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Access to dental insurance is a pressing issue in the US, with millions of Americans struggling to afford necessary dental care. According to the article, over 30% of adults in the US have not visited a dentist in the past year due to cost concerns.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to expand dental coverage to more Americans, but it has its limitations. The ACA requires dental coverage for children, but it's not mandatory for adults.
The lack of dental insurance can have serious consequences, including increased risk of oral diseases and even heart problems. Research suggests that people without dental insurance are more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
In the US, the cost of dental care can be prohibitively expensive, with even routine procedures like cleanings and fillings costing hundreds of dollars.
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Access to Dental Insurance
Access to dental insurance can be a game-changer for those in need. The Cigna Dental Care (DHMO) plan, for instance, offers coverage for many procedures that may not be available on other dental plans, with no deductibles, annual dollar maximums, or claim forms to worry about.
Medicare recipients, Medicaid recipients, communities of color, and underserved populations all have access to oral care, which is essential for maintaining overall health. These groups may face barriers to dental care, but having access to insurance can help bridge that gap.
You can schedule appointments with an Access dental provider through their platform for immediate 24/7 dental care, making it easy to get the care you need when you need it.
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Cigna Healthcare Plan Through Work
If you're offered a Cigna Healthcare DHMO insurance plan through work, you're in luck because it includes coverage for many procedures that may not be available on other dental plans.
There are no deductibles to pay before coverage begins, which means you can get the care you need right away.
The Cigna Dental Care (DHMO) plan has no annual dollar maximums on covered services, so you can receive as much care as you need without worrying about reaching a limit.
With no claim forms to fill out, getting the care you need is even easier.
And, there are no waiting periods, so you can schedule appointments without delay.
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Cigna Dental Care
Cigna Dental Care is a type of dental insurance plan that offers a range of benefits and services.
The Cigna Dental Care Access Plus network is a comprehensive network that compares favorably to competitor national DHMO networks as of September 2021.
You can learn more about the DHMO plan and how it works by watching a short video, which is just 1 minute and 40 seconds long.
All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group Corporation.
Cigna Dental Care offers a range of plans and services, including those provided by Cigna Dental Health, Inc. and its subsidiaries, such as Cigna Dental Health Plan of Arizona, Inc.
The Cigna Group Corporation includes several operating subsidiaries, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, and Cigna HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc.
Cigna Dental Care has a presence in many states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
Policy forms for Cigna Healthcare products, including dental insurance, are specific to each state and are issued by various subsidiaries of The Cigna Group Corporation.
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Ease of Booking
Booking an appointment with an Access dental provider is a breeze, as you can do it through their platform 24/7.
With their platform, you can schedule appointments at any time, making it easy to fit dental care into your busy schedule.
Their 24/7 availability means you can get immediate dental care whenever you need it, without having to wait until regular business hours.
Challenges and Costs
An estimated 68.5 million American adults do not have dental insurance. This staggering number highlights the significant challenge of accessing dental care in the United States.
More than 56 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of dental professionals, making it difficult for people to schedule regular dentist appointments. Inadequate transportation and lack of job flexibility also impede people's ability to receive dental care.
For many Americans, the cost of dental care is a major barrier. Embedded deductibles might not provide consumers with financial protection for dental care, and deductibles under medical plans can be thousands of dollars.
Consumers who receive dental care through embedded dental coverage may have to meet the medical deductible before coverage of dental services can begin. This can deter consumers from seeking dental care, especially people with lower incomes.
Here are some key issues to watch:
- Embedded deductibles may not provide financial protection for dental care.
- Classifying adult dental care as an Essential Health Benefit (EHB) could increase costs for the federal government and health issuers.
- Cost-sharing provisions that apply to EHBs could increase costs for health plan issuers.
Cigna DMO Plan Features
The Cigna DMO plan offers several features that can be beneficial for those looking for a hassle-free dental insurance experience.
No deductibles are required before coverage begins, so you can start receiving dental care without any upfront costs.
One of the most convenient features of the Cigna DMO plan is that you can choose your own network general dentist (NGD) who will provide all your routine care and refer you to specialists when necessary.
Each of your enrolled dependents can choose their own NGD, giving you flexibility in choosing a dentist for your family.
Certain dental preventive care services are covered at little-to-no-extra cost when you use your primary network dentist.
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Here are some key features of the Cigna DMO plan:
- You choose a network general dentist (NGD) who will provide all of your routine care and refer you to specialists when necessary
- Referrals are not required for network orthodontists and network pediatric dentists for children ages 13 and under
- Each of your enrolled dependents can choose their own NGD
- Certain dental preventive care services are covered at little-to-no-extra cost when you use your primary network dentist
- If your dental plan includes coverage for orthodontic services, you can see a network orthodontist without a referral
- Out-of-network services are not covered, unless for emergencies and where required by law as shown in your plan documents
Obstacles (and Costs)
An estimated 68.5 million American adults don't have dental insurance. This means many people can't afford regular dentist appointments, leading to inadequate oral health and overall health.
More than 56 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of dental professionals. This can make it difficult for people to find a dentist, let alone get an appointment.
Inadequate transportation and lack of job flexibility also impede people's ability to schedule regular dentist appointments. This can be a major obstacle for those who need dental care.
Untreated tooth decay or infections can lead to costly and time-consuming treatments in hospital EDs. This is a common outcome when people don't receive dental care.
Here are some statistics on the obstacles to accessing dental care:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does AHCCCs cover for dental?
AHCCCS covers up to $1000 per member per contract year for dental care, including diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative services
Is Access Dental PPO or HMO in California?
Access Dental is part of the Los Angeles Pre-Paid Health Plan (LA PHP) and Sacramento Geographic Managed Care Program, indicating a managed care structure. This suggests Access Dental is likely an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) in California.
Sources
- https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/shop-plans/plans-through-employer/dhmo
- https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/coverage-access-outcomes
- https://www.carequest.org/topics/access-to-care
- https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/access-to-adult-dental-care-gets-renewed-focus-in-aca-marketplace-proposal/
- https://teledentistry.com/insurance-carriers/access-dental/
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