Seeking Advice on Dental Insurance Options
Hello everyone,
I’m currently exploring dental PPO insurance and have come across two potential plans. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these options or any insights you might have regarding their legitimacy. Here are the details:
Option 1: NCD Complete by MetLife – $91/month
– Annual Maximum: $10,000
– Coverage Highlights:
– Cleanings: 100% covered
– White fillings: 65-90% covered
– Crowns: 10-60% covered
– Root canals: 10-60% covered
– Simple extractions: 65-90% covered
– Plan Maximums:
– $10,000 per year for general services
– $3,000 per year for implants
– Deductible: $100 per person for basic and major services in the first year; waived thereafter.
– Waiting Periods: None
– Thoughts: The high annual maximum is appealing, but it feels almost too good to be true. I did confirm this plan on MetLife’s website, but as a first-time buyer, I’m uncertain if there’s a catch.
Option 2: Essential Choice Incentive by Anthem Blue Cross – $57/month
– Annual Maximum: $2,500
– Coverage Highlights:
– Cleanings: 100% covered
– White fillings: 60-80% covered
– Crowns: 30-50% covered
– Root canals: 30-50% covered
– Simple extractions: 60-80% covered
– Plan Maximums:
– $2,500 per year
– $1,000 lifetime benefit for qualified orthodontics
– Deductible: $50 per person, max $150 per family; waived for diagnostic and preventive services with in-network providers.
– Lifetime Benefit for Orthodontics: $150 per person
– Waiting Periods: None
– Thoughts: Although this plan is much cheaper, the lower maximum coverage raises concerns about its value. I verified its credibility on the Anthem Blue Cross website, but I’m hesitant about the coverage limits.
Additional Option: Dental Savings Plan from Aetna
– Annual Cost: Approximately $220
– Coverage: Claims to offer a percentage off cosmetic procedures and other treatments, which could be beneficial for whitening, veneers, etc.
– Network: Part of the Aetna network; I plan to check with my preferred dentist to see if they accept it. I’ve heard mixed reviews about dental savings plans—some swear by them, while others have had bad experiences.
I would greatly appreciate any advice from those who have experience with these plans or with dental PPOs and savings options in general.
Thank you!
Hi there!
It sounds like you’ve done your research and are weighing your options thoughtfully, which is great! Here are some considerations for each of the plans you’ve mentioned:
1. NCD Complete by MetLife:
– The high annual maximum of $10,000 is definitely appealing, especially if you anticipate needing more extensive dental work.
– Be cautious about the coverage rates for crowns and root canals; the lower percentages (10-60%) mean you could end up paying a significant amount out-of-pocket for those procedures.
– It’s a big advantage that the deductible disappears after the first year, and having no waiting periods is a huge plus.
– Overall, it seems like a solid option if you’re expecting to use your insurance for more than just routine cleanings.
2. Essential Choice Incentive by Anthem Blue Cross:
– While the lower monthly premium is attractive, the much lower annual maximum of $2,500 might limit your coverage if you find yourself needing major work done.
– The waiver of the deductible for preventive services is beneficial, especially for regular cleanings.
– If your dental needs are mostly routine, this plan could be sufficient. However, make sure to evaluate how much coverage you might need in the event of an unexpected dental issue.
3. Dental Savings Plan from Aetna:
– These plans can be hit or miss depending on the provider network and how much you end up saving compared to what you would pay without insurance.
– They typically provide discounts rather than insurance-style coverage, so if you often need cosmetic work, this could be worth considering.
– It’s definitely a good idea to check if your preferred dentist accepts this plan, as networks can vary widely.
General Advice:
In essence, if you anticipate needing more than regular cleanings and some fillings, the MetLife plan might be the better choice, while the Anthem plan could be suitable for preventive care with minimal needs. The dental savings plan is a different beast altogether and would be more about upfront savings than comprehensive coverage.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your decision!