Dental Insurance Articles
Dental Insurance Coverage For Toddlers
2010-08-17
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children see a dentist for the first time when they are 12 months old. This is primarily a preventive visit to gather familial dental history, determine possible problems that may arise in the future and establish good dental practices at a young age. Subsequent visits should be every six months, depending upon the overall oral health of your child. Most dentists prefer to see children for the first time between the ages of 12 and 24 months. If you are like most parents, you might not exactly know what your dental plan covers. Typically, most dental plans cover two exams and two cleanings per year. Some dental plans cover sealant treatments as well. Dental coverage differs between each insurance company. Be sure to check with your carrier to determine when your child is eligible to receive benefits.
If you are unable to buy dental coverage through your work, here are a few options to ensure your child has access to dental care. For low-income families, programs such as the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) maybe a possibility. Each state has its own guidelines for eligibility. For more information, check the website for your state's department of health. For those who are not eligible for CHIP, it may be possible to buy low cost dental insurance for as little as $8 per month. As with any dental plan, be sure to understand what each plan covers and what portion of the overall cost you must pay.
If you are researching family dental plans, there are three basic types: managed care dental insurance, indemnity dental insurance and discount dental plans. Managed care dental insurance is through a PPO or DHMO. You will have to choose a dentist in-network, but your out-of-pocket costs and the hassle of paperwork will be less. This is the most commonly-used dental plan. Indemnity dental insurance allows you to choose whatever dentist you like, but you have to pay a deductible or pay up front. There are a lot more claims and paperwork involved, but it gives you more flexibility than a DHMO or PPO. Discount dental programs are often not considered true insurance, but if your dentist participates in any of these programs, it can greatly reduce the cost of dental care. In this case, you present your card to your dentist and receive your discount immediately. All three plans have positive and negative aspects to them. You need to evaluate the needs of your family and choose the dental plan that is best for you.