In Ohio, there are several dental insurance options available for individuals and families. How much does dental insurance cost in Ohio? For adults purchasing stand-alone or family dental coverage through HealthCare.gov, premiums range from $16 to $100 per month. According to an IHC Specialty Benefits report, the average monthly premium for a stand-alone family dental plan sold in Ohio in 2022 was $41.38 per month. (SOURCE)
Why is Dental Coverage Important?
The cost of dental coverage remains an added expense for millions of American households. For many Americans the out-of-pocket cost of dental insurance continue to rise. In fact, even before the pandemic about 15% of Americans forwent dental care because of the cost associated with it. However, 80% of Americans who had dental insurance saw their dentist within a year. With delayed care, the consequences of not seeing your dentist regularly can cost you. There is an increased probability of cavities, gum disease, and more.
For instance, many do not realize that bacteria from the mouth can travel to other parts of the body through your bloodstream. Even leading some to have heart conditions along with infections in different areas of the body.
We know that dental care is important for overall health and wellness. Here are some of the ways you can get dental coverage in Ohio.
Ohio Dental Options Include:
Employer-Sponsored Dental Insurance:
Many employers offer dental insurance as part of their employee benefits package. It’s a common way for individuals to access dental coverage at a reduced group rate. However, you do not have to elect to have the plan your employer provides. You can also elect to call AUI and have our brokers find a plan that will be accepted by the provider of your choice. Not all plans cover all providers.
Individual Dental Insurance Plans:
You can purchase individual dental insurance plans directly from insurance providers. These plans vary in coverage, premiums, and network providers. It’s essential to compare different plans to find one that meets your specific needs and budget. It is important to evaluate all your choices and make sure your preferred provider accepts the coverage you elect. AUI can help you with this, no one wants to chose a plan only to find out you can not see the dentist you and your family have used for years.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) Plans:
DHMO plans require you to choose a primary dentist and get referrals to see specialists. These plans often have lower premiums but may have limitations on the choice of dentists.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans:
The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) reports that 82 percent of dental policies are dental PPOs. PPO plans offer more flexibility in choosing your dentist and don’t require referrals to see specialists. You’ll typically pay less if you use in-network dentists but can still see out-of-network providers at a higher cost.
Dental Discount Plans:
Dental discount plans are not insurance but can provide discounted rates for dental services at participating dentists. You pay an annual fee upfront to access the discounts. Or you may elect to split the payment into monthly installments to cover the costs of the annual membership program. Again, make sure that your preferred provider accepts this type of plan before you purchase it. You will also want to let your provider know that you have a discount plan at the time you make your appointment and they will charge you at the agreed discounted rate.
Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program):
Medicaid and CHIP may offer dental coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families. Coverage and benefits may vary based on income and other factors. If you are not sure if you would qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you can review the fact sheet for the Ohio CHIP program HERE.
Dental Savings Plans:
Dental savings plans work like discount plans, where you pay an annual fee and receive discounts on dental services from participating dentists.
It’s important to carefully review the details of each plan, including coverage, premiums, deductibles, waiting periods, and coverage limits, to determine which dental insurance option is best suited for your needs.
How Can AUI Help:
Talk to us. AUI offers a full range of dental insurance for you to choose from. If you are a business owner, dental can be a great addition to your company’s benefit offerings. If your current company does not offer a great dental plan, you can elect to work with AUI to find a dental insurance plan that will work for you and your family. It does not cost anything to use AUI for your dental insurance needs, but we can help make sure that your preferred provider is part of your new network. We can also help you make sure that you are getting the right level of dental coverage for your needs.
Do not feel like you must figure dental coverage out alone. Contact us today to get started with the team of knowledgeable brokers at AUI.
