Most health plans don't pay for orthodontic treatment for people 18 and older, but many at least partially cover children under 18. If your child is approaching the age to wear braces, it's a good idea to review the fine print of your plan. Not all plans are the same, so you'll want to find the one you need. Generally, braces and other cosmetic procedures should be covered by a separate dental health insurance plan. Knowing exactly what treatments you need will help you find dental insurance that covers orthodontic appliances.
While many dental plans include coverage for braces, consider any additional costs that may be part of your treatment. Once you start your orthodontic treatment, follow the terms of your plan closely so you can take advantage of the discounts you qualify for under your dental insurance plan. However, many dental insurance plans cover braces and orthodontics in certain situations. For example, if you or your child has trouble chewing or is feeling pain due to existing dental problems, they are more likely to cover corrective measures, including braces.
If it's simply cosmetic? It's harder to cover braces, even if only partially. There are generally limits and not all plans include coverage for braces and other orthodontic services. If a dental plan doesn't cover orthodontic services, you may still be eligible for discounts on these types of services. Your insurance may be able to cover the cost of braces if you need them for a medical need.
In these cases, you'll have to pay your co-pay and the insurance company will pay the remaining balance of the full charge over the course of treatment (24 months). With any type of plan, be sure to review how your dental insurance works to see if orthodontic coverage is included. However, in some cases, there may be a pre-existing clause in your new benefit and the new insurance company will not continue with the payments. Dental insurance may cover part of the cost of braces, but you may still have to pay out of pocket.
If you know that you need orthodontic services and treatments, or that you may need them in the future, here are the steps to help you choose dental insurance. For example, you may only have a certain amount of money you can spend per year that is covered by orthodontics, or there may be a waiting period between dental treatments. To ensure you get the most accurate and up-to-date coverage information, contact your insurance provider. Private individual and family plans may be more flexible overall, as can optional dental insurance supplements, specifically designed for orthodontics and other long-term treatment needs.
On the one hand, insurance premiums are directly deducted from your pre-tax salary, reducing what you owe in taxes. Take a look at what is considered an orthodontic service and how your dental plan can cover orthodontic treatments.
