Dental Insurance

[GTFan]

I'm thinking about switching to the Humana Dental Value Plan (C550) next year. It's essentially a dental discount plan (HMO) that my dentist accepts, costs $27 a month, and offers $10 office visits which include all preventive care (exam, cleaning, X-rays). Plus substantial discounts on restorative such as crowns for $370, composite fillings for less than $100 etc.

Doing the math it looks like it pays for itself just with cleanings (same as the Aetna Dental Access plan) but is way better discount-wise if we need any fillings, crowns, root canals etc. which is all we should need over time. No annual max on discounts either. It looks like it's almost equal to a regular plan that pays 50-70% of restorative costs and offers free cleanings but without the absurdly low annual caps or the hassles of claims.

Here's the rate sheet I found for the plan.

http://apps.humana.com/marketing/documents.asp?file=1534663

Thoughts?

 

[rodi]

Covered CA now offers family dental. A PPO plan (which would include our dentist) is about $5/month less than I've been paying through COBRA. I will take that option if the dentist doesn't take any of the other 3 dental plans (HMOs) offered. Older son has an appt. on Thursday to get a filling filled so I can ask when I'm there.

 

[easysurfer]

I'm thinking about switching to the Humana Dental Value Plan (C550) next year. It's essentially a dental discount plan (HMO) that my dentist accepts, costs $27 a month, and offers $10 office visits which include all preventive care (exam, cleaning, X-rays). Plus substantial discounts on restorative such as crowns for $370, composite fillings for less than $100 etc.

Doing the math it looks like it pays for itself just with cleanings (same as the Aetna Dental Access plan) but is way better discount-wise if we need any fillings, crowns, root canals etc. which is all we should need over time. No annual max on discounts either. It looks like it's almost equal to a regular plan that pays 50-70% of restorative costs and offers free cleanings but without the absurdly low annual caps or the hassles of claims.

Here's the rate sheet I found for the plan.

http://apps.humana.com/marketing/documents.asp?file=1534663

Thoughts?

I have a sister who needed pretty much dental work sign up for the plan. I think that overall the plan was helpful as she needed pretty much extensive work (bridge, several fillings). Great to have no annual maximums. But I'm a little mixed as we had the feeling that her dentist was doing some churning of services. For example, after scheduling a dental cleaning and verifying that the cleaning was covered, the dentist went ahead and gave an irrigation (sister maybe needed it as she isn't the best in taking care of her teeth) but the dentist just did the irrigation and charged and assumed payment without first letting us know. Also, if you have to see a specialist, that may not be covered. My sister had to get a tooth pulled. I called a place that was listed on their site and over the phone the person said they took the insurance. But then afterwards, she gets a bill saying that the place was an oral surgeon and not a regular dentist so not covered.

I say, the plan could be very good but make sure you are comfortable with the dentist (you can switch). Also, be aware that the plan is a yearly membership. So, if you sign up and after 2 months you want out, if you want to cancel, you won't get a prorated refund of membership.

 

[Theseus]

Buy one year to get the discount loaded into your profile at the dentist. There will be no expiration push back from the insurance company because they are not in your billing loop.

Sounds like a good idea, as I've proudly told them I was retired last year and was no longer covered by dental insurance. Yet they continue to submit estimates and claims to my previous employer group coverage ins co. Problem is, i'm having trouble finding a discount-only plan in my area that my dentist and periodontist will accept. Did get a snail mail flyer from a local dentist that says they will give a 20% discount for cash, might just give them a try.

 

[Fedup]

Covered CA now offers family dental. A PPO plan (which would include our dentist) is about $5/month less than I've been paying through COBRA. I will take that option if the dentist doesn't take any of the other 3 dental plans (HMOs) offered. Older son has an appt. on Thursday to get a filling filled so I can ask when I'm there.

Is that $5 per person per month?


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