Medical and Dental: Bridging the Gap
As we move into 2018 and start a new year, we have an opportunity to embrace a fresh start when it comes to our health and wellness. But if you choose a health insurance plan to help cover your medical expenses for the next 12 months, what you might have noticed is that it doesn’t include coverage for dental care. And, unfortunately, that’s the norm.
Whether your insurance provider does not offer dental insurance at all, or they do but you can’t afford their plans, there are other options. Keep reading to learn about how you can bridge the gap between your medical and dental insurance needs.
Why Should You Care About Dental Insurance?
A lot of people wonder if dental insurance is really necessary, especially if they are spending money out-of-pocket on their medical insurance premium. Is dental insurance really worth the additional cost? The answer is: yes, it is!
The scary truth is that problems that start in the mouth might end up spreading to other parts of the body, such as the heart. So, in the same way that you would go for your annual physical or yearly blood test to stay on top of your overall health, seeing your dentist at least once a year can help alert you to oral problems that could potentially lead to other complications.
Having dental insurance in place could also motivate you to make the time to see your dentist regularly. Think about it: when you don’t have dental coverage, you might be inclined to just skip your checkups and cleanings in order to avoid the out-of-pocket costs. Hey, let’s face it, between x-rays, exams, and cleanings, you could spend quite a bit of money—and that doesn’t even include what you would need to spend on fillings, root canals, crowns, implants, bridges, orthodontics, and other treatments to fix problems that are found. For this reason, many patients will even avoid going to the dentist when they have a toothache, and that could spell serious trouble in the future as the decay worsens and requires more extensive—and more expensive—treatment!
An Extra but Worthwhile Step When Shopping for Insurance
Unfortunately, dental care isn’t considered one of the essential benefits included in medical plans that are currently offered. This leaves consumers with the responsibility to seek out affordable, comprehensive dental insurance plans on their own.
A separate dental insurance plan could be viewed as a supplement to your medical coverage, whether you receive your health insurance through an employer or you purchase it yourself. And, with the right provider, your dental insurance plan won’t break the bank. Instead, the right plan could actually help you save money in the long run.
Who Doesn’t Love Saving Money?
In addition to making it easy to stay on top of your oral health, the right dental coverage could help you save a good amount of money over time.
Shop smart by comparing plans from affordable providers. For example, you could receive great coverage at surprisingly low rates from providers like Spirit, where you can find dental plans for individuals, families, children, and seniors.
Spirit dental plans will give you access to fantastic dentists who could provide you with exams, cleanings, orthodontics, major services, and much more. Plus, you are covered for three dental cleanings per year, rather than just two, and there aren’t any waiting periods for your coverage to kick in. On top of that, you can choose from plans with or without a network. Now that’s what we call bridging the gap that’s left by health insurance providers!
Bottom line: what you’d typically need to spend out-of-pocket in a year to receive necessary dental exams, cleanings, and treatments could end up being much higher than what you’d pay in a year for a dental plan. So consider shopping for your ideal coverage today. You can apply at any time, and you won’t have to wait to receive the care that you need.
Shopping for a Dental Plan Is Easy Peasy!
If taking control of your oral health is a priority and you’re hoping to save money on the costs of seeing your dentist throughout the year, rest assured that shopping for the right dental plan is easy. Check out the plans offered by Spirit to find the option that will have you and your family covered for the year to come. Here’s to a bright, beautiful, and healthy smile in 2018!