Dental Insurance in New Hampshire

What is Dental Insurance?

The American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits in order to maintain optimal oral health. These visits and any additional dental care that the teeth and gums need are important, but can be expensive. Dental insurance helps New Hampshire residents afford the dental care they need to stay healthy.

Most dental insurance policies are set up similarly to health insurance policies, with deductibles, copays, coinsurances and coverage amounts. Dental policies, however, generally limit coverage to teeth and gum treatments.

Who in New Hampshire Needs a Dental Policy?

Perhaps your employer does not offer dental insurance, but you think that an individual or family dental plan would be much too expensive. This assumption could end up costing you in the end, as we all know that seeing a dentist regularly is the best way to avoid costly dental bills in the future.

At HPM Insurance we specialize in finding the right dental coverage at the right price for you. You are not stuck in a one-size fits all plan, but can rather customize your NH individual dental plan to fit the needs of you and your family.

Since everyone should receive regular dental care, most people in New Hampshire can benefit from the coverages that a dental policy provides. Predicting exactly when treatments will be needed can be difficult, so it’s important to always be covered.

What Types of Dental Work Do Dental Policies Cover?

Dental policies frequently break dental work down into four categories:

• Diagnostic and Preventative Care (e.g. exams, cleanings, X-rays, etc.)

• Basic Restorative Care (e.g. fillings, extractions, periodontal maintenance, etc.)

• Major Restorative Care (e.g. treatments for gingivitis, root canal therapies, dentures, etc.)

• Orthodontics (e.g. braces)

Most policies cover diagnostic and preventative care, and offer at least some coverage for basic restorative treatments. The other categories are covered by some policies but not others. (As with most types of insurance, exact definitions and coverages can vary.)

Do Dental Policies Cover Braces?

Braces and other forms of orthodontic work are covered by only some dental policies. Anyone who is particularly interested in this coverage should work with a knowledgeable insurance agency, like HPM Insurance, to find a policy that does offer orthodontic coverage.Do People Who Have Health Insurance Need a Dental Policy?

Health insurance normally covers a wide range of care, but oral care is often excluded from these policies coverages. For this reason, most people can benefit from getting a dental policy in addition to any health insurance policy they might have.

In a few situations, dental and health insurance policies may both cover a particular treatment. Should this happen, policyholders can review each policy to see which one will offer more coverage for the procedure in question.

How Much Do Dental Policies Cost?

The rates charged for dental coverage vary, but they’re generally affordable. Many people would rather pay a small premium each month than face an expensive procedure without any financial assistance.

What Are Waiting Periods?

Certain coverages within a dental policy may have waiting periods. These periods determine how long a policyholder must wait after purchasing a policy to get the corresponding coverage.

For example, a policy might have a three-month waiting period for basic restorative care. This typically means that the policy would cover basic restorative care (as defined within the policy) three months after the policy went into effect.

Each coverage within a policy can have its own waiting period.

Do Dental Policies Cover Out-of-Network Care?

Many dental policies have networks of dentists and other providers who accept that particular dental coverage. Policyholders usually aren’t obligated to go to an in-network provider, though. They can usually see any provider they want, so long as they’re willing to cover the difference between what an out-of-network provider charges and what their policy allows for the care they receive.  It is always a good idea to check with your dental insurance company before going out-of-network so you understand your out-of-pocket expense.

How Can New Hampshire Residents Get Dental Insurance?

Dental coverage may be acquired through a group dental plan, as part of a health and dental policy, or as a stand-alone policy. Those who aren’t offended coverage by their employer usually must purchase a dental-only or a health plus dental plan.

For help selecting a dental policy, contact one of the insurance specialists at HPM Insurance. Our independent agents have helped many New Hampshire residents and employers find dental insurance that meets their needs at affordable premiums.  Give us a try. We know you will be smiling!