, other pay 100 percent for these every day dental procedures.
Compare for instance a list of discount dental plans from that of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama dental Insurance and there is a vast difference in payment and fees.
Here is the difference in Blue Cross Dental insurance plan to discount dental plans in Alabama
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
There is a $50 deductible per member for each calendar year
$1000 maximum benefit per member for each calendar year
100% coverage for diagnostic and preventive services which mainly includes exams and cleaning, including fluoride treatment
75% coverage for restorative procedures like fillings, tooth extractions, treatment for pain and synthetic tooth color materials
50% coverage for supplemental services which includes oral surgery and anesthesia
50% coverage for periodontic services like bone and gum disease treatment and gum reconstruction
Aetna Dental Access
• Save 15 to 50 percent* on everything from general dentistry and cleanings to root canals, crowns and orthodontia.
• Individual Program : $104.95 per Year
• Family Program : $159.95 per Year
Alliance HealthCard Gold Card
• Enjoy discounts of 30% to 60% on most dental services
• Individual Plan : $144.95 per Year
• Family Plan : $199.95 per Year
Preferred Network Access by CIGNA
• Orthodontia (orthodontics) included
• Individual Plan : $134.95 per Year
• Family Plan : $189.95 per Year
Access Dental Plan
• Orthodontia (orthodontics) included
• Individual Program : $104.95 per Year
• Family Program : $159.95 per Year
OptumHealth Allies Dental Program
• Save on crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, dentures, dental implants, and more
• Individual Program : $159.95 per Year
• Family Program : $189.95 per Year
Dental Care Advantage
• Discounts apply to all services performed, including cosmetic and orthodontic procedures
• Individual Program : $124.95 per Year
• Family Program : $169.95 per Year
Amacore Dental Program
• Save an average of 28% to 50% on most dental procedures*
• Individual Program : $119.95 per Year
• Family Program : $159.95 per Year
Careington Care 500 Series
• Save 20% to 60% on most dental procedures including routine oral exams, unlimited cleanings, and major work such as dentures, root canals, and crowns
• Individual Plan : $139.95 per Year
• Family Plan : $189.95 per Year
DenteMax Discount Dental Plan
• Orthodontia (orthodontics) included
• Individual Plan : $104.95 per Year
• Family Plan : $159.95 per Year
Dent-All Plan, Inc. Nationwide Program
• Orthodontia (orthodontics) included
• Individual Plan : $114.95 per Year
• Family Plan : $169.95 per Year
Careington Select Plan
• Save 10% to 50% on most dental procedures including routine oral exams, unlimited cleaning, and major work such as dentures, root canals, and crowns
• Individual Plan : $114.95 per Year
• Family Plan : $169.95 per Year
Choosing the Best Dental Insurance
In order to be insured with best plan to maintain your dental health, you have an array of dental insurance coverage companies in Alabama to choose from. There are key factors you need to evaluate when reviewing your dental insurance options. By questioning yourself the following will definitely guide you to make the right choice.
1) How much does the plan cost me monthly or annual? Does the plan cover my family members too?
2) Am I required to meet a deductible or co pay. If yes, how much does the dental insurance provider pay for my treatments?
3) Who are those dentists who participate in the dental plan’s network? Are they providing good service and quality treatment? Is there any dentist whom I am familiar with?
4) Does the plan allow me to obtain treatment from a dentist outside the plan’s network? Is there any additional charge I need to pay and how much is it?
5) What types of treatments are not covered in the plan?
6) Is there any limit set for number of visits to dentist in a year?
7) Is there any waiting period for certain procedures? If yes, how long does it take?
Do I need to pay higher premium for major dental work?
9) Does the plan suits my budget or financial situation
If all the answers for the above mentioned questions suit your requirements, it is quite confirmed that this plan works best for you.
Questions people ask about dental insurance coverage in Alabama
- How to get dental insurance in Alabama and how much it cost?
- Where to find best “special scaling” dentist in Alabama for moderate/severe Periodontal disease?
- I have a dental emergency, is there an option if you are low income in Alabama?
October 14, 2009
Either this article is actually an advertisement (which explains its potentially misleading content) or it was just poorly developed, as it appears to misrepresent some important facts. The article’s title represents the story to be on Dental INSURANCE.
However, all the plans referenced appear to be dental “discount” plans that offer access to a network (typically very limited compared to a true insurance plan network) and discounts off billed charges, but do not actually provide insurance coverage. Including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama dental in this story is misleading because Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama does not offer an access/discount plan. The BCBSAL dental plans are true dental insurance that provides significant discounts, but also provide coverage (reimbursement) for the services provided. The BCBSAL plan includes a vast majority of Alabama dentists in its network. Comparing a discount/access plan’s benefits and premium to those of a true dental insurance plan is misleading and potentially harmful to the readers.
October 14, 2009
Dan, the intent of the article was to give people an idea in the difference between a real dental insurance like Blue Cross and Blue shield of Alabama from discount plans. Depending on their dental situation or budget they could choose Blue Cross which i have, particular because i have a family, from the network discount plans that only gives you a discount – which may work for some people depending on their situation.
Dan, sorry if the article was misleading. How would you rewrite the article?