Dental and Eye Care on Medicare

[Butterfly]

I researched the dental plan question pretty thoroughly fairly recently and reached the conclusion that they are not worth much.

The first problem is finding a dentist who will take the plan, even if you have it. The catch-22 here is that even if you can find a dentist who takes the plan (and here, I found only some big, fancy, super expensive dental offices that did) I would end up paying far more with the plan (because the big, fancy dentists charge way more for procedures than the dentist I use -- who doesn't accept insurance) than without it.

For instance, say big, fancy dentist charges $2,000 for something and the plan pays $500 towards it, so you are left with $1,500 out of pocket. But my plain dentist only charges $1,200 for the same procedure. So I'd pay my dentist only $1,200, as opposed to the $1,500 out-of-pocket I'd pay the other one. I've been going to my same dentist for years and years and years and he does very good work, and doesn't push procedures you don't really need; I trust him.

So you need to shop prices for procedures from both dentists who take the plan, figure in the allowable (and the cost of the insurance), and then compare that with costs of dentists who don't take the insurance.

It's a minefield.

 

[Liberty]

I researched the dental plan question pretty thoroughly fairly recently and reached the conclusion that they are not worth much.

The first problem is finding a dentist who will take the plan, even if you have it. The catch-22 here is that even if you can find a dentist who takes the plan (and here, I found only some big, fancy, super expensive dental offices that did) I would end up paying far more with the plan (because the big, fancy dentists charge way more for procedures than the dentist I use -- who doesn't accept insurance) than without it.

For instance, say big, fancy dentist charges $2,000 for something and the plan pays $500 towards it, so you are left with $1,500 out of pocket. But my plain dentist only charges $1,200 for the same procedure. So I'd pay my dentist only $1,200, as opposed to the $1,500 out-of-pocket I'd pay the other one. I've been going to my same dentist for years and years and years and he does very good work, and doesn't push procedures you don't really need; I trust him.

So you need to shop prices for procedures from both dentists who take the plan, figure in the allowable (and the cost of the insurance), and then compare that with costs of dentists who don't take the insurance.

It's a minefield.

Most every dentist takes the I dental (Atena) dental "discount" programs. I use it and you can break even each year with 2 cleanings and a set of x-rays. It pays discounts on fillings extractions and crowns among other procedures.

 

[sunnyac]

Hi Rick I am new to all this and was wondering what Discount Dental Plan you use if you are able to disclose ? Thanks for your help as I sure need it

I'm not Rick but I seem to remember it being New Dental Choice - New Dental Choice | Affordable Dental Care

 

[Liberty]

My dentist takes the dental discount plans...have used them for several years now:

https://www.dentalplans.com/dentalplans/aetnadentalaccess

 

[Dudewho]

The only plans that include dental for free typically would be Medicare Advantage, usually an HMO but sometimes a PPO. I'm not a fan of dental as they generally have 18 month waiting periods for major work meaning at best you trade your premium dollars with the insurance company. I am a fan of dental discount plans. This is what my wife and I have. For about $120/yr we see great dentists and save about 1/3. Since "true" dental insurance usually only covers 50% for major services I'm happy saving $500/yr and only paying a bit more if we need crowns.

Your Silver Script was indeed great (my wife has them) however they are making a dramatic change for 2020 by adding a deductible of $435 ! In previous years it was worth paying a bit more to avoid the deductible but those days are gone. I'm moving my clients out of Silver Script into plans with lower premiums and drug costs.

But a great supplement paid for by an employer is an amazing blessing.

Rick

The only plans that include dental for free typically would be Medicare Advantage, usually an HMO but sometimes a PPO. I'm not a fan of dental as they generally have 18 month waiting periods for major work meaning at best you trade your premium dollars with the insurance company. I am a fan of dental discount plans. This is what my wife and I have. For about $120/yr we see great dentists and save about 1/3. Since "true" dental insurance usually only covers 50% for major services I'm happy saving $500/yr and only paying a bit more if we need crowns.

Your Silver Script was indeed great (my wife has them) however they are making a dramatic change for 2020 by adding a deductible of $435 ! In previous years it was worth paying a bit more to avoid the deductible but those days are gone. I'm moving my clients out of Silver Script into plans with lower premiums and drug costs.

But a great supplement paid for by an employer is an amazing blessing.

Rick

"I'm not a fan of dental as they generally have 18 month waiting periods for major work meaning at best you trade your premium dollars with the insurance company."

Medicare Advantage plan dental have no waiting period.