Among Friends

[drizzellla]

When I worked our dental plan was almost like being self insured. The only thing it covered was cleanings. And I was getting crowns, implants and root canals on a regular basis. Well, a few months before I retired the company got a new Dental Plan. Of course, it coved alot more but by then I had all the high price procedures done.

So now that I am retired, I am back to being self insured. I think I will stay that way and take my chances that all the crowns, root canals and implants stay put.

[RedTop]

I’ve had Delta Dental coverage for 5 years since my COBRA coverage expired.   I am very happy with the cost, and coverage.   

[Mary Bailey]

@SeaMaiden  usually if you go from your group cobra plan to an individual plan (coverage on your own)  you will not have a waiting period.

If you let 60 or more days between cobra & individual you may have waiting periods. 

Watch the plan choices.  Some don't cover major procedures (crowns, bridges, dentures)

[Kalli]

We didn’t pick up dental insurance once my Cobra ended. Our dentist told us more often than not, patients say it’s not worth it.

It hasn’t had a negative effect on us yet, though, because I still have money in my health reimbursement account. Once that’s tapped I’m sure it’ll be more painful to shell out $ for dental visits. 

[SeaMaiden]

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@Mary Bailey wrote:

@SeaMaiden  usually if you go from your group cobra plan to an individual plan (coverage on your own)  you will not have a waiting period.

If you let 60 or more days between cobra & individual you may have waiting periods. 

Watch the plan choices.  Some don't cover major procedures (crowns, bridges, dentures)

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@Mary Bailey  The cobra coverage ends January 31....the new coverage same company, Delta Dental,  starts February 1. So it works out well.  It is a very similar plan as the one we have had for years.   We will use it for a year and see how it goes.

[jannabelle1]

I looked into dental coverage after I retired, and decided it wasn't worth the cost. I don't have a lot of problems with my teeth but I do get cleanings 3 times a year. The cost for coverage was more than my cleanings and the rare cavities I have as well as an occasional deep cleaning on a couple of teeth. There were too many exclusions in the policies I got information on. Fortunately the dental group where I go gives a 10% senior discount plus 1 free cleaning every year.

[aubnwa01]

I stayed on my former employer's MetLife group employee dental plan that I was on before I retired, but they take the premiums of $31 a month out of my pension.

[FranandZoe]

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@CJC wrote:

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@FranandZoe wrote:

We had it for a few years after we retired.  But it didn't seem worth it.  I can't remember what our premiums were but  the co-pays on everything were pretty high too.  We've been "self-insured" for about a dozen years and it's been fine.  

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You are correct. Husband and I are in mid 70’s.  He’s retired police officer, so our benefits across the board were excellent while he was employed. We now have neither dental nor vision coverage. Vision we just don’t need period. When checking out dental plans we found that, for the most part, only the cheapie stuff is covered...cleanings, extractions, bite wing xrays, fillings etc. When it comes to necessary but expensive things like root canals, crowns, implants, ( things needed by those of us who are growing old) dental plans pay very little or none. Your monthly premium payments for dental coverage really add up over time. If you took only half of those monthly premiums and put the money in an envelope, you would be able to pay cash for many of your dental treatments. No insurance wants to pay for the pricier options. 

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Exactly!

We don't have vision insurance since we retired either.  We both use over-the-counter readers.

[ID2]

Wow, I'm shocked at those that are living life on the dangerous side! I would never live without insurance! I'm turning 65 next month and am deep in looking into all the health plans out there for Medicare. I don't have dental issues but picked a plan that will be well-worth $23/month. Who on earth wouldn't pay $23/month for dental coverage?? I just feel many are not looking past today.

[CrazyDaisy]

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@ID2 wrote:

Wow, I'm shocked at those that are living life on the dangerous side! I would never live without insurance! I'm turning 65 next month and am deep in looking into all the health plans out there for Medicare. I don't have dental issues but picked a plan that will be well-worth $23/month. Who on earth wouldn't pay $23/month for dental coverage?? I just feel many are not looking past today.

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You need to look at what you get, what you need and how much it costs.  Most dental plans cover only the basics and have high co-pay and a low annual cap for other services.  Most dental practices have plans or reduced prices for those without insurance.  Looking at all options to see what best fits your individual situation and comfort level is prudent.