Is Dental Insurance A Waste Of Money?

National Association of Dental Plans continues to advance the dental insurance benefits industry by sharing perspectives, needs, requirements, and views with key stakeholders and the media. On May 5, NADP Executive Director Evelyn F. Ireland, CAE, and Director of Government Relations Kins Hathaway presented their views to various members of Congress regarding implementation issues related to the Affordable Care Act.

NADP applauds the importance placed on oral health as part of health care reform. NADP values oral health and the role of the insurance benefits industry in improving access to affordable, quality dental care.

According to American Dental Association, The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which is the only stage that is reversible. If not treated, gingivitis may lead to a more serious, destructive form of gum/periodontal disease called periodontitis. It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are so important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Do we need an insurance to keep a healthy set of teeth?

“About 61 percent of Americans have dental insurance. Nearly all of them have coverage through work or a group plan like AARP’s, Medicaid, Tricare (for military families) and the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program,” wrote Evelyn Ireland, executive director of the National Association of Dental Plans, in an email interview.

The National Association of Dental Plans released an infographic that shows how different ACA policies work and lays out five different scenarios and the corresponding benefit outcomes for children, depending on whether dental is embedded or standalone. “The infographic shows different kinds ACA-compliant dental plans can result in starkly different degress of overall patient costs, dependending on which scenario is applied,” said Ireland.

“Children’s dental needs are best served with a choice in dental coverage because one size does not fit all,” said Evelyn. “Our analysis clearly shows that, depending on the level of care needed, either embedded or standalone dental could be the better choice when considering the combined overall costs of premiums and out-of-pocket costs for dental care. Having choice is critical for families to get the best dental Insurance for their children.”