Dental, Vision, and Hearing (DVH) Plans
Are DVH plans worth it?
According to the Kaiser Family, 2 out of 3 people on Medicare have no dental coverage. This is a major problem. Dental care is truly a medical need. Studies show that when a person has no dental coverage, they are far more likely to put off routine dental visits and checkups strictly because they dread having to pay for the entire visit out of pocket.
It's true that certain Medicare Advantage plans can come with some dental coverage, but in many cases, what they provide simply is not enough for someone with substantial dental expenses. Having dental insurance can be a significant asset. Its most valuable purpose isn't for the expected routine checkups, it's for the unexpected big expenses.
What to Consider When Selecting a Plan
When selecting an DVH Plan, it's important to keep in mind the following aspects:
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It is common for DVH plans to typically have limitations in the first year of coverage. There are some exceptions to this, but normally, a DVH plan will have waiting periods in the first 12 months of coverage. It is common for a plan to include coverage immediately for things like preventative dental (cleanings, x-rays, and exams), while major dental work like bridges, crowns, and root canals will come with a typical 12 month wait before any coverage will be provided. Some plans will offer same day coverage on these major services but at a reduced percentage.
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Normally DVH plans will have a maximum benefit payout amount per year. What this means is that once the plan has paid out this maximum payout amount per year, the plan will not pay any more claims until the next policy year. These maximums, depending on insurance company and part of the country, can be anywhere between $1000-$5000. Plan availability will certainly vary.
