I'm just finding out that the medical insurance plan (basically same plan that I had from work) does NOT include dental care, only medical and vision. I need to get dental care on my own (until medicare kicks in? Even after I start medicare?).

I've had some form of Delta Dental (not sure what type of plan at the moment, perhaps PPO?). Not sure what to get when I lose my current care.

Any recommendations? Try to duplicate my existing coverage? Go with Delta Dental (any particular type of plan?)? Go with some other insurer? I generally just need biannual cleanings but you never know.

Any considerations on what plan (insurer and type) I should get now while looking ahead to medicare? I heard dental coverage under medicare is not comprehensive or pretty lacking. Not sure what's needed there either...

Negotiate a cash price with your dentist. There are also cheap plans like "Vantage One" that can save you 20%-50% depending on the services provided and if your dentist participates.

Skip the Xrays if you know you have other options such as Medicare available in the next 12 months or so.

I found that the cost of dental coverage would be more than just paying out of pocket, so that's what I do.
My long-time dentist gives me a senior discount. It costs me $99 for periodic cleanings/checkups.
It would be more than that every month for supplemental insurance.

In the Nashville area most dentists with their own practice will not accept Delta insurance. When a dentist client of mine quit taking Delta which made up about 50% of his business. He cut his staff and has increased his profit. Delta payments did not cover his costs.

I retired the end of this past January. I lost the Delta Dental plan provided through my employer at that time. I opted for out of pocket after discussing cost vs benefit with my dentist and his front desk staff. Medicare doesn’t provide coverage for typical dental procedures.

So I think I’m hearing a lot of suggestions to go without dental insurance and negotiate senior, uninsured, cash rates with the dentist. I think that works for annual stuff. But what about expensive things like crowns, tooth replacements, even cavity fillings?

^^^^
I pay cash for all dental services. Including two crowns.

Considering what Medicare costs me I’m thankful that there’s no government dental plan.

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
^^^^
I pay cash for all dental services. Including two crowns.

Considering what Medicare costs me I’m thankful that there’s no government dental plan.

I agree 100%

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
I'm just finding out that the medical insurance plan (basically same plan that I had from work) does NOT include dental care, only medical and vision. I need to get dental care on my own (until medicare kicks in? Even after I start medicare?).

Don't count on dental coverage from Medicare.

I had been covered under my wife's dental plan until she retired early this year. I told my dentist, on my last visit last year that it might be the end of our relationship. He mentioned that they had flyers at the front counter on personal plans.

The basic plan was a around $480 for a year for two visits and partial coverage of other services. I asked the billing gal what they charge for a cleaning if I went Private Pay. She told me $395.

Luckily my wife's union had negotiated a contract which included Retired Dental, with her former employer covering the rest, and she could include her spouse, so we went with that. I don't know how much her cost is, if anything, as it comes out of her retirement check.

Before you decide to self insure, check with your preferred dentist to see if they offer a discount for Private Pay...not all of them do

quote:

I've had some form of Delta Dental (not sure what type of plan at the moment, perhaps PPO?). Not sure what to get when I lose my current care.

Delta is great when it is through your employer, but I keep hearing horror stores about retirement coverage...to the point that many dentist don't accept it

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
Considering what Medicare costs me I’m thankful that there’s no government dental plan.

That did come as a bit of a rude shock.

The base Medicare cost seemed pretty reasonable for Medicare Advantage A and B, until they added the IRMAA based on annual income...it does adjust based on your income tax filings...that took a serious bite out of my SS check

Why in the hell are my eyes and mouth not considered normal parts of my body and covered under my MEDICAL insurance? I never understood why they were separate, other than to make more money for the insurance fucks.

My Dentist has a "Plan" for those without insurance.

$299 a year ($499 for a couple), gets 2 cleanings, a set of xrays, teeth whitening, and a discount on other necessary work.

All his prices seem to be very fair and is upfront with the costs. No "Not Covered" surprises.

I am on Medicare, no dental insurance. Just had a crown put on 2 weeks ago .....$1300. Yikes !!

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
Why in the hell are my eyes and mouth not considered normal parts of my body and covered under my MEDICAL insurance?

Same question for ears.

Check out United Concordia and their cost/coverage (https://www.unitedconcordia.com/) They may be more competitive than Delta, and if you have a couple of exams/cleanings annually and minor restorative (including crowns) you may be ahead of self-pay.

Thanks guys. I'll talk to my dentist regarding options for uninsured. Sounds like the general consensus is to not continue dental insurance in retirement.