Georgia Dental Insurance Guide for Individuals and Families

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Georgia has a unique dental insurance landscape, with several options available to individuals and families. There are over 20 dental insurance companies operating in the state.

If you're looking for a dental insurance plan, you can choose from a variety of options, including HMO, PPO, and indemnity plans. Some plans also offer additional benefits like orthodontia coverage and dental implants.

In Georgia, dental insurance plans can be purchased through the health insurance marketplace or directly from insurance companies. You can also get quotes and compare plans online or by contacting insurance brokers.

Types of Dental Insurance

In Georgia, you have several options for dental insurance. There are two main types: DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO (Dental Preferred Provider Organization). Both types help you pay for expensive dental procedures.

DHMO plans are a type of dental insurance in Georgia that offer minimal coverage for as low as $6.99 per month.

PPO plans are the most common type of dental insurance coverage, offering the greatest flexibility to choose a dentist you're comfortable with and not worry about out-of-network coverage.

Consider reading: 2 Types of Insurance

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You may also be able to get a discount dental savings plan, which offers minimal coverage and is not insurance.

Here are the main types of dental insurance in Georgia:

  • DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization)
  • PPO (Dental Preferred Provider Organization)
  • Discount dental savings plan

Additionally, you can also find indemnity policies, HMO plans, and PPO plans through various insurers in Georgia.

Providers and Plans

Georgia offers a variety of dental insurance plans tailored to meet your individual or family needs. You can select from PPOs, HMOs, or indemnity plans to find the coverage that best fits your situation.

In Georgia, you can choose from top dental insurance providers, such as MetLife Dental, which offers a range of plans for individuals, families, and employers. MetLife provides coverage for a wide range of dental services, including preventive care, fillings, crowns, and even orthodontics in some plans.

The Georgia health insurance Marketplace has certified individual and family dental plans from eight insurers. Stand-alone dental plans are available for purchase that cover both adults and children.

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Here's a brief overview of the main types of dental plans available in Georgia:

PPO vs HMO

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan offers more flexibility than a DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) plan, allowing you to visit any dentist you choose, both in-network and out-of-network.

You'll pay less on premiums with a DHMO plan, but you'll be required to use dentists within the plan's network.

The main difference between PPO and DHMO plans is that PPO plans have more restrictions, such as deductibles, waiting periods, and annual maximum benefits.

Here are some key differences between PPO and DHMO plans:

While PPO plans have more restrictions, they're still the most popular type of dental coverage. If you plan to move within the year, travel frequently, or need specialty dental services, a PPO plan may be the better choice for you.

Buying Outside of the Exchange

You have options for buying dental insurance outside of the exchange in Georgia. You can purchase stand-alone dental plans directly from insurers, but keep in mind these plans aren't subject to the same rules as those sold through the exchange.

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These plans are regulated by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. If you're interested in purchasing one, it's a good idea to speak with a dentist for recommendations or search online.

You can find plans in your area by doing an online search for dental discount plans in the state of Georgia.

What It Cover?

In Georgia, dental insurance plans cover a range of services to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Routine teeth cleaning, regular checkups, and X-rays are typically covered, as well as fillings, root canals, crowns, and bridges.

You can expect to find common dental coverage in most Georgia plans, including routine teeth cleaning, regular checkups, X-rays, fillings, root canals, crowns, and bridges.

Some dental insurance plans in Georgia may also cover more specialized treatments, such as periodontal therapy, endodontic treatments, prosthetic solutions like dentures and bridges, and various oral surgical interventions.

Preventative services are usually covered, including comprehensive examinations, oral cleanings, fillings, and x-rays. Some plans may also cover more specialized treatments within their scope of benefits.

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Here are some basic services that are typically covered by dental insurance plans in Georgia:

  • Emergency care including extractions and root removal
  • 1 filling per tooth per 2 years
  • Initial placement for space maintainers for ages 14 and under
  • Prefabricated stainless steel crowns

In-network coverage for these services is usually 80% after paying the deductible, with some limits applying.

Cost and Affordability

The cost of dental insurance in Georgia can vary significantly, ranging from $15 to $102 per month, or between $180 and $1,224 per year. The average cost nationwide is about $564 per year.

You can save money on your Georgia dental insurance costs by looking for discounts on insurance or comparing providers. For example, you could choose a plan that combines vision and dental benefits to help save on the total insurance cost.

Humana is a leader in affordable dental insurance in Georgia, offering plans starting at $15 per month. Its DHMO plan covers 100% of preventive services and 50% of basic services, with no waiting period.

Here are some estimated monthly premium costs for dental insurance in Georgia:

For many consumers, a dental insurance plan is worth it, especially when you consider the potential savings on out-of-pocket dental costs. Before purchasing a plan, make sure to read the fine print and ask questions if you're confused.

Cheapest: Humana

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Humana offers some of the cheapest dental insurance options in Georgia. Their DHMO plan costs just $15 per month, while their PPO plan costs $17.99 per month.

With Humana's plans, you can get full coverage for preventive services and 50% coverage for basic services. Both plans also have no waiting period, which means you can start using your insurance right away.

Here are some key features of Humana's plans:

  • Large network
  • Low cost
  • Unlimited insurance payouts
  • Lifetime deductible that you only pay once
  • Coverage for preventative care

However, it's worth noting that Humana's plans don't cover major dental procedures like root canals, dentures, implants or orthodontia.

Annual Maximums Limitations

UnitedHealthcare offers plans with annual maximums between $2,000 and $3,000, which is higher than many other providers.

This means you'll have more financial protection in case of unexpected dental expenses. However, if you choose a plan with a lower annual maximum, you'll be responsible for all costs over that amount.

For example, if your plan has a yearly cap of less than $1,500, you'll be on the hook for all expenses over $1,500, which can add up quickly if you need a crown or root canal surgery.

Some dental insurance plans in Georgia have waiting periods for specific treatments, so be sure to check your plan details.

Here's a breakdown of UnitedHealthcare's annual maximums:

  • Preventative coverage: $1,000 to $1,500 per year
  • Basic coverage: $1,000 to $1,500 per year
  • Major coverage: $2,000 to $3,000 per year

Organization

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DHMO plans are usually less expensive than other types of dental coverage. You'll save money by choosing a plan that fits your budget.

You choose a primary provider when you sign up for a DHMO plan in Georgia. This is the dentist or oral health facility you'll visit each time you need dental work.

Most DHMO plans have a copayment system to pay for your services. This means you'll pay a fixed price for a specified dental service.

A copay is a fixed price you pay for a dental service, like $20 for a procedure that costs $100. Your insurance company covers the remaining cost, leaving you with only the copay.

If you visit an out-of-network dentist, your insurance may not cover the visit. This means you'll be responsible for the entire cost of your dental procedure.

Georgia Specific Information

In Georgia, Medicaid coverage for dental services is limited for adults, but children under 21 are eligible for comprehensive dental services through Georgia Medicaid.

Adults enrolled in Medicaid can only receive dental services in life-threatening situations or emergency rooms, and then only on a case-by-case basis.

PeachCare for Kids, Georgia's CHIP, provides coverage to children and pregnant women with income above Medicaid's eligibility limits.

GA Cover

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In Georgia, dental insurance plans cover preventative exams. Routine teeth cleaning is also typically covered.

Preventative exams and teeth cleaning are usually done annually. Fillings are also covered by most dental insurance plans in Georgia.

Fillings are used to repair teeth damaged by decay or injury. X-rays are also covered, which help dentists identify any potential issues.

Dental insurance policies may include periodontics, which is the treatment of gums. Endodontics, which is the treatment of tooth pulp, may also be covered.

Dentures, bridges, and root canals are other surgical treatments that may be included in a dental insurance policy.

Medicaid and CHIP Coverage

Georgia Medicaid provides limited dental coverage for adults, only in life-threatening situations or emergency room visits. This coverage is granted on a case-by-case basis.

Children under 21, however, are eligible for comprehensive dental services through Georgia Medicaid.

PeachCare for Kids, Georgia's CHIP, offers coverage to children and pregnant women with incomes above Medicaid eligibility limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: What types of dental insurance plans are available in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, you can choose from HMO, PPO, and indemnity plans.

Q: How much does dental insurance cost in Georgia?

Dental insurance premiums in Georgia can range from $20 to $50 per month.

Q: What is the average cost of a dental insurance plan in Georgia?

The average cost of a dental insurance plan in Georgia is around $30 per month.

Q: Do I need to have a pre-existing condition to get dental insurance in Georgia?

No, you don't need to have a pre-existing condition to get dental insurance in Georgia.

Q: Can I get dental insurance if I'm over 65 in Georgia?

Yes, you can get dental insurance even if you're over 65 in Georgia.

Q: How do I know which dentist is part of my dental insurance network in Georgia?

You can check your insurance provider's website or call their customer service to find out which dentists are part of their network.

Q: Can I change my dental insurance plan in Georgia if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, you can usually change your dental insurance plan during the annual open enrollment period in Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best dental insurance to have?

Delta Dental is considered the best overall dental insurance option, offering comprehensive coverage at an affordable price with a low annual maximum benefit of $2,000 and a deductible of just $50.

What is the best dental insurance plan in Georgia?

For the best overall dental insurance plan in Georgia, consider Renaissance Dental, which offers comprehensive coverage and excellent benefits. However, other plans like Smart Health Dental and Humana may be a better fit depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Tasha Schumm

Junior Writer

Tasha Schumm is a skilled writer with a passion for simplifying complex topics. With a focus on corporate taxation, business taxes, and related subjects, Tasha has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the industry. Her articles cover a range of topics, from in-depth explanations of corporate taxation in the United States to informative lists and definitions of key business terms.

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