Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

XanaDUer2

(10,671 posts)
Thu Feb 29, 2024, 04:28 PM Feb 29

Dental insurance. Question

Looking for dental-insura...
The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support Forums

XanaDUer2
3:04 PM
Looking for dental-insurance suggestions
Retired-disabled, so lost work dental. I have $43/mo dental I'm not happy wroth the cost. I'm used to getting 2 free cleanings and checkups per yr. Yesterday, I had a cleaning that was $167, with this insurance. I was confused.

Staff said they didn't know how much the insurance would pay (!?), and any overpay would be credited to me. I'm still confused.

Any recommendations of decent dental insurance for someone on TRaditional Medicare? I can see how dental is a lure for Medicare Advantage. I'm kinda pissed, and may need a new dentist

15 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Dental insurance. Question (Original Post) XanaDUer2 Feb 29 OP
I don't have any dental ins., on Medicare and go twice a year. flying_wahini Feb 29 #1
Someone said hey Medicare Advantage or XanaDUer2 Feb 29 #3
No. Dental insurance only provides value if your employer is paying. marybourg Feb 29 #2
I may cancel XanaDUer2 Feb 29 #4
The current average overhead of a DDS office is over $600 per hour. Marcus IM Feb 29 #5
Ok. Thank you. Nt XanaDUer2 Feb 29 #6
Delta dental at 45$ a month, 2 cleaning a year + pbmus Feb 29 #7
Thanks for your helpful reply XanaDUer2 Feb 29 #8
Kick XanaDUer2 Feb 29 #9
I have a dental savings plan anciano Mar 1 #10
Thank you!!! XanaDUer2 Mar 1 #11
Numerous companies offer them anciano Mar 1 #12
Thanks so much XanaDUer2 Mar 1 #13
UHC Medicare Advantage Plan trof Mar 5 #14
I have traditional Medicare XanaDUer2 Mar 5 #15

marybourg

(12,631 posts)
2. No. Dental insurance only provides value if your employer is paying.
Thu Feb 29, 2024, 04:37 PM
Feb 29

Otherwise, you’re just pre-paying and having your options narrowed.

Marcus IM

(2,203 posts)
5. The current average overhead of a DDS office is over $600 per hour.
Thu Feb 29, 2024, 04:43 PM
Feb 29

I have no idea how little the hygienists are being paid with insurance paying so little.

Many hygienists are "gig workers" who lease space from a DDS. It's crushing them financially.

Most dentists in my lifetime as a DDS are republican voters. Don't think minimum wages should exist let alone be raised. Most think they are taxed too much. Most think there are too many safety/OSHA/Health Dept regulations. Dentistry, by and large, is a republican profession.

There's several reasons DDS offices are staffed primarily by women. They pay women less, and the DDS relies on the women's partners health insurance plan. I know of no dentist who has a group insurance plan for their employees. It's one of the more exploitive "professions'. Same goes with other medical professions.

I had a hygienist on my staff. Full time. Making a decent salary. Office fee for a basic cleaning was $100 - I absorbed the loss because I saw it as part of my service to my patients.


All the best.





anciano

(995 posts)
10. I have a dental savings plan
Fri Mar 1, 2024, 02:29 PM
Mar 1

instead of traditional insurance. You get a discount on almost all dental services with no annual limit for one low fee (my plan is currently $99/year).
But just like with regular insurance you have to be sure the dental clinic you want to use will accept the plan you're interested in. Best wishes.

anciano

(995 posts)
12. Numerous companies offer them
Fri Mar 1, 2024, 02:43 PM
Mar 1

and they are pretty much the same on coverages. Just Google "dental savings plans" for more info. I personally use Mutual of Omaha, but even they have several variations so that's why it's critical to be sure which specific plan your dental clinic participates in.

XanaDUer2

(10,671 posts)
13. Thanks so much
Fri Mar 1, 2024, 02:46 PM
Mar 1

My dentist may be too chi-chi for me. I may need to go back to my old dentist. Current dentist is the one saying my TMJ treatment is 25k-32k.

XanaDUer2

(10,671 posts)
15. I have traditional Medicare
Tue Mar 5, 2024, 06:50 PM
Mar 5

But thank you for responding with useful information! I may pay out of pocket. I've got serious uninsured tmj work i need done like 30k.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Seniors»Dental insurance. Questio...