Dental Insurance in Tennessee – Everything You Need to Know

If you live in Tennessee, dental insurance is an essential part of your healthcare plan. Dental care can be expensive, and without insurance, even routine checkups and cleanings can be unaffordable. If you’re looking to buy dental insurance in Tennessee, this article will help you understand everything you need to know.

What is Dental Insurance?

Dental insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs of dental care. It helps pay for everything from routine checkups and cleanings to more extensive procedures like root canals and braces. Dental insurance is available through private insurers or as part of a larger healthcare plan, like Medicare or Medicaid.

In Tennessee, there are several types of dental insurance available, including individual plans, family plans, and group plans. Individual plans are for people who don’t have coverage through their employer or another group plan, while family plans cover everyone in the household. Group plans are offered through employers or other organizations, and usually provide better rates than individual plans.

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Dental insurance usually covers a percentage of the cost of dental care, up to a certain amount each year. The exact coverage and limits depend on the plan you choose, but most plans cover:

It’s important to note that most dental insurance plans have a waiting period before you can use the coverage for major procedures like root canals or crowns. This waiting period can range from 6-12 months, so it’s important to plan accordingly if you know you’ll need more extensive dental work in the near future.

How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost in Tennessee?

The cost of dental insurance in Tennessee varies depending on the plan you choose and your location. On average, individual plans cost between $25-$75 per month, while family plans can cost upwards of $150 per month. Group plans may be less expensive, since the employer or organization usually covers part of the cost.

When you’re comparing plans, it’s important to look at more than just the monthly premium. You should also consider the deductible (the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in), the annual maximum (the most the insurance will pay out in a year), and the coverage limits for different types of procedures.

Where Can I Buy Dental Insurance in Tennessee?

There are several ways to buy dental insurance in Tennessee. You can:

• Purchase a plan directly from a private insurance company, like Delta Dental or MetLife.
• Use an online insurance marketplace, like Healthcare.gov or eHealthInsurance.com.
• Buy a plan through your employer or other organization.

When you’re shopping for dental insurance, it’s important to do your research and compare plans from multiple providers. Look for a plan that provides the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between dental insurance and dental discount plans?

Dental insurance works like any other insurance plan – you pay a monthly premium and the insurance company pays a portion of your dental expenses. Dental discount plans, on the other hand, offer discounted rates on dental procedures for members of the plan. You pay an annual fee to join the plan, and then you can access discounted rates for dental care from participating providers.

2. Does dental insurance cover cosmetic procedures?

Dental insurance usually does not cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or veneers. These procedures are considered elective and are not medically necessary.

3. Can I use my dental insurance immediately?

Most dental insurance plans have a waiting period before you can use coverage for major procedures like root canals or crowns. The waiting period can range from 6-12 months, so it’s important to plan accordingly if you know you’ll need more extensive dental work in the near future.

4. Can I keep my dentist if I switch dental insurance plans?

It depends on the plan you choose. Some plans have a network of participating providers, and you may need to choose a new dentist if your current provider is not in the network. Other plans allow you to see any dentist you choose, but you may receive less coverage if the dentist is out of network.

5. Is dental insurance worth the cost?

That depends on your individual needs and budget. If you have healthy teeth and only need routine care, you may not need dental insurance. However, if you have ongoing dental issues or anticipate needing more extensive procedures in the future, dental insurance can save you money in the long run.