As you navigate different life stages, your dental insurance needs may change. Delta Dental offers a range of plans to suit various needs.
Delta Dental's Individual and Family Plans provide coverage for adults and children, with options for preventive care, basic services, and major services. These plans are ideal for those who are just starting out or have a small family.
Delta Dental's Group Plans are designed for employers to offer to their employees, providing comprehensive coverage for individuals and families. These plans often include additional benefits like orthodontia and oral surgery.
Delta Dental's Medicare Supplement Plans are specifically designed for seniors, offering additional coverage beyond Original Medicare. These plans can help cover expenses like deductibles and copays.
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Plan Options and Coverage
Delta Dental offers a range of plan options to suit individual needs.
Preventive and diagnostic services such as cleanings, x-rays, and exams are 100% covered on all Delta Dental of Kentucky dental plans.
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Delta Dental has a broad portfolio of plan options, including the Dental for Everyone Gold PPO, which has out-of-pocket costs in 2022 during the first year of coverage.
The Dental for Everyone Gold PPO has the following out-of-pocket costs in 2022 during the first year of coverage:
Delta Dental also offers the Immediate Coverage Plan PPO, which has lower out-of-pocket costs than the Dental for Everyone Gold PPO for various dental services.
The Immediate Coverage Plan PPO has the following out-of-pocket costs during the first year of coverage in 2022:
Typical Services Covered
Preventive services such as cleanings, x-rays, and exams are 100% covered on all Delta Dental of Kentucky dental plans.
The breadth of services covered can vary depending on the plan selection, but most plans cover preventive and diagnostic services.
Delta Dental offers a range of plan options, including the Dental for Everyone Gold PPO, which covers services such as cleanings, white fillings, crowns, and root canals, but with varying levels of coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
Here's a breakdown of the coverage and out-of-pocket costs for some common procedures under the Dental for Everyone Gold PPO plan:
It's worth noting that some services, such as orthodontia, may not be covered at all, and others, like cosmetic procedures, may have limited or no coverage.
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Ppos
Delta Dental primarily offers PPO plans nationwide, as PPOs are more popular with shoppers seeking dental insurance.
These PPOs may differ in many ways based on your location, including plan name, service coverage available, deductible, plan dollar maximum, percentage of coverage for care, length of waiting period for different care, and dentist network size.
Typically, PPO plans offer two to three tiers of coverage, with lower-priced plans offering lower plan maximums, coverage limits, and fewer in-network providers.
Full preventive coverage is fairly standard.
Some Delta Dental plans, such as those in Illinois, may even cover tooth whitening.
With a Delta Dental PPO individual plan, you can visit any licensed dentist, though you’ll generally pay more if the dentist is out-of-network.
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Delta Dental has a large network of dentists, with over 128,000 dentists and 198,000 office locations accepting one or more Delta Dental plans.
Here's a comparison of two Delta Dental PPO plans:
Note that the Immediate Coverage Plan PPO has a higher maximum benefit and lower out-of-pocket costs for some services.
Getting Coverage
If your employer offers a group dental plan, you can enroll in it as an employee benefit.
To determine if your company has dental coverage, contact your Human Resources representative or check your employee benefit handbook.
You can also use a website to compare the value of your company dental plan to stand-alone dental plans.
Assuming your company offers dental benefits, you'll need to evaluate the employee premium for dental benefits and both the dental services covered and the out-of-pocket costs for those services.
Typically, annual enrollment periods for existing workers are in the fall, and insurance coverage doesn't begin until the following January 1st for selections made during annual enrollment.
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If you need dental coverage earlier than that, you can consider enrolling in a stand-alone dental plan on websites like Delta Dental.
To buy a full coverage dental insurance plan, you can either get it through your employer (if offered) or purchase one on your own through a dental insurance carrier like Delta Dental.
Here are the ways to get a full coverage dental insurance plan:
- Through your employer (if offered)
- Buying one on your own through a dental insurance carrier like Delta Dental
Benefits and Features
With Delta Dental insurance plans, you can enjoy numerous benefits that make dental care more affordable and accessible.
You won't have to pay enrollment fees or wait for a period before getting started.
Benefits and annual maximums increase after the first year, so you'll get more value from your plan over time.
One of the standout features of Delta Dental plans is the 100% in-network coverage for twice-a-year cleanings on all plans.
Whitening services are also covered with the Bright plans, and orthodontics are covered for any age with the Bright & Radiant plan.
Implant coverage is available with the Perfect, Bright & Vibrant plans.
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Cost and Enrollment
Delta dental insurance plans offer flexibility in enrollment, as you can apply for coverage at any time. This is in contrast to group plans offered by employers, which typically have an enrollment period.
The cost of a dental insurance plan can vary based on several factors, including the type of care you need and the number of people in your family who need coverage. Your out-of-pocket costs can also be influenced by the presence of a deductible, co-payments, co-insurance, maximum annual benefits, or an insurance premium.
Delta Dental's deductibles range from $50 to $100, but some plans may have lifetime-based limits instead of annual limits. Some plans, like HMOs, charge no deductible at all.
Here's a breakdown of the cost of Delta Dental's PPO plan in 10 states for a 36-year-old adult:
Affordable Care
Investing in a dental plan can save you money in the long run. Delta Dental of Kentucky offers affordable dental plans that will save you money.
Regular cleanings and check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health, and visiting a Delta Dental dentist provides network discounts that result in lower out-of-pocket costs. This is especially important for those who regularly receive their two cleanings.
Unexpected dental emergencies can be costly, but investing in a plan with Delta Dental will always save you money.
Year-Round Enrollment
You're free to enroll in privately purchased dental insurance at any time of year, which means you don't have to worry about missing a deadline.
This flexibility is a big advantage over group plans offered by employers, which typically have an enrollment period that determines when you can add or delete dental benefits.
With privately purchased insurance, you can apply for coverage whenever you choose, so you can get the protection you need when you need it.
This means you can enroll at any point during the year, whether you've recently experienced a dental emergency or you're simply looking for more comprehensive coverage.
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Cost
When considering dental insurance, it's essential to understand the costs involved. The cost of dental insurance can vary based on factors such as the insurance carrier and plan you choose, the type of care needed, and the ages of those in your family.
Your out-of-pocket costs may include a deductible, co-payments, co-insurance, maximum annual benefits, or an insurance premium. These factors can significantly impact your expenses, so it's crucial to consider them when selecting a dental insurance plan.
Delta Dental's deductibles range from $50 to $100, with some plans offering lifetime-based limits rather than annual limits. Some plans, like HMOs, may not have a deductible at all.
Here's a breakdown of Delta Dental's cost comparisons across several states for a 36-year-old adult:
Investing in a Delta Dental plan can save you money, especially with network discounts from visiting a Delta Dental dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dental plan?
The top-rated dental plan is Delta Dental, offering comprehensive coverage for various needs, including braces, implants, and older adults. However, other plans like Physicians Mutual, MetLife, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and DentaQuest excel in specific areas, such as cost, waiting periods, and customer satisfaction.
What's the difference between Delta PPO and Delta Premier?
Delta PPO dentists are part of a smaller network with lower fees, while Delta Premier dentists have a wider network but may charge more. Choosing between the two depends on your individual dental needs and budget
Do most dentists accept Delta Dental insurance?
Yes, most dentists accept Delta Dental insurance, making it a widely accepted and convenient option for dental care. Check with your dentist or Delta Dental to confirm their network and coverage details.
How much do people spend on dental insurance a month?
Dental insurance premiums typically range from $15 to $50 per person per month. This cost can vary depending on the plan and provider.
Can anyone enroll in Delta Dental?
Yes, open enrollment is available year-round for Delta Dental individual insurance plans. Anyone can sign up at any time, no waiting period required.
Sources
- https://www.deltadentalky.com/shop-for-insurance/dental-plans/
- https://www.dentalinsurance.com/delta-dental/
- https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/product/individual-and-family.html
- https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/protect-my-smile/dental-insurance-101/full-coverage-dental-insurance.html
- https://www.investopedia.com/delta-dental-insurance-review-8653464
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