You know it’s important to see a dentist regularly—but you just can’t afford it. Or can you?
It’s no secret that finding affordable dental insurance can be tough. With premiums increasing each year and limited government support, it’s hard to find coverage you can afford.
However, you may be surprised to learn that dental care doesn’t need to break the bank. Preventative dental care is important for everyone, especially as we age, so don’t put it off any longer.
Instead, keep reading to learn how to find affordable dental coverage, even on a tight budget. Then, make an appointment for your dental check-up!
See If You Qualify for Any Government Programs
If you’re struggling to find affordable dental insurance, you should first check to see if you qualify for any government programs.
Depending on your income levels, you may be able to purchase dental insurance through the Affordable Care Act, designed to help lower-income families find health insurance they can afford.
Or, you may qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. If you’re under 21, Medicaid includes preventative dental care, but after 21, you’ll need to arrange it yourself.
If you are a veteran, or your spouse is, you may also qualify for dental coverage through the VA—contact them to find out more.
Shop Around
If you’re not eligible for government coverage, you’ll need to look for dental from a private health insurance company. Finding care within your price range can be a big task, as there are plenty of providers out there.
Costs can vary wildly, so it’s important to take the time so shop around. Work out what coverage is essential to you and your family, and only look for plans that provide what you need.
Generally, the more extra inclusions you have, the more you’ll pay each month, so selecting a bare-bones, simple plan is usually the most affordable way to go.
Before signing up, be sure to read all the fine print, making sure you understand what you’re purchasing. You’ll want to consider things like monthly premiums, waiting periods, and copays, which can be high.
If you have any questions, give the insurance company a call—they should be able to walk you through how everything works.
Ask Your Insurer for a Discount
If you already have insurance and the time has come around to renew, be proactive—give them a call and ask if there are any special offers or promotions running.
They may well say no, but you also may find that they don't want to lose a valuable customer. If the company has any special deals happening, you may be able to lower your monthly costs, helping you save.
What If I Can’t Find Affordable Dental Insurance?
Is dental insurance worth it? Yes, but only if you can afford it.
Sometimes, the extreme costs of health insurance make it impossible. However, you still have a few ways to visit a dentist, even if you’re uninsured.
Here are a few ideas you may want to try.
Look for a Free Clinic
Often, you can find free or sliding-scale dental clinics (meaning your payment is calculated based on your income). Dental clinics usually receive federal or state subsidies to operate, with the aim of helping those who can’t afford private dental.
Look online to see if there’s a free clinic near you. However, patience is required, as they can often be busy with long waiting times.
Seek Out Dental Schools in Your Area
Another option to find dental care is to look for dental colleges or schools in your area. Dental students are always in need of patients that they can practice on, so you may find that this is an easy way to get cheap dental care.
You may be nervous about getting seen by a dental student, but not to worry—they are overseen by professionals and they offer the same quality dental care you’d get elsewhere.
Ask Your Dentist for a Payment Plan
Sometimes, a lost filling or unexpected root canal comes at a time when there’s just not any money in the monthly budget to cover it. However, you can’t ignore the pain and discomfort, so you need to seek care right away.
In these cases, we recommend asking your dentist if they can offer a payment plan. Many caring dentists are sensitive to the fact that affording dental care can be hard, so they help out by offering a plan.
Generally, the plans will be at low or no interest, allowing you to pay off your invoice over time, without getting stung by high interest fees.
If you’re in Boise, here’s an example of a dentist who offers a discount for those without insurance: http://www.boisedentist.com/dental-financing-and-payment-options/i-have-no-dental-insurance/.
As a last resort, you could also try to take out a small personal loan to cover your treatment, but payday and personal loans often have steep interest costs. Only consider this option if you’re unable to find a dentist who offers a payment plan.
Save on Dental Care With These Top Tips
Affordable dental insurance may seem impossible, but with the tips above, it doesn’t need to be. Start doing research to see what your options are in terms of dental coverage, and don’t give up until you find something that works for you.
Regular dental care is a necessity, and shouldn’t be avoided because you think you can’t afford it. We need dental care to keep our teeth healthy and strong, so get started today and sign up for a dental plan that fits within your budget.
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