You need to get dental insurance. But, you’re not exactly sure how to do it.
Acquiring the best dental insurance for you and your family should be a priority.
So, if you’re trying to obtain dental coverage, especially if you live in Nevada, then this guide is for you.
What is dental insurance?
Dental insurance is a part of health insurance coverage that covers the costs of dental care. However, dental coverage can be obtained as a separate standalone plan. In the Marketplace, there are two categories of dental coverage: high coverage level and low coverage level.
High coverage level: Higher premiums but lower copayments and deductibles. The cost is higher every month, but less when you use dental services.
Low coverage level: Lower premiums but higher copayments and deductibles. The cost is lower every month, but more when you use dental services.
HealthCare.Gov states that oral care is an essential health benefit, but adult dental care isn’t. Additionally, adult dental care may be offered as a part of a health plan depending on your state’s program. If you are obtaining dental care for someone aged 18 or under, dental coverage must be available as either a health plan or as a separate plan.
How does dental insurance work in Nevada?
The process of getting dental insurance in Nevada is very similar to getting medical insurance. With some plans, you are required to pay monthly premiums which entitles you to specific dental services such as x-rays, cleaning, and check-ups. These services operate under the principle of quality general dental care. Some plans will have broader coverage and allow you to receive more benefits, such as crowns, extractions, etc.
There are three types of dental plans you can acquire in Nevada:
- Indemnity Dental Insurance Plan: IDIP enables you to stay with your dentist when he/she doesn’t participate in a dental network. The dentist gets paid by the insurance company a percentage of your services depending on your policy. This plan may include waiting periods, copayments, annual limitations, etc.
- Dental Health Managed Organization (DMHO): This plan enables you access to a dentist who has accepted insurance fee schedules for services, acting as an In-Network Provider. DHMO typically has little or no waiting periods and covers a majority of dental work near the start of the policy period. Dentures, crowns, fillings, etc may have various limitations.
- Participating Provider Network (PPO): PPO works similarly to DMHO except allowing you to use an Out-of-Network or Non-Participating Provider. If there is a difference of fees, the patient will have the financial responsibility unless otherwise specified in the dental policy.
Contact us for any questions or information about dental insurance in Nevada
How much does dental insurance cost in Nevada?
The dental insurance rates in Nevada depends on several factors. The rates may vary state to state, so it’s important to always check and keep up-to-date with your state’s program and policies.
1. It depends on the type of plan you choose
Normally, the bigger the dental coverage the higher the cost.
Above, you discussed the difference between the ‘High Coverage Level’ and ‘Low Coverage Level.’ If you’re going to have a plan that covers expensive dental surgeries, provides shorter waiting periods, etc, then you should expect to pay a higher monthly cost.
2. It depends on if it’s part of a health plan or not
You can get dental coverage in Nevada with Medicaid or partially Medicare programs depending on your criteria and circumstances. Medicaid covers dental care for children up to 21 years of age and for adults, emergency dental examinations and extractions.
For those who are 65 years or older and have specific disabilities, Medicare can provide dental coverage, but it is limited. See what dental services are covered in Medicare.
However, if you want to go to the separate plan path, most dental plan providers charge a basic coverage from around $15 to $100 monthly and comprehensive coverage from around $30 to $200. Their coverage options differ such as availability of cosmetic dentistry.
How to apply for dental insurance in Nevada?
There are several ways to get dental insurance in Nevada. These are the recommended surefire ways to give your teeth the best love in Nevada at a low cost.
1. If you are acquiring a health plan
By the time you decide to embark on a quest to acquire affordable health insurance, you can hit two birds with one stone if you opt for dental coverage at the same time!
As mentioned before, Medicaid provides dental coverage for children and adults.
There is a slight issue with Medicare program’s dental coverage because it doesn’t provide the mandatory dental services like Medicaid. However, it is still possible to obtain dental services for emergency cases. We have written about the Medicare program and how to enroll in it.
2. If you are acquiring a separate dental plan
Acquiring an affordable, high coverage and quality standalone dental care is an alternative option. At Nevada Benefits, we have a huge wealth of information for many different types of health insurance coverage, including dental care.
Contact us for recommended dental service providers in Nevada