What to Do When You Don’t Have Insurance
We all know that keeping our teeth and mouth healthy is important. But knowing what’s important and being able to pay for it are two entirely different things. In fact, about 40% of adults have no dental insurance coverage at all. Without this important financial protection, it can be difficult to make dental health a priority.
Luckily, there are options available to you to help make dental costs affordable, even if you don’t have insurance. Here are some alternative options for paying for dental care:
Try a Payment Plan
The dental profession is aware of how stressful it can be when you need dental work but you don’t have any help to pay for it. That’s why many dentists make no-interest or low-interest payment plans available. Most dentists offer more than one type of financing. For example, a standard loan for major expenses and a credit card type for more routine services. Today’s dental practices also accept major credit cards. In addition to financing plans, some dentists offer discounted care to those with limited resources.
Join a Membership Plan
Many dentists offer special membership plans, which give patients access to discounted services. Most membership plans require you to pay a monthly fee in order to participate. Membership plans are often set up as tiered plans with higher monthly fees for access to more services. Unlike insurance plans, services are only available through the dentist offering the plan. Despite this, they can offer a substantial savings.
SBS Dental Plan
For those who prefer an insurance-style arrangement, a Specialty Benefit Solutions (SBS) plan offers the security of a standard insurance policy along with discounted costs. SBS plans are often provided by employers as a supplement to medical insurance and other benefits. When you enroll you get access to a network of providers to offer their services at special rates for members.
Each of the above has its advantages and disadvantages. If you have an established relationship with a dental provider then financing with that dentist may be the way to go. For many people, however, a more flexible plan such as an SBS dental plan offers the best of both worlds. You get access to a network of providers and you pay a discounted cost, and it is a great alternative when dental insurance isn’t available to you.