Q: I've recently retired from a job. I'm looking for some help because I have problems with my teeth and can not afford services. The upshot of my recent dental check up was that I needed 5 extractions of my upper teeth, full upper denture, a root canal, and a few other services. Total bill was $3,000! One of my teeth is lose and I'd like to see a dentist again soon, but I can not afford the whole bill. Is there a dental payment plan option available to retirees and seniors?
P. C., Dumfries, VA
A: I am getting a lot of questions about payment plans recently. The fact is, people are faced with substantial amount of dental work and just don't see how they can cope with the costs. There are medical and dental financing options, and many dentist offices will offer financing options. Usually they go through Care Credit or Capital One. However, many times, the applications are rejected because of the applicant's low credit score. Also, many times, with a payment plan, the interests are significant so over time, the patient ends up paying even more. A great suggestion for people who would like to afford their dental services is to become a member of a fee-for-service plan. This is how a fee-for-service (or discount) plan works: For a small monthly membership fee, typically less than $20, you are guaranteed a significantly lower cost of your dental, vision, etc. services at participating service providers. In principle, you, the patient, are responsible for the payment of the discounted price at the time of service. However, with a significantly lower cost of services, you may now more easily qualify for the dental payment plan, and, if your application for credit is accepted, your monthly payments will be lower too.
Coming back to your question, P. C., I recommend to purchase one of the fee-for-service or discount plans right away. They usually have no waiting periods, or at most a few days waiting periods. They will save you as much as 15-60% on services that you need now. Some even save 80% on dental check ups. And, if you still need a payment plan after savings, I recommend to consult with the dentist office first. Enjoy your new teeth!
--Dental Cool
Recommended links
Dental Fee-For-Service or Discount Plans
www.carecredit.com
Showing posts with label extractions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label extractions. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 21
Dental Check Up: Need 5 Extractions, Upper Dentures, and a Root Canal. Seniors Dental Insurance. Wants Help Paying for Root Canal.
Tuesday, October 20
Urgently Seeking Oral Surgery Insurance: Case Manager in a Large Hospital Needing Oral Surgery Plan for a Patient
Q: I'm a case manager in a large California health center. I'm looking for a dental insurance plan that includes oral surgery insurance for a patient. He is a senior citizen on medicare and medicaid. I've been searching for three months now for an affordable oral surgeon for him. Medicare and Medicaid are of no help. My patient is in pain, has problems with his gums and would need immediate help and surgery by oral surgeon.
J. S., Modesto, CA
A: It never ceases to astound me how little sometimes Medicare ad Medicaid can help people in real need. I often get calls by people who have state sponsored insurance but are having no luck finding an appropriate dental provider that accepts Medicare or Medicaid. I suppose the government bureaucracy and paperwork requirements combined with inadequate payment schedules are driving dentists away from accepting Medicare and Medicaid.
J. S., please keep in mind that, in California, there will be no dental coverage by Denti-cal ( dental Medicaid) for any adults age 21 or over except in special circumstances. This will go into effect on July 1, 2009.
To improve your patient's condition, the best solution would be to purchase an additional private coverage for your patient. I would suggest one of the dental savings plans. Your patient will be able to save anywhere from 20-80% on the cost of treatment of gums and for oral surgeries. Most of the plans include all specialists including oral surgeons in their preferred provider lists. These savings will start instantly, at the latest in a few days, so your patient can finally see the oral surgeon and get out of pain.
--Dental Cool
Related links
Dental Surgery Insurance
Dental Savings Plans
J. S., Modesto, CA
A: It never ceases to astound me how little sometimes Medicare ad Medicaid can help people in real need. I often get calls by people who have state sponsored insurance but are having no luck finding an appropriate dental provider that accepts Medicare or Medicaid. I suppose the government bureaucracy and paperwork requirements combined with inadequate payment schedules are driving dentists away from accepting Medicare and Medicaid.
J. S., please keep in mind that, in California, there will be no dental coverage by Denti-cal ( dental Medicaid) for any adults age 21 or over except in special circumstances. This will go into effect on July 1, 2009.
To improve your patient's condition, the best solution would be to purchase an additional private coverage for your patient. I would suggest one of the dental savings plans. Your patient will be able to save anywhere from 20-80% on the cost of treatment of gums and for oral surgeries. Most of the plans include all specialists including oral surgeons in their preferred provider lists. These savings will start instantly, at the latest in a few days, so your patient can finally see the oral surgeon and get out of pain.
--Dental Cool
Related links
Dental Surgery Insurance
Dental Savings Plans
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)