Survive the Recession with a Smile; Despite Cuts in Dental Insurance Coverage

Dental care is sometimes viewed as an auxiliary health care item. And the trickle-down consequences of this misaligned view have become more and more apparent during the recession.

As companies cut budgets and the unemployed try to lower their expenses, budget trimmers are often reared toward items like dental insurance and preventive dental care. In recent months, this policy has even been enacted at the state level, as several state-funded dental benefits programs for low-income and disabled adults have either gotten the ax or a last-minute reprieve from the chopping board.

And with an unemployment rate of 9.5%, the highest in 25 years, many Americans are facing even bigger issues than dropped employer-paid dental insurance plans; they’re facing dropped wages altogether.

Faced with no job and no access to either employer-paid dental benefits or state-funded dental benefits, many are left searching for a way to alleviate the burden of paying for dental health care out-of-pocket.

Throughout the U.S., dental patients in a variety of situations are finding themselves left with three options: pay out-of-pocket for dental care expenses, purchase individual dental insurance on their own or find an alternative dental care savings option. 

Facing Out-of-Pocket Dental Care Costs

It’s no secret that dental costs are on the rise, and with recent news about Americans exploring dental tourism, bartering for dental care, waiting all night for free dental care; it’s apparent that paying for dental care costs out-of-pocket is not a viable option for many.

Unfortunately, many try to get through tough spots without dental coverage by avoiding the dentist and hoping for the best. Some are lucky, but some end up feeling a much worse bite when an unexpected issue that could have been prevented requires an emergency trip to the dentist or worse, an emergency room treatment.

Searching for Private Dental Insurance Plans

A recent study by the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) showed that nearly 70% of those with dental benefits have the premiums or fees paid at least partially by an employer. But for those who are unemployed or whose employers have stopped paying for dental benefits, private individual dental insurance plans and family dental insurance plans are one option.

This option is not for everyone though. As a U.S. News and World Health Report pointed out, one downside of private dental insurance is that the plans often require participants to choose from a limited list of providers who accept the plan. In addition, the report lists DentalPlans.com as a viable solution for those who cannot obtain private dental insurance.

Finding Affordable Dental Insurance Alternatives

An option that is rising in popularity for both the uninsured and the underinsured is discount dental plans. These plans are a quick solution that allows individuals and families to receive discounts on most dental care procedures on an annual basis for one annual membership fee.

DentalPlans.com is an industry leader and offers individuals and families more than 30 discount dental plans to choose from. With savings of 10% to 60% on most dental care procedures, it’s no wonder that these plans have grown in popularity over the years.

Dental Plans News Provided by DentalPlans.com