Can I Have Two Dental Insurances?

Types of Dental Insurance

Dental insurance plans come in various types, each offering different levels of coverage and benefits. Understanding the distinctions between these plans is crucial for choosing the one that best suits your needs and budget.

There are two primary categories of dental insurance:

Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMOs)

• Similar to HMOs in health insurance, DHMOs offer a network of dentists to choose from.
• Services are typically provided at a discounted rate within the network.
• Coverage may be limited to preventive care and basic procedures.

Dental Preferred Provider Organizations (DPPOs)

• DPPOs also have a network of dentists, but you can choose to go outside the network if desired.
• Out-of-network services may be covered at a reduced rate compared to DHMOs.
• DPPOs often offer a wider range of coverage than DHMOs, including major procedures like crowns and bridges.

Examples of reputable dental insurance companies include:

• Delta Dental
• Cigna Dental
• MetLife Dental
• Guardian Dental

Choosing the right dental insurance plan depends on factors such as your budget, dental health needs, and preferred level of coverage. It’s advisable to compare different plans and consider your specific circumstances before making a decision.

Coordinating Benefits

When an individual has two dental insurance policies, the benefits from each policy must be coordinated to determine the total amount of coverage available. This coordination of benefits ensures that the individual does not receive duplicate payments for the same dental services.

The coordination of benefits process typically involves the following steps:

1. The primary insurance policy is identified. This is usually the policy provided by the individual’s employer or the policy that covers the individual as a dependent.
2. The secondary insurance policy is identified. This is usually the policy that the individual has purchased on their own.
3. The benefits from the primary insurance policy are applied first.
4. The benefits from the secondary insurance policy are applied to cover any remaining costs up to the maximum coverage allowed by the policy.

Example 1:

An individual has a primary dental insurance policy that covers 80% of the cost of dental services. The individual also has a secondary dental insurance policy that covers 50% of the cost of dental services. The individual receives a dental bill for $1,000. The primary insurance policy will pay 80% of the bill, which is $800. The secondary insurance policy will pay 50% of the remaining $200, which is $100. The individual will be responsible for the remaining $100.

Example 2:

An individual has a primary dental insurance policy that covers 100% of the cost of dental services. The individual also has a secondary dental insurance policy that covers 50% of the cost of dental services. The individual receives a dental bill for $1,000. The primary insurance policy will pay 100% of the bill, which is $1,000. The secondary insurance policy will not pay anything because the primary insurance policy has already covered the full cost of the dental services.

Challenges of Coordinating Benefits

Coordinating benefits can sometimes be a challenge, especially if the two insurance policies have different coverage limits or different definitions of covered services. In some cases, the individual may need to file a claim with both insurance policies and then appeal the decision if the claims are denied.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Having two dental insurances can provide some advantages, such as:

• Increased coverage: With two policies, you may have higher overall coverage limits, allowing you to access a wider range of dental services.
• Reduced out-of-pocket expenses: The combined benefits from both plans can help reduce your share of dental costs, such as co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.
• Access to different providers: Some dental insurance plans have limited networks of providers. Having two plans can give you access to a broader network of dentists, increasing your options for care.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

• Increased premiums: Having two dental insurance policies means paying two sets of premiums, which can increase your overall dental care expenses.
• Coordination of benefits: Coordinating benefits between two insurance plans can be complex and time-consuming. It may involve submitting claims to both insurers and potentially dealing with different payment schedules and coverage rules.
• Potential for overinsurance: Having two dental insurance policies may result in overinsurance, where your combined coverage exceeds the actual cost of your dental care. This can lead to wasted premiums and unnecessary expenses.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have two dental insurance policies depends on your individual circumstances and dental care needs. Carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.

Alternatives to Two Dental Insurances

For individuals seeking comprehensive dental coverage, exploring alternatives to two dental insurances is prudent. These alternatives offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, which should be carefully considered before making a decision.

One alternative is to obtain a dental savings plan. These plans are not insurance policies but rather provide discounts on dental services from participating providers. They typically have low monthly fees and no deductibles or annual maximums. However, they do not cover all dental procedures and may have limitations on the frequency of visits.

Another alternative is to join a dental health maintenance organization (DHMO). DHMOs offer comprehensive dental coverage at a fixed monthly premium. However, they restrict access to a specific network of providers and may require referrals for specialized treatments.

Finally, individuals can consider self-funding their dental care through a health savings account (HSA). HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to save money for qualified medical expenses, including dental care. However, they have high deductibles and may not be suitable for everyone.

The best alternative to two dental insurances depends on an individual’s specific needs and financial situation. It is important to carefully research and compare the different options before making a decision.

Conclusion

Individuals considering obtaining two dental insurances should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages. In most cases, it is not necessary or cost-effective to have multiple dental insurance policies.

The future of dental insurance coverage is likely to see an increase in the use of technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This could include the use of artificial intelligence to automate claims processing and the use of tele dentistry to provide remote care.

Recommendations

• Individuals who are considering obtaining two dental insurances should first speak with a financial advisor or insurance agent to discuss their specific needs.
• It is important to compare the benefits and costs of different dental insurance policies before making a decision.
• Individuals should be aware of the potential for coordination of benefits issues if they have multiple dental insurance policies.

Future Trends

• The use of technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs is likely to continue to grow in the future.
• Dental insurance policies may become more flexible and customizable to meet the needs of individual consumers.
• There may be an increase in the use of preventive care and wellness programs to help reduce the cost of dental care.