Orthodontic Insurance Plans: Are Braces Covered?

How to Choose the Right Dental Insurance for Orthodontics

• Limestone Hills Orthodontics provides free insurance verification as part of the services included in your free consultation. We will check everything for you and make suggestions if you need to acquire dental insurance through your employer.

• We do not accept HMO plans but we have seasonal sales and currently you can get up to $1250 off your braces, 0 interest financing and even 0 down if we can’t use your HMO insurance. So give us a try anyway!
• Dental insurance plans vary greatly in their coverage of orthodontic services like braces, which may be subject to age restrictions, annual or lifetime benefit limits, and requirements for dental or medical necessity.
• Orthodontic coverage often includes separate lifetime maximums, typically covering up to 50 percent of the cost for braces, and policies might have specific limitations such as age caps, waiting periods, and whether the treatment is considered medically necessary.
• Alternative options for obtaining braces coverage include supplemental orthodontic insurance, employer-sponsored dental plans, government programs, and utilizing cost-saving strategies such as FSAs, HSAs, payment plans, dental school services, and discount dental plans.

Understanding Dental Insurance and Orthodontic Coverage

Dental insurance, a separate policy from your regular health insurance, is designed to help cover the costs of dental services. This includes orthodontic treatments like braces. While some plans might partially or fully cover the cost of braces, orthodontic coverage for dental bills can vary greatly between plans. Therefore, understanding the specifics of your dental insurance plan is fundamental to avoid unexpected costs.

While children’s dental care and insurance is often included or available through their health insurance plans, adult dental insurance, including coverage for braces, typically requires a separate plan. This difference is due to the varying benefits between adult and child coverage. So, it’s not just about asking, “Does dental insurance cover braces?” but also “Does my dental insurance cover braces for me or my child?”

Types of Dental Insurance Plans

When it comes to dental insurance, one size does not fit all. There are various types of dental insurance plans, each with its own structure and potential orthodontic insurance coverage for orthodontic care. Private individual and family plans, as well as employer-sponsored dental insurance options, are common structures for providing dental insurance coverage.

There are several types of dental insurance plans that offer unique benefits and potential drawbacks. These include:

• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) plans: we accept all PPO plans at Limestone Hills Orthodontics.

• Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO): we do not accept HMO plans, but we have special discounts up to $1250 and in house and third party financing for HMO patients.
• Indemnity Plans
• Direct Reimbursement
• Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPO)
• Table or Schedule of Allowances Plans

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right dental insurance plan to cover braces and other orthodontic treatments.

Orthodontic Coverage Basics

Orthodontic coverage can be a bit of a puzzle. Dental plans generally classify services into four categories:

1. Diagnostic and preventive care
2. Basic restorative care
3. Major restorative care
4. Orthodontic services, which include braces and other treatments

Orthodontic services usually have a separate lifetime maximum and are often covered at a 50 percent level of coverage. This means that your dental insurance may cover up to 50 percent of the cost for braces, subject to a certain amount per person such as $1500 but up to $3000 depending on the plan.

Remember, dental insurance policies might cover alternatives to traditional metal braces, like ceramic braces and Invisalign, albeit with certain conditions and limitations. Coverage might also vary for out-of-network services, and insurance may necessitate co-payments for orthodontic treatments. Therefore, understanding these nuances is key to maximizing your orthodontic coverage.

Best Dental Insurance for Braces of 2024

In 2024, the best dental insurance for braces is the Humana Dental Loyalty Plus Plan. This plan is a standout due to its comprehensive coverage for orthodontic care, including braces. Not only does it offer a one-time deductible for the life of the plan, but it also provides increasing benefits from year two onwards, which is a big plus for those considering braces as they are a long-term commitment. Moreover, Humana’s preventive services are covered from day one, which includes routine check-ups to keep your oral health in check while you’re on your braces journey. The plan also has no waiting period for orthodontic procedures, which is a rare find in the insurance world. So, if you’re planning on getting braces, Humana Dental Loyalty Plus Plan could be your best bet in 2024!

Best Overall, Best Lifetime Coverage, and Best for Adult Braces : Delta Dental

Absolutely! When it comes to the best overall dental insurance, Delta Dental takes the crown. They offer comprehensive coverage that caters to a wide range of dental needs, making them a top choice for many. If you’re looking for the best lifetime coverage, Delta Dental also shines in this aspect. They provide long-term plans that ensure your dental health is taken care of throughout your life. And if you’re an adult considering braces, guess what? Delta Dental has got you covered too! They offer some of the best coverage for adult braces, making your journey to a perfect smile more affordable. So, for all your dental needs, Delta Dental is a fantastic option to consider.

Best Orthodontic Waiting Period : Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Absolutely! The best orthodontic waiting period is offered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. They have a relatively short waiting period of just 12 months for orthodontic procedures. This means that after enrolling in their plan, you only have to wait a year before you can start your orthodontic treatment. This is quite beneficial as many insurance companies have longer waiting periods. So, if you’re planning on getting braces or any other orthodontic work done, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is a fantastic option to consider!

Best Overall Orthodontic Insurance Costs : Spirit

Absolutely! When it comes to the best overall orthodontic insurance costs, Spirit takes the crown. This insurance provider offers a fantastic balance of affordable premiums, comprehensive coverage, and excellent customer service. They have plans that cater to various needs and budgets, ensuring that everyone can access top-notch orthodontic care without breaking the bank. Plus, their friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is always ready to help you navigate your plan and answer any questions you might have. So, if you’re looking for orthodontic insurance that provides great value for money, Spirit is definitely worth considering!

How Much Does Orthodontic Insurance Cost?

The cost of orthodontic insurance can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of coverage you choose, your location, and your insurance provider. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $50 per month for an individual plan. Family plans can range from $20 to $60 per month. Keep in mind, these are just averages and the actual cost can be higher or lower. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different insurance providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your needs. Remember, investing in orthodontic insurance can help you manage the often high costs of orthodontic treatments, making it a worthwhile consideration.

Factors Affecting Braces Coverage

Just as every smile is unique, so is every dental insurance plan. Certain limitations can affect the coverage of traditional braces, such as a 50% coverage cap after a deductible, waiting periods, and annual or lifetime orthodontia maximum limits. Coverage for orthodontic treatment traditional braces is often contingent on whether the treatment is deemed a medical necessity by the insurance provider.

Age also plays a role in orthodontic coverage. Some plans only offer coverage for children, while others have different coverage levels for adults. Understanding the specifics of these influencing factors is crucial to get a clear picture of your dental insurance plan’s coverage for orthodontic procedures like braces.

Age Restrictions

Age is more than just a number when it comes to dental insurance and coverage limits for braces. Most dental insurance plans set an age limit for orthodontic coverage, typically requiring the insured to be under 18 years old. Some plans may have more restrictive age limits, not covering braces for individuals over 16 years old.

However, age-related coverage isn’t uniform across all plans. Employer-sponsored plans often have age limitations, typically providing orthodontic coverage only to beneficiaries under 18 or 21, although some may offer benefits to adults.

Adult orthodontic care is often not included in dental plans, reflecting a widespread limitation of coverage for adults. However, orthodontic benefits for adults are available in some dental insurance plans but are less common and usually incur higher premiums.

Medical or Dental Necessity

Orthodontic coverage by certain low quality plans is often linked to medical or dental necessity. Dental insurance plans that cover braces sometimes require them to be deemed medically or dentally necessary in order to qualify for coverage- some of them prequalify you and in some you take the risk of having your insurance denied and having to pay for the cost after you start treatment. Fear not, Limestone Hills Orthodontics has got you covered. We will guide you on the risks and help you choose a better plan, or offer you payment plans in case your insurance is denied. Orthodontic treatments may be classified as medically or dentally necessary if they are required to correct functional problems that interfere with essential daily activities like eating and speaking. The problem is, every company has their own definition and hires people to determine that in a questionable manner.

In cases of severe dental conditions, braces may be considered medically necessary and could be covered by insurance. These conditions include:

• Severe underbite

• Overbite
• Malocclusion
• Congenitally missing teeth
• Trauma
• Craniofacial deformities

Orthodontists, being familiar with these conditions, can influence whether insurance companies will cover the cost of braces. For medically necessary cases, insurance companies’ coverage may require approval from a consulting orthodontist of the insurance company, and if approved, the insurance company typically covers 100% after a yearly deductible.

Plan Limitations

The fine print matters. Dental insurance plans typically have both annual and either annual or lifetime limits on coverage, such as caps on the maximum benefit amount for orthodontic services including braces, which can affect the total coverage available over the policy life. Waiting periods are also a common limitation, necessitating a specified duration waiting period of coverage before certain procedures, like orthodontic treatments, are covered.

Furthermore, orthodontic insurance plans may pay for treatment costs in installments, rather than a lump sum, and the cost-sharing structure, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, significantly affects the out-of-pocket expenses for braces. Knowledge of these plan limitations is crucial to avoid any unwelcome surprises down the line. If you lose your insurance during braces treatment, because you were laid off, you are responsible for the cost. Usually, if you switch jobs, most insurances cover the continuation of treatment, but not all.

How to Determine if Your Insurance Covers Braces

Having a firm grasp of the dental insurance and orthodontic coverage landscape, the next step is to ascertain if your dental insurance company covers braces. This requires verifying if your dental insurance plan includes ‘orthodontia’ coverage and checking for any limitations or exclusions specific to braces.

However, just knowing that your insurance plan includes orthodontia coverage isn’t enough. You’ll need to delve deeper into the specifics of your plan. This includes reviewing plan documents, contacting your insurance provider, and consulting with your orthodontist. Each of these steps will be discussed in further detail in the following subsections.

But don’t worry, at Limestone Hills Orthodontics provide this verification service free of charge for you even before you come to your appointment. And even consulting on alternative options if your insurance currently does not work. All to maximize your savings.

Reviewing Your Plan Documents

If you want to find info on your own, the first step in determining if your insurance covers orthodontics and braces is to review your dental plan documents. These dental plan documents should outline which orthodontic treatments, including braces, are covered and which are not. Dental insurance plans may offer different levels of coverage for braces if treated by in-network versus out-of-network orthodontists, influencing the coverage amount and subsequent out-of-pocket costs.

Additionally, insurance providers may require pre-authorization for certain treatments, like Invisalign, necessitating approval of the treatment plan before the application of coverage benefits. Before committing to any orthodontic treatment, it’s crucial to check with your insurance provider about:

• Age restrictions
• Waiting periods

• Lifetime maximums
• Out-of-pocket costs

Contacting Your Insurance Provider

Once you’ve reviewed your plan documents, your next step should be to contact your insurance provider directly. They can provide a detailed understanding of your plan’s coverage for orthodontic treatment. When calling, make sure you have all the necessary information at hand, including:

• The name of the insurance
• Phone number
• Policyholder’s details

• Patient’s name and birthdate
• Policy number

During your call, don’t be shy about asking questions. Here are some important ones to consider:

• Inquire about the percentage of coverage for orthodontic care
• Confirm if your plan has in-network orthodontists
• Check if benefits might be coordinated with other dental insurance plans
• Find out if the first orthodontic consultation is covered along with any associated co-payments.

Consulting with Your Orthodontist

The final piece of your dental insurance puzzle involves your orthodontist. They can play a crucial role in determining find dental insurance and coverage for braces. We at Limestone Hills Orthodontics can proactively submit necessary information to the insurance company to determine coverage for braces and even contact the provider directly using your insurance details. We will do that before your appointment, unlike other offices, and not make you wait.

Furthermore, orthodontists can help you understand specific insurance coverage aspects such as the extent of the procedure’s coverage, co-payments, and the provision of necessary documentation for insurance approval. Additionally, an orthodontist can accept insurance even if they are not part of the insurance network, but it’s essential to discuss potential variations in coverage and costs in advance.

How to Choose the Right Dental Insurance for Orthodontics

Selecting the appropriate dental insurance for orthodontics necessitates careful consideration and thorough research. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the specific orthodontic needs of the individual, which can be determined through consultation with a dental professional. Once these needs are identified, one should review various insurance plans, focusing on those that provide comprehensive orthodontic coverage. It is also important to consider the cost of the insurance plan, including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Moreover, the insurance plan should ideally cover a significant portion of orthodontic treatment costs, such as braces or aligners. Lastly, one should also take into account the reputation and reliability of the insurance provider, as well as the ease of claim process. It may be beneficial to seek advice from a financial advisor or insurance expert to ensure an informed decision is made.

Options for Obtaining Braces Coverage

At times, traditional private dental insurance plans may not render the coverage needed for braces. In such scenarios, it becomes important to investigate other avenues for obtaining braces coverage. Some options to consider include:

• Dental insurance
• Supplemental orthodontic insurance
• Employer-sponsored dental plans
• Government programs

Each of these options may provide coverage for braces, but the benefits and terms of medical coverage will vary.

Keep in mind that each of these options has its own set of requirements and restrictions. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly research each option, compare them against your needs and budget before making a decision.

The following subsections will delve into each of these options in more detail.

Supplemental orthodontic insurance can be a lifeline if your current dental insurance doesn’t have dental insurance cover orthodontics or braces or if the coverage is insufficient. Some dental insurance plans offer orthodontic care, including braces, as an optional supplemental benefit that requires the payment of an additional monthly premium.

Supplemental orthodontic insurance plans often include a waiting period and typically cover around 50% of orthodontic services, subject to a lifetime maximum benefit. When considering supplemental orthodontic and insurance benefits, it’s crucial to compare specific terms and benefits of various plans, such as coverage percentages, waiting periods, and lifetime maximums, to determine the best option for braces coverage.

Employer-sponsored dental insurance plans can be another viable option for obtaining braces coverage. These plans typically provide some degree of coverage for orthodontic treatment like braces, although the extent of coverage can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the plan.

It’s also important to bear in mind that changes in employment or dental benefits have the potential to affect the continuation of orthodontic coverage. Thus, if you’re considering changing jobs or insurance plans, it’s crucial to understand how orthodontic coverage will be allocated for the remainder of the treatment.

Government Programs

Government programs that may offer coverage for braces include:

• Medicaid
• CHIP
• Title V Maternal and Child Health Fee-for-Service Program
• Affordable Care Act marketplace plans
• Coverage eligibility and state regulations may apply.

Medicaid may also cover preventive care, orthodontics and the costs of braces for children if deemed medically necessary, with specifics depending on each state’s regulations. CHIP provides dental coverage, which may include braces for eligible children and young adults, although coverage specifics vary by state. The Title V Maternal and Child Health Fee-for-Service Program offers dental services to low-income women and children who fall outside Medicaid or CHIP eligibility, which may include orthodontic care in certain circumstances.

Dental coverage in some marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act includes braces, with a focus on providing this essential health benefit for individuals under 18.

In the state of Texas, due to current strict guidelines, it’s almost impossible to be eligible for braces paid by the government. In fact, you don’t want to be eligible in most cases, because your problems would be extremely severe.

Saving Money on Braces and Orthodontic Treatments

Despite having insurance coverage, braces can remain a significant financial investment. However, there exist ways to lighten the financial load of these orthodontic treatments. Some strategies to make braces more affordable include:

• Utilizing Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Establishing payment plans
• Seeking services from dental schools
• Leveraging discount dental plans

By implementing these strategies, you can make braces more affordable and manage the financial burden.

Each of these strategies has its own set of advantages and potential limitations. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider each option, taking into account your financial situation, treatment needs, and available resources. The following subsections will explore each of these cost-saving strategies in more detail.

Payment Plans

Payment plans can be a viable option for making braces more financially manageable. Orthodontic offices often have dental discount plan that offer discounts to patients who pay for their treatment upfront, as well as customizable payment plans to accommodate different budgets.

Don’t hesitate to negotiate with your orthodontist if the costs seem too high. This could potentially lead to adjusted treatment expenses or tailored payment plans. Understanding the cost structure of dental procedures, including per visit payments and whether the treatment cost is spread over the period or required upfront, is crucial in managing financial expectations.

Dental Schools

Dental schools can provide an affordable alternative for orthodontic treatments, including braces. These schools often offer treatments at about two-thirds the cost of similar dental treatments done in private practice. However, the closests dental school is in San Antonio, and often the fees aren’t that different. On top of it, you would be treated by learning students that change every 1-2 years.

In addition to lower costs, patients at dental schools can benefit from collaborative treatment planning and care, advised by multiple orthodontists, ensuring extensive expertise is applied to their orthodontic treatment. Some dental schools may even offer affordable ‘no interest’ payment plans for orthodontic services, making it an even more viable option.

Discount Dental Plans

Finally, discount dental plans offer another avenue to save on orthodontic treatments. Contrary to traditional insurance, these plans offer a network of participating dentists, who agree to reduce their rates for plan members, thus avoiding the need for traditional insurance claim forms. Rarely quality orthodontists engage in these plans.

These plans can offer significant discounts on orthodontic services, ranging from 10% to 60%, without requiring deductibles or waiting periods, making them a valuable alternative to traditional dental insurance for those seeking orthodontic treatment. Eligibility for discounts on orthodontic services under discount dental plans can be determined by directly contacting the dental plan or insurance provider.

Summary

Navigating the world of dental insurance and orthodontic coverage can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the intricacies of dental insurance plans, the factors affecting coverage, and how to determine if your insurance covers braces, you can make informed decisions about your orthodontic treatment. Exploring different options for obtaining braces coverage and strategies for saving money on orthodontic treatments can further help to ease the financial burden. Remember, a beautiful smile is an investment worth making.

Frequently Asked Questions