It can be hard to find out whether or not your dental plan will cover orthodontic treatment. There are so many different plans that it can be challenging to understand what each plan offers, and even more difficult to determine which one is right for you. Fortunately, does delta dental cover braces, one of the largest dental insurance providers in the U.S., offers an orthodontic benefit that covers up to $1,500 per member per year towards orthodontic treatment.
Did you know?
Before you begin orthodontic treatment, it is important to know whether your dental plan pays for orthodontia. Whether you live in New York, Illinois or California, different states have various laws regarding what does and does not qualify as dental coverage. The first step is to contact your insurance company (Delta Dental or otherwise) and find out if orthodontics are covered under your plan. If they are not, there are other options available to help finance expensive treatments that only last a short time such as CareCredit and DentiCare.
Getting braces when you’re older isn’t a bad idea.
You’re never too old to correct your smile. Even people in their 70s and 80s are getting braces now, and it’s not uncommon to see them on athletes or celebrities. You don’t have to have an underbite or an overbite to be a candidate. Any orthodontic problem that causes you pain or embarrassment is a great reason to get braces. And once you know how much dental insurance covers for orthodontics, you can decide whether it makes sense financially.
Do dental insurance plans cover braces at any age?
To answer that question, you first need to understand how orthodontic coverage works. If you have dental insurance through an employer or individual plan, check your policy. Each plan is different. In some cases, plans cover orthodontia only if it’s deemed medically necessary. Or if you have a specific medical condition that’s causing crooked teeth. In other words, plans can be as restrictive as they are generous when it comes to orthodontia coverage. You never know what you’re going to get until you open up your dental plan manual and look through it carefully. Because each plan is different, we can’t say whether or not Delta Dental will cover braces on a specific patient.
However, here are some general guidelines: Children under 18 years old may qualify for orthodontic benefits if their parents have dental coverage with Delta Dental of California. Adults who aren’t covered by their parents’ plan may qualify for our adult orthodontic benefit program. You’ll need to call us at 1-800-DELTA-DENT (1-800-335-8326) to learn more about these programs. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is by filling out our online application . We’ll ask questions about your medical history and determine whether or not you’re eligible based on your answers. This process takes less than 10 minutes—we promise!
What are the requirements for orthodontic coverage in 2022?
As of January 1, 2022, plan members with orthodontic coverage are subject to a $50. Maximum monthly payment with no co-pay or deductible. There is also an age requirement: Members must be at least 10 years old at their plan’s effective date to qualify for orthodontic coverage. Additionally, treatment must have been medically necessary as determined by a dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
And, finally, you can only receive orthodontic benefits if you don’t already have dental implants. If you do have dental implants before your effective date. You will not be eligible for orthodontic benefits until after your dental implants are removed.
So, do dental insurance plans cover orthodontics, or not?
Many people are surprised to learn that dental insurance does not typically cover orthodontics. In fact, if you have in-network coverage and visit a cheap orthodontist near me with a non-covered service code, there’s a chance your dental plan will only cover a fraction of your treatment costs, or none at all. But what if you’re willing to pay out of pocket for your services? If so, then here’s how to get approved for Delta Dental’s orthodontic plan.
When can my child get his/her braces covered by my dental plan?
To be eligible for orthodontic coverage, you must enroll in an orthodontic plan. Because age is a factor in eligibility. Children should have their first checkup with an orthodontist before their braces can be covered by Delta Dental. Your plan may require you to take steps to ensure your child receives proper care; read below to learn more about when your child is eligible. If you’re already enrolled in an orthodontic plan and are interested in learning how much it will cost, please contact your dental benefits administrator. If you haven’t yet enrolled but would like to do so, please contact us.
Do dental insurance plans cover adult orthodontics?
The answer depends on a variety of factors including which plan you have, where you live and your dentist. For example, while some plans cover Invisalign, others only cover traditional braces. If you have questions about your insurance coverage. or if you don’t feel that your dental insurance. is adequate in meeting all of your orthodontic needs. We encourage you to talk with one of our care coordinators. who will be able to help determine how much financial assistance is available to make sure that even with any out-of-pocket expenses that may apply; we’ll do everything possible to help meet them so that your treatment can proceed as planned.
