Should I invest in dental insurance?
I recently learned from my dentist that I need to have my wisdom teeth removed. At the time, I was waiting for my Medicaid application to be approved, which it eventually was. However, just a week before my consultation, I received a call saying my Medicaid was no longer active because we no longer qualify. Now, I’m facing a cost estimate of $1,600-$1,800 for the removal.
Is it worth getting dental insurance to cover this expense, or should I just pay out of pocket? I’ve been exploring different plans, but some seem costly—like one that charges $150 a month with a 12-month waiting period that only pays 50% for oral surgeries, making it more expensive than paying out of pocket. Others have no waiting period but only cover 20% in the first year. What should I do?
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation! Whether dental insurance is worth it in your case depends on a few factors:
Immediate Need: Since you need to have your wisdom teeth removed soon, consider the timeline of available insurance coverage versus your immediate needs. If plans are offering a long waiting period, they might not be beneficial for you right now.
Cost Comparison: It’s important to compare the potential costs of insurance against the out-of-pocket expense of the surgery. If the insurance plans you’re looking at would ultimately cost more than just paying for the procedure directly, it might not be worth it.
Future Dental Needs: Think about your future dental care needs as well. If you anticipate needing more work done beyond the wisdom teeth removal, insurance could be a better investment in the long run.
Alternative Options: Investigate other options for financing the procedure. Some dental offices offer payment plans or financing options that could help make the cost more manageable.
Consult Your Dentist: Speak with your dentist about the necessity and timing of the surgery. They might have suggestions on how to proceed without straining your finances.
Overall, if getting insurance involves high monthly premiums and waiting periods, and you’re comfortable paying the $1,600-$1,800 out of pocket, that may be the easier route for now. Just keep an eye on your future dental needs and potential insurance options that may be more favorable down the line.