Florida Dental Plans

By Susan Braden

As a Floridian, you are fortunate to live in a state that offers many options to reduce the often prohibitive costs of oral healthcare. Read on for more info about dental insurance alternatives in your area, including discount dental plans, that can cut your dentist bills substantially.

Medicaid

The federal government has partnered with states to offer Medicaid, a program designed to help children, people with disabilities, and adults with very low incomes to pay for their healthcare. Because the degree to which individual states participate is voluntary, the extent of Medicaid support you will receive — particularly as an adult over 21 — varies widely according to where you live.

• In Florida, for instance, Medicaid will address the comprehensive dental needs of eligible children under 21, including preventative care, sealants, orthodontics, and even dentures.
• The situation is quite different for adults, for whom Medicaid only comes into play in emergency situations. Adults cannot count on Medicaid to pay for any routine or non-emergency dental care.
• Florida has one of the highest percentages of Medicaid-eligible children who are not currently receiving services. Many of those who do gain access to Medicaid services have had a hard time finding a dentist who would accept it.

Medicare

A large percentage of Florida’s population is seniors and, as such, most have Medicare. This federal program provides older Americans and people with disabilities with partial coverage for many medical expenses, particularly those associated with hospitalization, convalescence, rehabilitation, and durable medical equipment.

• When it comes to dental care, however, Medicare is prohibited by law from subsidizing routine or non-emergency procedures.

• In fact, the only dental interventions Medicare covers must be required preceding treatment for another illness. For example, extractions are usually not covered, but Medicare will pay for one if it is a necessary prerequisite for reconstructive jaw surgery.

• Medicare subscribers are encouraged, therefore, to seek an additional dental plan to cut the costs of dental work.

Solstice Plus Plan One

Annual Membership = $134.95

Example Discounted Prices:

• Adult Cleaning = 2 free per year
• White Filling = $45
• Porcelain Crown = $499
• Root Canal (front tooth) = $310

Affordable Family Health Services

Annual Membership = $124.95

Example Discounted Prices:

• Adult Cleaning = $38
• White Filling = $65
• Porcelain Crown = $550
• Root Canal (front tooth) = $350

Alliance HealthCard Gold Card

Annual Membership = $144.95

Example Discounted Prices:

• Adult Cleaning = $47
• White Filling = $61
• Porcelain Crown = $546
• Simple Extraction = $61
• Root Canal (front tooth) = $316

OptumHealth Allies Dental Program

Annual Membership = $159

Example Discounted Prices:

• Adult Cleaning = $48
• Full X-rays = $40
• White Filling = $51
• Porcelain Crown = $583
• Root Canal (front tooth) = $424

Dental Access Plan powered by the Aetna Dental Access network

(For this reduced rate, call 1Dental at 1-800-372-7615)

Monthly Membership = $14.95

Savings = 15-50% off

Example Discounted Prices:

• Adult Cleaning = $67
• White Filling (front tooth)= $101
• Porcelain Crown = $825

Careington 500 Series

(available on 1Dental.com)

Monthly Membership = $14.95

Savings = 20-60% or more

Example Discounted Prices:

• Checkup = $16
• Adult Cleaning = $34
• Full X-rays = $47
• White Filling (front tooth)= $60
• Porcelain Crown = $557
• Root Canal (front tooth) = $320

Conclusion

For Floridians with inadequate insurance or without dental plans, dental care can have a frightening price tag. Fortunately, as a Florida resident, you have many discount dental plans at your fingertips. Take advantage of the plan that best suits your needs for a happy pocketbook and a healthy smile at a dentist near you.