Do You Really Need Dental Insurance in Florida?

Dental insurance is often a matter of choice. While employers all over the state offer their employees medical insurance and discount prescription plans, dental insurance in Florida is not as readily available—at least through employers. Is this a sign that dental insurance is an expenditure that many of us can do without?

Your Smile and Your Health

Multiple studies throughout the last several years have linked the condition of the gums and teeth to various other health concerns. While some conditions such as cardiovascular disease and pregnancy issues may come as a result of poor oral care, gum disease and other issues of the mouth could indicate a much more serious underlying issue like osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS and even diabetes. Dental insurance in Florida is very important not only for your smile, but also for your overall health. Seeing your dentist at least twice per year for regular cleanings may actually help you catch certain disorders in their early stages.

Is it Complicated?

Since many people are familiar with the difficulty associated with navigating endless highways of HMOs and prescription providers, they simply do not want to start the process all over again when it comes to their dental insurance in Florida. However, dental insurance is incredibly easy to understand, and even if the carrier uses a network—or a specific group of service providers whose services are covered under the insurance plan—dental networks tend to be much larger than general healthcare networks. This means that regardless of where you live and regardless of your dental plan, you should have no trouble finding a dentist, understanding your plan, and getting the care you need.

Money-Saving Benefits

Even if you visit your dentist’s office only twice per year and you have managed to stay cavity-free, the aging process causes significant changes within the mouth. This means that gum disease, cavities, and other malaises may rear their ugly heads at any time. Without dental coverage, the out-of-pocket costs for the treatment of these conditions can skyrocket. The average cost of dental insurance in Florida that covers up to 100% of preventative care as well as 50% of dental procedures and orthodontics with a $1,000 annual limit is less than $20 per month for an individual, about $30 per month for a couple, and less than $50 per month for your entire family.

Things to Consider

You should keep in mind that many dental insurance companies work on a reimbursement basis, meaning that you might be required to pay the entire cost of your procedure—with the exception of preventative care—up front and wait for the insurance company to reimburse you. Preventative care is that which prevents dental issues like cavities, so these plans will pay for two cleanings per year. If you need to have a cavity filled, your out of pocket costs will range from 20% to 50%. Finally, if you or someone in your family needs braces, dentures or a partial, you will be expected to pay for half of this.

So, do you really need dental insurance in Florida? If you want to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible, then the answer is yes. For a relatively low monthly premium, you and your family will have access to free preventative care and receive huge discounts on major procedures.