Best Dental Insurance For Unemployed

Unitedhealthcare Dental User Reviews And Ratings

• Scores 7.2 at BetterCompany
• Scores 4.9 at Consumer Advocate

UnitedHealthcare Dental has mostly positive customer reviews across a variety of consumer review websites. The customer service and clear pricing are frequently held up as positive factors, as is the large network of dentists spread across America.

One BestCompany review stated that, ‘co pays are reasonable and affordable’, while another had ‘nice coverage for dental needed emergency dental work and had it done at a nice price.’

Less favorable reviews concerned waiting times, especially when it came to bill settlement and being able to access bigger treatments such as dental implants. One review on Consumer Advocate complained that the company was taking too long to respond to a claim.

• Read our full United Healthcare Dental review for in-depth analysis

Guardian Direct Dental : Best Dental Insurance For Plan Choice

• Customer service issues for some
• Some report delays to bill payments

Guardian Direct Dental Insurance is a division of Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, which is one of the biggest mutual insurance companies in America. The provider holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, plus premium ratings for financial strength and stability.

There are a wide range of dental plans on offer here, with an easy search function accessible via the website so that you can find a dentist within the 100,000+ professionals listed as in-network. This is for both PPO and DHMO plans.

Guardian Direct Dental Insurance plan costs are reasonable, with plans starting for as little as $16 per month. You can access up to 35% discounts on some treatments, with reasonable copay options for larger dental treatments.

The Guardian Dental website offers three step-by-step mini Q& As to help you find the right dental coverage. Just answer the questions to get a hassle-free quote.

Get The Cheapest Health Insurance When Unemployed

Find Cheap Health Insurance Quotes in Your Area

For most people who are unemployed, we recommend getting insurance through the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace.

Although there are several ways to get coverage, the most cost-effective option will be with a plan that reduces your health insurance costs based on your income, as ACA marketplace plans do. For example, a health insurance plan for someone who is recently unemployed can cost $47 per month. That assumes the person chooses a cheap Bronze plan and their total income for the year is $35,000, including the parts of the year when employed.

While Medicaid is even cheaper than the ACA marketplace, it’s only available for those who meet the income requirements, which can be less than $18,754 for individuals in many states. If you recently lost your job or your spouse is employed, it will be harder to qualify for Medicaid because other income sources, including unemployment income, are included when determining eligibility.

When shopping for coverage, watch out for short-term health insurance plans and their high deductibles. The cheap prices of these plans are attractive, but before the benefits kick in, you could have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for medical care.

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Tips For Getting The Best Price

Whether you’re choosing between insurance providers or dental clinics, costs vary wildly. It’s therefore well worth doing a dental insurance comparison of your own to assess different options. Try to get quotes from two or three providers so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. Make sure you are comparing like for like, since there are so many variations in levels of cover.

Once you have settled on a plan you’re happy with, double-check the small print to be sure it covers everything you need.

Also consider how much of an excess you are prepared to pay, if your insurer offers this as an option. As with car insurance, a higher excess will mean lower premiums, but you’ll have to fork out more whenever you make a claim. If you opt for a high excess which may make sense if you want it mainly for emergency cover set that amount aside in a savings account, just in case.

Best For International Students: Img

IMG is our top pick for international students because of its multiple plan options, high maximum limits, and the ability to opt for a low deductible. It also offers maternity coverage and mental health coverage.

• Plans have maximum limits as high as $8 million

• Multiple add-ons and riders available

• Includes prescription drug coverage

• Waiting periods for pre-existing conditions may apply

• Not ranked by J.D. Power

• Lower-tier options do not comply with J1 and J2 visa requirements

If youre an international student studying in the United States, getting quality health insurance is important. If you become ill or are in an accident, medical care can be prohibitively expensive.

Underwritten by the Sirius International Insurance Corporation, IMG has multiple insurance plans for international students that you can customize to meet various needs. Its plans also include prescription drug coverage, allowing you to get necessary medications while in the United States.

IMG allows you to add different coverage options and riders to your policy for an additional cost. Add-on coverage protects you from the loss or theft of your baggage, valuables, and personal papers. It also provides personal liability protection. The availability of these additional coverages may vary with policy type, location, and other factors.

While IMG is not included in the J.D. Power Commercial Member Health Plan Study, its parent company has an A- rating from AM Best.

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Metlife Dental Insurance User Reviews And Ratings

• Rated A+ at Better Business Bureau
• Scores 4.4 via Consumers Advocate

Like a lot of the big dental health insurance companies, MetLife has is rated A+ at the Better Business Bureau, and has a 4.4 star rating at Consumers Advocate. That said, reviews are a mixed bag across different websites, and it seems as though customer service is at the heart of both the positive and negative reviews.

Some praised the service received, while others were frustrated with long wait times on phones, and lack of payments where cover was allegedly not fairly dealt out.

Positive reviews on ConsumerAffairs stated that, ‘There was never an issue with claims processing,’ and that the policy was, ‘an add on to my existing health insurance through my employer. The value was great.’

• Read our full MetLife Dental Insurance review for in-depth analysis

What Are The Health Risks Of Delaying Dental Visits

Just like with medical conditions, dentists stress that preventative care and early detection are key to good oral health.

Dentists not only clean teeth during a regular visit, but they also check for things like oral cancer, which is easier to treat when caught early, said Etminan.

The bacteria present when someone has periodontal, or gum, disease can lead to health issues in other parts of the body, and some research suggests could even lead to the onset of Alzheimers.

If youre scared of dental procedures, catching the problem early is better than waiting.

Something that might have been a simple filling could turn into a root canal, could turn into a tooth that might need to be taken out or extracted, said Judge of Aspen Dental.

Waiting to address tooth issues can even lead to expensive emergency room visits. Dental pain accounts for millions of emergency room visits each year, according to the American Dental Association.

Beyond the medical risks, having bad teeth can impact people emotionally and even financially, Judge said. Interviewing for a job with missing front teeth, for example, may not make the best impression.

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What Are The Different Types Of Dental Plans

Most dental insurance companies offer a variety of plans across many states. That means you should be able to find plans ranging from affordable to ‘gold level’, premium coverage. Here are the most common dental insurance plans available now:

Dental discount plansThese are not full-coverage plans and should not be considered dental insurance, but they do provide discounts for common procedures. Discount plans usually only cost around $10 per month per person and the benefits can be used immediately, without a waiting list.

Preventive-only plansThese low-premium plans may be suitable for those who dont usually need dental work, and will help you cover the cost of preventive exams and cleanings.

Standard individual plansThe most popular dental plan for individuals since it covers most costs associated with preventive exams. Most cover two exams, cleanings and x-rays per year, and will partially cover additional work. There may or may not be a small exam copay.

Family dental plansThese dental plans are similar to standard individual plans. However, many insurance companies will offer the benefit of a family deductible. While most dental plans require a $50 deductible per person, the majority have a maximum family deductible of $150, which could be beneficial to those who need to insure more than three people.

Ehealth Dental Insurance Review

At ConsumersAdvocate.org, we take transparency seriously.

To that end, you should know that many advertisers pay us a fee if you purchase products after clicking links or calling phone numbers on our website.

The following companies are our partners in Dental Insurance: Guardian Direct, Careington, Dental Plans, Ameritas, 1Dental.com, Spirit Dental Insurance, UnitedHealthcare, and Smart Health Dental.

We sometimes offer premium or additional placements on our website and in our marketing materials to our advertising partners. Partners may influence their position on our website, including the order in which they appear on a Top 10 list.

For example, when company ranking is subjective our advertising partners may be ranked higher. If you have any specific questions while considering which product or service you may buy, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

If you choose to click on the links on our site, we may receive compensation. If you don’t click the links on our site or use the phone numbers listed on our site we will not be compensated. Ultimately the choice is yours.

The analyses and opinions on our site are our own and our editors and staff writers are instructed to maintain editorial integrity. Our brand, ConsumersAdvocate.org, stands for accuracy and helpful information. We know we can only be successful if we take your trust in us seriously!

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How Do I Get Health Insurance If I Lose My Job

There are many ways to get health insurance if you lose your job. The first is COBRA, which allows you to keep your previous employer’s insurance plan but can be expensive. Becoming unemployed also qualifies you for a special enrollment period, which means you can purchase any new insurance policy for up to 60 days after you lose your job. In some states, short-term health coverage is an affordable option that can keep you insured for up to 364 days while you look for new work.

What Is Cobra Insurance And Is It Worth It

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, commonly known as COBRA, is a federally mandated program through which you can retain your employer’s policy for up to 18 months. If you do elect COBRA coverage, be prepared to pay significantly higher monthly premiums youll be required to cover the amount your employer was contributing plus a 2% administration fee. COBRA often isnt worth it, as most unemployed individuals can find a much more affordable policy on the marketplace.

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I Cant Afford To Fix My Broken Teeth What Can I Do

The good news is that dentists can do amazing restoration work on broken teeth, making them look as good or even better than before they were broken.

The bad news is that getting damaged teeth fixed can be costly. Depending on the condition of the broken tooth, your other teeth, and your bones and gums, you may be looking at a bill ranging from $800 to several thousand dollars. And the price goes way up if you want or need a dental implant.

Typically, a dentist fixes a broken tooth with a root canal to clear out any infected tissues, followed by a crown which is basically a partial or full replacement for the damaged tooth. In some cases, the broken tooth can be repaired with overlays, bonding, or other techniques. Your dentist will explain the options.

Dont delay getting broken teeth fixed. In some cases, when the damaged tooth is in the back of your mouth, you may be tempted to just leave it alone because it doesnt show when you smile. But a broken tooth can leave your gums open to infection, can cause your other teeth to shift position, and cause other dental and health problems. You do have options for affordable dental care!

Community Dental Clinics

Community dental clinics offer provide dental services for a low fee. Your local public hospital may have a community dental clinic or may be able to refer you to one. You can also do an internet search for community dental clinics.

Dental Schools

Dentists

Dental Insurance

What Do You Do If You Dont Have Health Insurance

If you find yourself without health insurance and need medical attention, you should be prepared to pay full out-of-pocket costs for any treatment you receive. In case of an emergency, U.S. law prohibits hospitals from refusing treatment due to your financial situation. However, if you truly are unable to afford coverage, you should see if you qualify for insurance through Medicaid.

If you dont meet Medicaid requirements, you should consider purchasing a low-cost catastrophic plan to protect you financially in case of serious injury or illness.

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Let Us Help You Choose The Right Nova Scotia Dental Insurance Plan

At SBIS, we have helped residents in Nova Scotia and throughout Canada select the dental insurance plan that meet their needs for more than 25 years. Let us put our experience to work for you. When you work with us, you will reap a variety of benefits, including:

• Financial protection and peace of mind because you have the insurance coverage you need to enjoy routine dental care.
• Access to high quality, affordable dental insurance plans with different levels of protection to meet your needs.
• Knowledgeable professionals who will work with you to assess your coverage needs and help you review the Nova Scotia Dental Insurance Plans available to choose from.

Choose SBIS to get the protection you need for you and your family at a price you can afford. A live person answers each and every phone call, Monday to Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time.

Buy A Dental Insurance Plan With No Waiting Period

If youre in a pinch and need dental coverage right away, you can with Delta Dental and see your dentist immediately. We offer five unique and affordable dental plans with no waiting period. This means you can focus on the important things like finding a new job instead of worrying about your dental coverage.

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Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Procedures

Insurance companies typically do not cover procedures that could be classified as cosmetic, such as braces or implants. Discount plans, however, recognize that these procedures are not always performed solely for cosmetic reasons, and they may offer a cost reduction regardless of the fact. If a person feels that he or she could use some smile improvement before venturing out into the job market, a discount plan could be a solution.

Select A Dental Discount Plan

Dental discount plans are not insurance. You pay an annual fee to join the discount plan and you also pay the dentist directly the entire cost of services provided by the dentist at a discounted rate negotiated between the dentist who participates in the discount plan and the referring company.³ There are key differences between how dental insurance and dental discount plans treat preventive care, dental procedures, access to dentists, costs, waiting periods, annual maximums and savings bundles that you will need to consider as part of your options.

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Dental Insurance Options If You Lose Your Job

Losing your job and the dental benefits that come with it is a stressful event. Whether you were terminated, you were laid off or you are leaving voluntarily, you still have to deal with significant financial issues that come with income insecurity. Now, you not only have to worry about your standard bills, but you also have to figure out a way to get health and dental insurance while youre unemployed. Dont panic though, because here are some health and dental insurance plan options youll want to know about in case youre unexpectedly thrust into an unemployment situation.

As soon as youve lost your job, check out your current insurance benefits. Find out when your benefits get cut off. You may discover that your health and dental coverage continues through the end of the month. If thats the case, make a dentist appointment while you still can, as every week of extra coverage matters.

Why Is Dental Work So Expensive

Cost is the No. 1 deterrent for going to the dentist because even those with dental insurance end up paying for much of their care out-of-pocket.

The Urban Institute surveyed average annual dental spending from 2015 to 2018 and found the annual cost for adults slowly increases with age from $198 for those ages 20 to 29 to $532 for those ages 70 to 75.

And costs have only gone up since the start of the pandemic due to the labor shortages and inflation that has impacted every other industry, said Adam Powell, a health care economist and president of consulting firm Payer+Provider Syndicate.

In general, there’s been tremendous medical inflation that’s been seen over the past year, he said.

In fact, the price of dental services had the largest monthly change ever recorded when the cost went up 1.9% in June, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics which began tracking such numbers in 1995. And those prices rose 9.1% from a year earlier, making it the largest 12-month increase since 1981, according to the consumer price index.

Powell said that dental offices have also suffered a reduction in labor supply post-pandemic as more people chose to stay home and care for children instead of paying for child care. They have to pay people more to compensate, he said.

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