I just want to add that of all the youtube videos I've only seen 1 correctly do the cost/benefit analysis. I think what you missed was dental insurance networks negotiate lower rates for members for all procedures, so instead of paying 100% of the office rate they may only pay 66%-75% of the office rate. Therefore, even if you hit the plan max you won't be paying the office rate but the discounted insurance prices out of pocket. Dentists obviously don't like not having market power so there have been some federal bills to try to force anything that is not covered by insurance to be priced at the office rate, but so far they have always failed (albeit at the state level some of these may have passed). Now here's the hidden disadvantages. You have to pay attention to more than just the deductive, waiting periods and yearly max. Most statements of benefits will explain what the copays are and if you have something with no waiting periods and no yearly max it probably only covers something like 30%-50% of the cost of major work. Honestly, you probably don't even want perfect insurance that has no yearly max and covers 100% of the cost because then you have to watch your back for dishonest dentists making up reasons for you needing more work which may not be beneficial to you (a dentist once mentioned the only patient he ever saw with 100% coverage and no max had a crown on every single one of his teeth). Another disadvantage is the insurance will only cover the cheapest option (e.g. a metallic or porcelain fused to metal crown, so if you want something nicer like a porcelain or gold crown you usually have to pay the difference out of pocket). That said, if you have a ton of major work, it probably makes sense to get dental insurance even if there's a waiting period and they cover 0%, because you can get that discount from the cash prices to the insurance member prices. That said, there is a 3rd option, as some dentists offer an in-house dental membership plan you can join to get preventative care and discounted prices for other care (or if it is major work and you're paying cash prices may be negotiable especially if you're willing to shop around).
I looked at dental plans upon retirement but found that my dentist offered a fixed-pay plan that covered all normal preventative care including X-rays and fluoride treatments and a discounted rate for all other procedures. So far it has been cost effective even though my wife needed a crown this year. We provided the plan details to our Medicare insurance provider and he thought it was reasonable coverage for the price. We are not on a Medicare Advantage plan and are pleased with our HDG supplement.
You could have just scrolled the states with availability on the screen. Why do you want us to call you just to see if it's available in my state? Sorry. Maybe I'm just skeptical of infomercials and don't trust sales people. The puppy was a nice touch though.😊
I have a National plan that covers dental, vision and hearing for $57 per month and I can see any provider I want. There is also a $100 per year deductible. But, although this sounds like a good plan, I am not happy with it. You should have pointed out that this is one of the biggest drawbacks of insurance plans. You pay all this money, but even though you have dollars available to you for coverage, you will find out that the insurance company will not let you use it except for very basic things, like preventive care, exams, or the cheapest types of treatments. They will not allow you to use the money if you want the better quality services, even if they are routinely considered an industry standard of care. The insurance company will just say they don’t cover it and consider it an add on. The bottom line is that the insurance companies refuse to allow you to use the money for the service you may need, even though you have the dollars available.
@@karenaubin325 The main reason is because I paid a considerable amount each year in monthly premiums and the deductible, (nearly $1000) and the insurance company (Manhattan Life) was disallowing coverage for so many services, even those which would be considered necessary, routine and inexpensive. I calculated that last year, they only paid out about $300 in benefits so I decided that the value I was receiving did not justify the cost I was paying for the insurance. I think that saving the cost of insurance premiums/deductibles and simply paying by cash is the most economical way to handle routine dental, vision and hearing services for seniors. Of course, if you know you will require major dental work, an insurance policy might make more sense, but if you choose to go with insurance, it is important to find out exactly what will be covered, since these types of policies are geared more toward being discount policies rather than actual insurance policies.
One point you didn’t mention when expressing a PPO cost vs cap allowed that is the major incentive for electing this plan and it the discount rate you receive by using an insurance company vs paying cash.
Good video guys-- I've had a LOT of dental work done in my working years, but also had great dental insurance. No insurance since retirement in 2015, but my dentist has her own plan. $150 a year gets you 2 x-rays, 2 cleanings and 10% off all dental work. 🙂
Dental insurance has always been a rip - especially so for seniors. As rule, insurance companies do not lose money. There are 'dental discount plans' at ~$160/yr, but many bundle other junk like vision, hearing - I bet you would be lucky just to break even. Best bet is getting the prices up front and using dentists that will negotiate a fair out of pocket discount. There's also dental schools for the adventurous. :)
There’s truth to that you are saying especially with the discount plans. They are not worth it. There might be a plan in your state that might be worth it. It covers 100% cleanings, 70% minor or major work and it’s a PPO. Call us if you like to see if it’s available for your state. Kai & Ann Chung 7080
@@kciis The 'flickering' is where the video shot goes in tight for a few words spoken and then backs off to a wider shot again. It is a video editing thing. ( To keep the viewers interest or highlight a point spoken?) I find it a bit distracting when trying to follow what is being discussed.
Wish I had seen this before I signed up for my worthless PPO insurance. I did the math and came to the same conclusions. $600 yearly for $1,000 max benefits and a 1-year waiting period. That's a joke so I'm going to cancel it as soon as I can. I think for me cash is king but, I have had numerous root canals and crowns over the years so maybe I'll explore the plan you talk about.
If you are talking about Physicians Mutual It's not that great. I had it. It didn't pay much on preventative and flat rates on restorative. It was NOT in network for my dentist. I learned that In network contracts for services for a certain amount with dentists and THEN insurance pays a percentage which could be much better than PM's flat rate. Yearly max is not always so important. Still searching
They also have a new plan that you should see if it’s available in your state. But that is the ONLY PPO company that has no yearly cap. They do partner up with the second largest network, Ameritas. The new plan covers 100% rather than a flat rate for preventative, and 70% for all minor major work. Again, give our office a call and see if it’s available for you. Kai & Ann Chung 408-502-7080
Examples of dental services that may count toward your dental insurance annual maximum include cavity fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, and other surgeries. Depending on your plan, services that are considered diagnostic or preventive, like exams and cleanings, may not count toward your annual maximum. If you have any questions about what services will count toward your dental insurance annual maximum, we recommend speaking to your dentist or dental insurance provider who will be able to provide greater detail. BTW, if you sign up with us or delta dental directly, the price is the same. Kai & Ann Chung 408-502-7080
I have a preventative plan only for $16/month that covers two cleanings and exams per year plus bitewing x-rays once per year and full mouth xrays once every 5 years. The annual total, $160/year is what I pay on average for one visit, so I'm saving about half. Any other services I'll pay cash for the reasons you mentioned; many years are only cleanings so I'm "pocketing" any extra $$ i would have paid for a higher monthly amount.
By the way, we also have Delta dental, Physicians Mutual, and others. Physicians Mutual also has a new plan that you should see if it’s available in your state. It is the ONLY PPO company that has no yearly cap. They do partner up with the second largest network, Ameritas. The new plan covers 100% rather than a flat rate for preventative, and 70% for all minor major work. Again, give our office a call and see if it’s available for you. Kai & Ann Chung 408-502-7080
Delta Dental. But it’s still limited to a year it cap of $1500. Price is around $70 per month but it’s based on age and where you live and if it’s available in your area. Also there’s a waiting period, typically 1 year. Call us if you’re interested and we can look it up based on where you live and age.
Thanks for your opinion! In many cases you’re right! In many states the option with no caps are a good option, though. Call us if you have any questions. 408-502-7080. Kai and Ann
(... goes to brush and floss teeth asap!) The Yelp reviews on Physicians Mutual are awful... a few like it... but this adds even more confusion to the already confusing and expensive stage called retirement. Thanks for the really helpful videos, though... it is a bit less confusing now to navigate these waters.
That’s because everyone’s looking for the perfect dental plan. Unfortunately, dental plans do not do any underwriting, in other words, they accept everybody. Because of that, there are going to be waiting periods and also most plans will have a limit. Also, most people do not look for dental plans, and tell them need it. To keep the price lower, they did have a flat reimbursement type plan that some people complain about. But in comparing the premiums, it really was not that bad of a deal. HOWEVER, they also have a NEW plan that you should see if it’s available in your state. But that is the ONLY PPO company that has no yearly cap. They do partner up with the second largest network, Ameritas. The new plan covers 100% rather than a flat rate for preventative, and 70% for all minor major work. Again, give our office a call and see if it’s available for you. Kai & Ann Chung 408-502-7080
I can understand how frustrating that must be. Insurance coverage can be tricky, especially when it comes to certain procedures like implants. They either limit the max to 1500 or so for the year or no coverage at all. If they did cover it then the premiums would be $500/month for just the premium!
I have a dental plan that covers implants with no waiting period. It pays a smaller percentage the first year and then the percentage and the yearly maximum benefit increase the second year with one deductible per lifetime. I also have hearing aid coverage included with the plan.
imagine having to buy separate insurance for your heart, or liver, or toes. That's what dental, vision and hearing are. Teeth, eyes and ears are part of a human body. It should all be considered health care.
I prefer a plan with the lowest deductible for major works and no year waiting period; otherwise, I am in Sandiego and can drive for half an hour to Mexico and get an excellent and much cheaper major dental cost with no hassle. I think dental plans in the US for senior citizens are unfair and unjustified.
You have a good point. The reason why it’s harder for seniors is because dental insurance is something where most people do not buy unless they need it. Unlike employer plans, dental is not a requirement. Most employee plans will offer dental coverage, and most of the employees or all the employees are required to purchase it. Therefore, you have a lot of healthy people buying dental insurance to offset those who need it. Unfortunately, most people that call us for dental insurance have dental work that they need to get done pretty quickly. People that have good teeth usually do not a buy dental plan until they need it. That’s why is very hard to find a good PPO dental plan. However, like I mentioned in our videos, We do have a dental plan we can choose any dentist you want and no yearly cap. There’s only one company that does that. All the other carriers that have no other cap are HMO plans. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Paul, you might want to give us a call since I’m guessing you are paying around $50-$70 for your Cobra and you still have a $1000-$2000 cap. Is that correct? Kai and Ann Chung 408-227-2799 is my direct number
I'm not sure if my new 2024 Dental Plan will work. I'm 53 & been on SSI/DI for over 20yrs & since I qualify for "Extra Help," Cigna HMO said they would hook me up with $20k a year no waiting period available in 2024. I don't pay out of pocket for this Advantage Plan. They actually pay me back $175 a month to my current SSI/DI payment. The coverage does include my current doctors that I already see. Supposedly, I'm not supposed to pay for extractions, x-rays, etc. I need full mouth restoration here around the Houston area. I'm just waiting until after the New Year to locate a place to do my 21 extractions & get new teeth, hybrids, implants or whatever.
I notice that you did not mention dentures and orthodontia coverage. No implants for me either. I don't want any metal screwed into the bones in my mouth.
Descent video but still way off. Yeah 2k is what you should go for. For insurance I look at do they allow duel coverage and how does coordination of benefits looks like. Do they combine it or do they not double the benefits i.e. do not pay any more than the cap form the primary. What I typically do if I need work done is I go get another insurance and double them, have the waiting period waived, and pay next to nothing. I got major work done on me the other day and only had to pay the deductible of the insurances which is great value... I know how to play the game. You still need to carry one because you need it for the reason for the other to waive the waiting period. That is needed because I can not think of one that let me just slide into the 1 to 3 year bracket. All of them told me that I had to start form the beginning even if I had insurance in the past 30 days. And 10-20% on major doesn't cut it for me. That is merely one to two hundred dollars for ever 1k and taking into account that the premium 50 dollars per month unless you can get all the work done you need in the same month it's really not worth it. Off topic but lets say you get into trauma and you lose a tooth, you still need an implant... that is the reason why to at least keep one at all times and the sad truth is like all of them minus one which is Delta in Ohio and have to be in Ohio have that clause and if I recalled it's only 50 percent. I can not literally think of one that doesn't now granted some might include after so many years than the will cover it but that is still extremely uncommon. So yeah you would pay for an bridge or an implant out of pocket and for only one dental insurance they pay for the cleanings and so to have the cleanings and exams for me it would cost around 200 to 300 per visit and I pay for my primary 2k plan 528 per year which is the metlife take along. I really like metlife because I do not really have to fight with them but that is probably due to unique reasons and their take along plan is like the cheapest for me. Now this is for my home state MO, If you do not want another insurance then the best PPO would be TruAssure if you have to do the waiting period irregardless. 5k max and coverage takes 3 years to fully kick in however they do not allow for duel enrollment and refused ought wight to wave it. They also have an ACA plan but that is only 2k but the waiting period is only 6 months. If you only want one insurance then it has to be this one however they have a lifetime cap on implants of 1k. Spirit is also good but again the draw back is that they do not allow for duel enrollment. They have an plan which is 70 dollars per month but the limit is 5k and the major is 25% on day 1. So if you need alot of work and do not have insurance. That is probably what you should go with. Than after you run out out go with Ameritas Primestar Total if you have to run that out otherwise go with Anthem essential choice ppo incentive as the final. One of my favorites is the Anthem essential choice ppo incentive 2.5k for 50 dollars per month which is one of the highest coverage. Root canal treatment plus crown 60% day 1 which is higher than Sprit which is 50%. Remember when you go get an root canal treatment you need an artificial crown. And what's makes it special is that they allow for duel enrollment ;) without an waiting period which is great. I would get this for the first insurance hands down. Another interesting one is Ameritas but overall I have never found an use for them. 2.5k for 50 dollars per month 20% on major day 1, year 1 50%. However the draw back is I believe do not quote me they do not allow for duel enrollment which is a deal break for me and secondly due to them not have an waiting period I can not have it waive. So for me it's worthless. Now if I am wrong on duel enrollment then it might be nice for your first insurance. Anthem, Delta, and Met life I know all waive the waiting period if you had insurance for the past 12 months and just tell them you would simply like to switch but never cancel the other. I do not like the Physicians Mutual one without an limit. I find them to be a really bad value for the money once you read the fine print. There is asnother interesting one that has an limit of 6k but I forgot what that one which and it wasn't in my state so... If you need work done and if you have one dental insurance. Get another or depending on how much work you need get 2 then pay next to nothing. Run them up to the max then cancel them. For example, if you need 10k in work. See if you can get an duplicate policy sometimes they will give to you, sometimes they will not. I just played as a stupid teenager that wanted to blow his money insurance to be cool. Then pay a few hundred for like few month and get your work done. I for example, have a standalone dental insurance which is my primary, then I have one though my union at work which is my secondary but it has an limit of 20k per year. Not the thing is I keep both because they might find something to not to cover if they say well because it started before the insurance or more importantly if I lose my job for the shake of it. But just by having two insurance which pay around 65 per month in total I get basically everything for free because they allow for combining of benefits though duel enrollment and when I run out of the max on my standalone then I pick up another. Right now I have 3 insurances ;) Simply because I Needed a tooth to be removed and that will max out my first one so.... I will save like 200 dollars overall once it's all over with. Everything what I said is what I learnt while being broke while having an bad month and being smart enough to play their system. I am in my early twenties and I was abused as a child and I was discourage to brush my teeth because 'everyone wanted some of the tooth paste' and like they either throw it away or took away the brush. And I being a 13 year old didn't realize you could still brush your teeth without it and I didn't realized what would happen as a result. I knew that tooth decay but mine looked fine and so I thought it took alot more than it actually did. 3 months without brushing give me cavities in almost all of my back teeth. I just given up on trying and I thought it was much harder to get decay than it was. The cherry ontop is I had to live with abbess teeth for years until I got out that place.
Thanks for helping the community. It is hard to get duel enrollments and employer or retiree plans like the one you have is much easier to get away with that. Thanks for your input!
By the way, we also sell Physicians Mutual. They have the new plan that is only $56 per month and 100% coverage wit 70% coverage across all minor and major work. They have no cap for the year. When you said you didn't like them were you aware of the $56 plan? Perhaps your looked at their lower tier plans. Not all states have the $56 plan.
Unfortunately if you have a significant dental expense these plans don’t really help. (I’ve been diagnosed with TMJ/TMD and it’s very expensive to treat).
This is what worked out for me. While under my former employer's insurance plan, I got diagnosed with TMJ via my medical plan. I first went to my ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist, and he referred me to a specialist for TMJ. Dr. Mark Abramson, DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), is an oral & maxillofacial surgery specialist in Redwood City, CA. Per his website, he seems to accept many Medicare plans, but I'll have to verify if he'll accept my traditional Medicare plan.
Interesting. My primary care sent me to an ENT who prescribed an MRI (therefore paid by Medicare). It confirmed the TMJ diagnosis. I start physical therapy tomorrow (also paid for by Medicare). I just hope it helps.
Hi Ann, Kai and Retirement Specialist Gracie, I subscribed because your content is excellent and the way you present it makes it easy to understand. I plan on contacting you this week. Do you know if either of the 2 best dental plans are available in New Jersey and if they are what is the price range? Thank you.
Hello there, could you reach out to our office and either leave a message at 408-502-7080 or email us at kai@retiringoptions.com. We will be able to respond when we return to the office this next work week. Thank you for supporting our channel!
Sorry. These two plans are not in every state and we do not want to make a video where it is no longer valid. Please feel free to reach out to us and we can send you information if it’s available in your state. Kai & Ann Chung 408-502-7080
3 month waiting period for a filling!?! That's absurd! Do you know how much a tooth can have further decay in that amount of time and then you need a crown? I'll be brushing and flossing every chance I get
That does sound like a long wait! We now have plans where fillings are covered right away. However, there's still a 12 months wait for major work. This is to prevent people from buying it last minute. It's important to take care of our oral health as soon as possible to avoid any further complications. Keep up with your brushing and flossing routine!
Sorry you feel that way. We do make a commission but nothing comes out of your pocket and the premiums are exactly the same. The reason we don’t mention the name is because every state is different and the plans can change. Since we made the video on of the companies already came out with a new plan. If you like to learn more you can call our office to see if what plans are available in your state. Kai & Ann Chung 408-502-7080
I went 15 years with cleaning every six months. Never needed anything else. Went through divorce, lost all insurance and moved. New dentist said all silver needs to come out and replaced with updated materials. First crown 2000.00. 😲😳🙄 crazy . Doing one at a time
I was told the lead had to come out. It wasn't that expensive. If you have have actual silver in your mouth, find another dentist. Or ask for what they're removing be returned to you to sell snd offset the cost.
I’m turning 65 next month but I don’t know if I can continue my PPO from my job or if it ll be better to switch to Medicare now I’m planning to work for 2 more years which offer a very expensive and unhealthy PPO Please advise
PLEASE HELP with dental insurance for seniors in Utah because I couldn’t find anything that covered a $6,500 implant surgery and had to resort to a 50% off discount plan, but now to complete the job it will cost another $6500 for the crown, bridge and replacement teeth! I’m 83, on a fixed income, is there ANYTHING better than Cigna Plus? Please help?
Consider going to a community health clinic for dental work, even if you have to drive a bit. They have sliding scales based on your income. I’m in Utah, Cache Valley area. I drove over the mountain to Garden City to one of their dentists who accepted lower pay and my complete root canal and crown was $800. I also drive down to Midtown Community Health in Ogden for low cost dental work. They use students for routine work once a month with supervisors checking their work. In Cache Valley it is Bear River Community Health in north Logan or offices in Providence or Brigham City. We pay $55 for cleanings and fillings. Your county health departments may also have help or financing options for you for many things from affording car repairs to medical bills.
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What do you think? Buy insurance or pay cash? What do you have?
I just want to add that of all the youtube videos I've only seen 1 correctly do the cost/benefit analysis. I think what you missed was dental insurance networks negotiate lower rates for members for all procedures, so instead of paying 100% of the office rate they may only pay 66%-75% of the office rate. Therefore, even if you hit the plan max you won't be paying the office rate but the discounted insurance prices out of pocket. Dentists obviously don't like not having market power so there have been some federal bills to try to force anything that is not covered by insurance to be priced at the office rate, but so far they have always failed (albeit at the state level some of these may have passed).
Now here's the hidden disadvantages. You have to pay attention to more than just the deductive, waiting periods and yearly max. Most statements of benefits will explain what the copays are and if you have something with no waiting periods and no yearly max it probably only covers something like 30%-50% of the cost of major work. Honestly, you probably don't even want perfect insurance that has no yearly max and covers 100% of the cost because then you have to watch your back for dishonest dentists making up reasons for you needing more work which may not be beneficial to you (a dentist once mentioned the only patient he ever saw with 100% coverage and no max had a crown on every single one of his teeth). Another disadvantage is the insurance will only cover the cheapest option (e.g. a metallic or porcelain fused to metal crown, so if you want something nicer like a porcelain or gold crown you usually have to pay the difference out of pocket).
That said, if you have a ton of major work, it probably makes sense to get dental insurance even if there's a waiting period and they cover 0%, because you can get that discount from the cash prices to the insurance member prices. That said, there is a 3rd option, as some dentists offer an in-house dental membership plan you can join to get preventative care and discounted prices for other care (or if it is major work and you're paying cash prices may be negotiable especially if you're willing to shop around).
I looked at dental plans upon retirement but found that my dentist offered a fixed-pay plan that covered all normal preventative care including X-rays and fluoride treatments and a discounted rate for all other procedures. So far it has been cost effective even though my wife needed a crown this year. We provided the plan details to our Medicare insurance provider and he thought it was reasonable coverage for the price. We are not on a Medicare Advantage plan and are pleased with our HDG supplement.
You could have just scrolled the states with availability on the screen. Why do you want us to call you just to see if it's available in my state? Sorry. Maybe I'm just skeptical of infomercials and don't trust sales people. The puppy was a nice touch though.😊
I have a National plan that covers dental, vision and hearing for $57 per month and I can see any provider I want. There is also a $100 per year deductible. But, although this sounds like a good plan, I am not happy with it. You should have pointed out that this is one of the biggest drawbacks of insurance plans. You pay all this money, but even though you have dollars available to you for coverage, you will find out that the insurance company will not let you use it except for very basic things, like preventive care, exams, or the cheapest types of treatments. They will not allow you to use the money if you want the better quality services, even if they are routinely considered an industry standard of care. The insurance company will just say they don’t cover it and consider it an add on. The bottom line is that the insurance companies refuse to allow you to use the money for the service you may need, even though you have the dollars available.
Why aren't you happy with your plan? Is your plan through Manhatten Life?
@@karenaubin325 The main reason is because I paid a considerable amount each year in monthly premiums and the deductible, (nearly $1000) and the insurance company (Manhattan Life) was disallowing coverage for so many services, even those which would be considered necessary, routine and inexpensive. I calculated that last year, they only paid out about $300 in benefits so I decided that the value I was receiving did not justify the cost I was paying for the insurance. I think that saving the cost of insurance premiums/deductibles and simply paying by cash is the most economical way to handle routine dental, vision and hearing services for seniors. Of course, if you know you will require major dental work, an insurance policy might make more sense, but if you choose to go with insurance, it is important to find out exactly what will be covered, since these types of policies are geared more toward being discount policies rather than actual insurance policies.
Dentists are scammers anyway. I got ripped off really bad...
You're speaking about Ameritas and Physician Mutual :-) Good job!
Yes! Thank you!
Another excellent video. You two provide a lot of good info in a short period of time.
That’s so awesome to hear. Pushing out these videos is a lot of work and as a small channel your support is much appreciated. Kai and Ann
One point you didn’t mention when expressing a PPO cost vs cap allowed that is the major incentive for electing this plan and it the discount rate you receive by using an insurance company vs paying cash.
Good video guys-- I've had a LOT of dental work done in my working years, but also had great dental insurance. No insurance since retirement in 2015, but my dentist has her own plan. $150 a year gets you 2 x-rays, 2 cleanings and 10% off all dental work. 🙂
Thanks Doug! That’s a great deal especially if you don’t need much work.
That a great deal. A cleaning cost $190 per visit in NYC.
Love these two. They make sense and provide great information. It was well worth calling them.
Thanks for your comment. It was nice to meet you as well.
NIce Video Kai!
Thank you!
Nice video, you should make more of these side videos.
You’re right!
Dental insurance has always been a rip - especially so for seniors. As rule, insurance companies do not lose money. There are 'dental discount plans' at ~$160/yr, but many bundle other junk like vision, hearing - I bet you would be lucky just to break even.
Best bet is getting the prices up front and using dentists that will negotiate a fair out of pocket discount. There's also dental schools for the adventurous. :)
There’s truth to that you are saying especially with the discount plans. They are not worth it.
There might be a plan in your state that might be worth it. It covers 100% cleanings, 70% minor or major work and it’s a PPO.
Call us if you like to see if it’s available for your state.
Kai & Ann Chung
7080
Great info, but honestly, the flickering of the video in and out drove me crazy. Thanks
That’s interesting, where was it flickering?
@@kciis The 'flickering' is where the video shot goes in tight for a few words spoken and then backs off to a wider shot again. It is a video editing thing. ( To keep the viewers interest or highlight a point spoken?) I find it a bit distracting when trying to follow what is being discussed.
@@Redberryfarm888 I didn't notice anything. There's always got to be a squeaky wheel. Ugh.
Wish I had seen this before I signed up for my worthless PPO insurance. I did the math and came to the same conclusions. $600 yearly for $1,000 max benefits and a 1-year waiting period. That's a joke so I'm going to cancel it as soon as I can. I think for me cash is king but, I have had numerous root canals and crowns over the years so maybe I'll explore the plan you talk about.
Thank you for commenting. Please feel free to give us a call and we can see if those plans are available in your area. 408-502-7080. Kai
And by the way, it’s not too late to cancel your plan and still get a refund for unused months. You never locked into a dental plan.
I haven’t been to the dentist for 5 years because I was afraid of the cost and hassle. Maybe it’s time to change that 😂
You definitely should go…🤣
The last person who told me that wound up needing 5 crowns. Ouch!
If you are talking about Physicians Mutual It's not that great. I had it. It didn't pay much on preventative and flat rates on restorative. It was NOT in network for my dentist. I learned that In network contracts for services for a certain amount with dentists and THEN insurance pays a percentage which could be much better than PM's flat rate. Yearly max is not always so important. Still searching
They also have a new plan that you should see if it’s available in your state. But that is the ONLY PPO company that has no yearly cap. They do partner up with the second largest network, Ameritas.
The new plan covers 100% rather than a flat rate for preventative, and 70% for all minor major work.
Again, give our office a call and see if it’s available for you.
Kai & Ann Chung
408-502-7080
By the way, we also have Delta dental, too. However, they have your typical cap.
@@kciismy dentist takes 1:21 Delta. Question is preventative part of yearly allowance?
Examples of dental services that may count toward your dental insurance annual maximum include cavity fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, and other surgeries.
Depending on your plan, services that are considered diagnostic or preventive, like exams and cleanings, may not count toward your annual maximum.
If you have any questions about what services will count toward your dental insurance annual maximum, we recommend speaking to your dentist or dental insurance provider who will be able to provide greater detail.
BTW, if you sign up with us or delta dental directly, the price is the same.
Kai & Ann Chung
408-502-7080
I have a preventative plan only for $16/month that covers two cleanings and exams per year plus bitewing x-rays once per year and full mouth xrays once every 5 years. The annual total, $160/year is what I pay on average for one visit, so I'm saving about half. Any other services I'll pay cash for the reasons you mentioned; many years are only cleanings so I'm "pocketing" any extra $$ i would have paid for a higher monthly amount.
What plan?
@@susandenney9904 Through Delta Dental
By the way, we also have Delta dental, Physicians Mutual, and others.
Physicians Mutual also has a new plan that you should see if it’s available in your state. It is the ONLY PPO company that has no yearly cap. They do partner up with the second largest network, Ameritas.
The new plan covers 100% rather than a flat rate for preventative, and 70% for all minor major work.
Again, give our office a call and see if it’s available for you.
Kai & Ann Chung
408-502-7080
What is the best plan that covers implants?
Delta Dental. But it’s still limited to a year it cap of $1500. Price is around $70 per month but it’s based on age and where you live and if it’s available in your area. Also there’s a waiting period, typically 1 year.
Call us if you’re interested and we can look it up based on where you live and age.
I don’t think Physicians Mutual is available in MA any longer?
Please give our office a call and they can look it up!
Have you ever heard of a NO CAP dental plan?
I spoke to Kai yesterday and I'm looking forward to my appointment today.
Thanks Angie! It was nice meeting you!
Root canal and crowns often fail. Implants are more permanent but often never covered. Better to pay cash.
Thanks for your opinion! In many cases you’re right! In many states the option with no caps are a good option, though. Call us if you have any questions. 408-502-7080. Kai and Ann
Physician's Mutual dental insurance is not available in Massachusetts since 1/1/24.
Yes, you are correct.
(... goes to brush and floss teeth asap!) The Yelp reviews on Physicians Mutual are awful... a few like it... but this adds even more confusion to the already confusing and expensive stage called retirement. Thanks for the really helpful videos, though... it is a bit less confusing now to navigate these waters.
That’s because everyone’s looking for the perfect dental plan. Unfortunately, dental plans do not do any underwriting, in other words, they accept everybody. Because of that, there are going to be waiting periods and also most plans will have a limit. Also, most people do not look for dental plans, and tell them need it.
To keep the price lower, they did have a flat reimbursement type plan that some people complain about. But in comparing the premiums, it really was not that bad of a deal.
HOWEVER, they also have a NEW plan that you should see if it’s available in your state. But that is the ONLY PPO company that has no yearly cap. They do partner up with the second largest network, Ameritas.
The new plan covers 100% rather than a flat rate for preventative, and 70% for all minor major work.
Again, give our office a call and see if it’s available for you.
Kai & Ann Chung
408-502-7080
By the way, we also have Delta dental, too. However, they have your typical cap.
At my age, most work is implants, which few insurance plans cover at all.
I can understand how frustrating that must be. Insurance coverage can be tricky, especially when it comes to certain procedures like implants. They either limit the max to 1500 or so for the year or no coverage at all. If they did cover it then the premiums would be $500/month for just the premium!
I have a dental plan that covers implants with no waiting period. It pays a smaller percentage the first year and then the percentage and the yearly maximum benefit increase the second year with one deductible per lifetime. I also have hearing aid coverage included with the plan.
What plan is it?@@karenaubin325
imagine having to buy separate insurance for your heart, or liver, or toes. That's what dental, vision and hearing are. Teeth, eyes and ears are part of a human body. It should all be considered health care.
Welcome to the U$A.
I agree. It should be covered under Medicare. I have never understood why it is not. Makes absolutely no sense.
I prefer a plan with the lowest deductible for major works and no year waiting period; otherwise, I am in Sandiego and can drive for half an hour to Mexico and get an excellent and much cheaper major dental cost with no hassle. I think dental plans in the US for senior citizens are unfair and unjustified.
You have a good point. The reason why it’s harder for seniors is because dental insurance is something where most people do not buy unless they need it. Unlike employer plans, dental is not a requirement. Most employee plans will offer dental coverage, and most of the employees or all the employees are required to purchase it. Therefore, you have a lot of healthy people buying dental insurance to offset those who need it.
Unfortunately, most people that call us for dental insurance have dental work that they need to get done pretty quickly. People that have good teeth usually do not a buy dental plan until they need it.
That’s why is very hard to find a good PPO dental plan.
However, like I mentioned in our videos, We do have a dental plan we can choose any dentist you want and no yearly cap. There’s only one company that does that. All the other carriers that have no other cap are HMO plans.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I'm still on my COBRA dental plan but after this year I will need to find a plan or pay cash.
Hi Paul, you might want to give us a call since I’m guessing you are paying around $50-$70 for your Cobra and you still have a $1000-$2000 cap. Is that correct?
Kai and Ann Chung
408-227-2799 is my direct number
@@kciis My Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental is $24.03 Not sure of the limits as it's a new plan that my employer just switched to.
I'm not sure if my new 2024 Dental Plan will work. I'm 53 & been on SSI/DI for over 20yrs & since I qualify for "Extra Help," Cigna HMO said they would hook me up with $20k a year no waiting period available in 2024. I don't pay out of pocket for this Advantage Plan. They actually pay me back $175 a month to my current SSI/DI payment.
The coverage does include my current doctors that I already see. Supposedly, I'm not supposed to pay for extractions, x-rays, etc. I need full mouth restoration here around the Houston area.
I'm just waiting until after the New Year to locate a place to do my 21 extractions & get new teeth, hybrids, implants or whatever.
Thank you for your comment and I hope everything is going well for you.
The cost of insurance goes up every year, but odly the $1500 max benefits have never changed. What’s wrong with this picture?
You're not wrong! Since dental insurance were created, dental caps have not considered inflation.
Hygiene is NEEDED
Haha, for sure!
I notice that you did not mention dentures and orthodontia coverage. No implants for me either. I don't want any metal screwed into the bones in my mouth.
Thanks for your comment ! Definitely something we can mention in our next Dental Video 😀
thank you
You’re welcome!
Descent video but still way off. Yeah 2k is what you should go for. For insurance I look at do they allow duel coverage and how does coordination of benefits looks like. Do they combine it or do they not double the benefits i.e. do not pay any more than the cap form the primary. What I typically do if I need work done is I go get another insurance and double them, have the waiting period waived, and pay next to nothing. I got major work done on me the other day and only had to pay the deductible of the insurances which is great value... I know how to play the game. You still need to carry one because you need it for the reason for the other to waive the waiting period. That is needed because I can not think of one that let me just slide into the 1 to 3 year bracket. All of them told me that I had to start form the beginning even if I had insurance in the past 30 days. And 10-20% on major doesn't cut it for me. That is merely one to two hundred dollars for ever 1k and taking into account that the premium 50 dollars per month unless you can get all the work done you need in the same month it's really not worth it. Off topic but lets say you get into trauma and you lose a tooth, you still need an implant... that is the reason why to at least keep one at all times and the sad truth is like all of them minus one which is Delta in Ohio and have to be in Ohio have that clause and if I recalled it's only 50 percent. I can not literally think of one that doesn't now granted some might include after so many years than the will cover it but that is still extremely uncommon. So yeah you would pay for an bridge or an implant out of pocket and for only one dental insurance they pay for the cleanings and so to have the cleanings and exams for me it would cost around 200 to 300 per visit and I pay for my primary 2k plan 528 per year which is the metlife take along. I really like metlife because I do not really have to fight with them but that is probably due to unique reasons and their take along plan is like the cheapest for me.
Now this is for my home state MO,
If you do not want another insurance then the best PPO would be TruAssure if you have to do the waiting period irregardless. 5k max and coverage takes 3 years to fully kick in however they do not allow for duel enrollment and refused ought wight to wave it. They also have an ACA plan but that is only 2k but the waiting period is only 6 months. If you only want one insurance then it has to be this one however they have a lifetime cap on implants of 1k.
Spirit is also good but again the draw back is that they do not allow for duel enrollment. They have an plan which is 70 dollars per month but the limit is 5k and the major is 25% on day 1. So if you need alot of work and do not have insurance. That is probably what you should go with. Than after you run out out go with Ameritas Primestar Total if you have to run that out otherwise go with Anthem essential choice ppo incentive as the final.
One of my favorites is the Anthem essential choice ppo incentive 2.5k for 50 dollars per month which is one of the highest coverage. Root canal treatment plus crown 60% day 1 which is higher than Sprit which is 50%. Remember when you go get an root canal treatment you need an artificial crown. And what's makes it special is that they allow for duel enrollment ;) without an waiting period which is great. I would get this for the first insurance hands down.
Another interesting one is Ameritas but overall I have never found an use for them. 2.5k for 50 dollars per month 20% on major day 1, year 1 50%. However the draw back is I believe do not quote me they do not allow for duel enrollment which is a deal break for me and secondly due to them not have an waiting period I can not have it waive. So for me it's worthless. Now if I am wrong on duel enrollment then it might be nice for your first insurance.
Anthem, Delta, and Met life I know all waive the waiting period if you had insurance for the past 12 months and just tell them you would simply like to switch but never cancel the other.
I do not like the Physicians Mutual one without an limit. I find them to be a really bad value for the money once you read the fine print.
There is asnother interesting one that has an limit of 6k but I forgot what that one which and it wasn't in my state so...
If you need work done and if you have one dental insurance. Get another or depending on how much work you need get 2 then pay next to nothing. Run them up to the max then cancel them. For example, if you need 10k in work. See if you can get an duplicate policy sometimes they will give to you, sometimes they will not. I just played as a stupid teenager that wanted to blow his money insurance to be cool. Then pay a few hundred for like few month and get your work done.
I for example, have a standalone dental insurance which is my primary, then I have one though my union at work which is my secondary but it has an limit of 20k per year. Not the thing is I keep both because they might find something to not to cover if they say well because it started before the insurance or more importantly if I lose my job for the shake of it. But just by having two insurance which pay around 65 per month in total I get basically everything for free because they allow for combining of benefits though duel enrollment and when I run out of the max on my standalone then I pick up another. Right now I have 3 insurances ;) Simply because I Needed a tooth to be removed and that will max out my first one so.... I will save like 200 dollars overall once it's all over with.
Everything what I said is what I learnt while being broke while having an bad month and being smart enough to play their system. I am in my early twenties and I was abused as a child and I was discourage to brush my teeth because 'everyone wanted some of the tooth paste' and like they either throw it away or took away the brush. And I being a 13 year old didn't realize you could still brush your teeth without it and I didn't realized what would happen as a result. I knew that tooth decay but mine looked fine and so I thought it took alot more than it actually did. 3 months without brushing give me cavities in almost all of my back teeth. I just given up on trying and I thought it was much harder to get decay than it was. The cherry ontop is I had to live with abbess teeth for years until I got out that place.
Hope this helps someone
Yes, thanks for the tips!
Thanks for helping the community. It is hard to get duel enrollments and employer or retiree plans like the one you have is much easier to get away with that. Thanks for your input!
By the way, we also sell Physicians Mutual. They have the new plan that is only $56 per month and 100% coverage wit 70% coverage across all minor and major work. They have no cap for the year. When you said you didn't like them were you aware of the $56 plan? Perhaps your looked at their lower tier plans. Not all states have the $56 plan.
Thanks for all the info and I suspect you just named their two plans👏
Unfortunately if you have a significant dental expense these plans don’t really help. (I’ve been diagnosed with TMJ/TMD and it’s very expensive to treat).
This is what worked out for me. While under my former employer's insurance plan, I got diagnosed with TMJ via my medical plan. I first went to my ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist, and he referred me to a specialist for TMJ. Dr. Mark Abramson, DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), is an oral & maxillofacial surgery specialist in Redwood City, CA. Per his website, he seems to accept many Medicare plans, but I'll have to verify if he'll accept my traditional Medicare plan.
Interesting. My primary care sent me to an ENT who prescribed an MRI (therefore paid by Medicare). It confirmed the TMJ diagnosis. I start physical therapy tomorrow (also paid for by Medicare). I just hope it helps.
Hi Ann, Kai and Retirement Specialist Gracie, I subscribed because your content is excellent and the way you present it makes it easy to understand. I plan on contacting you this week. Do you know if either of the 2 best dental plans are available in New Jersey and if they are what is the price range? Thank you.
Hello there, could you reach out to our office and either leave a message at 408-502-7080 or email us at kai@retiringoptions.com. We will be able to respond when we return to the office this next work week. Thank you for supporting our channel!
@@kciisI will call your office next week.
Siempre los veo pero es muy difícil entender cual elegir
Me podrían ayudar
Please call us and we can help you!
Kai & Ann Chung
408-502-7080
Are the 2 plans ( 2,000 Cap & No Cap )you mention available in Connecticut?
Is your top recommended plan available in Louisiana? Considering other wise Mutual of Omaha with $5K cap.
Please give our office a call and they can look it up for you.
Kai & Ann Chung
408-502-7080
I wish you listed the two insurance companies, this wasn’t very helpful ☹️
Sorry. These two plans are not in every state and we do not want to make a video where it is no longer valid.
Please feel free to reach out to us and we can send you information if it’s available in your state.
Kai & Ann Chung
408-502-7080
No link to the plans??
No sorry. Plans are state specific. Call our office and we can give you more details for your state. 408-502-7080
Dentists and Veterinarians care about $ more than the patients
It’s sad, it’s true. That’s the case with mose professions now to be honest. Thanks for watching.
Kai & Ann Chung
3 month waiting period for a filling!?! That's absurd! Do you know how much a tooth can have further decay in that amount of time and then you need a crown? I'll be brushing and flossing every chance I get
That does sound like a long wait! We now have plans where fillings are covered right away.
However, there's still a 12 months wait for major work. This is to prevent people from buying it last minute.
It's important to take care of our oral health as soon as possible to avoid any further complications. Keep up with your brushing and flossing routine!
Can't say the name of the plan because they will get commission when you call and sign up. Sketchy couple. Probably sell used cars on the side.
Sorry you feel that way. We do make a commission but nothing comes out of your pocket and the premiums are exactly the same. The reason we don’t mention the name is because every state is different and the plans can change. Since we made the video on of the companies already came out with a new plan.
If you like to learn more you can call our office to see if what plans are available in your state.
Kai & Ann Chung
408-502-7080
I went 15 years with cleaning every six months. Never needed anything else. Went through divorce, lost all insurance and moved. New dentist said all silver needs to come out and replaced with updated materials. First crown 2000.00. 😲😳🙄 crazy . Doing one at a time
I was told the lead had to come out. It wasn't that expensive. If you have have actual silver in your mouth, find another dentist. Or ask for what they're removing be returned to you to sell snd offset the cost.
Physicians Mutual would only pay $500 on that crown
I had denture in india but not set bank has no give money for implant
I mentioned another comment you left that you may want to look at state assistance to help you out.
I’m turning 65 next month but I don’t know if I can continue my PPO from my job or if it ll be better to switch to Medicare now
I’m planning to work for 2 more years which offer a very expensive and unhealthy PPO
Please advise
Please call us and we can help you!
Kai & Ann Chung
408-502-7080
Dental Save
What did you mean by this?
PLEASE HELP with dental insurance for seniors in Utah because I couldn’t find anything that covered a $6,500 implant surgery and had to resort to a 50% off discount plan, but now to complete the job it will cost another $6500 for the crown, bridge and replacement teeth! I’m 83, on a fixed income, is there ANYTHING better than Cigna Plus? Please help?
Consider going to a community health clinic for dental work, even if you have to drive a bit. They have sliding scales based on your income. I’m in Utah, Cache Valley area. I drove over the mountain to Garden City to one of their dentists who accepted lower pay and my complete root canal and crown was $800. I also drive down to Midtown Community Health in Ogden for low cost dental work. They use students for routine work once a month with supervisors checking their work. In Cache Valley it is Bear River Community Health in north Logan or offices in Providence or Brigham City. We pay $55 for cleanings and fillings. Your county health departments may also have help or financing options for you for many things from affording car repairs to medical bills.
@@whyme6036 I checked on a clinic nearby and found their prices were the same if not higher than my dentist! Go figure.
My best dental plan is to eat xylitol gums after each meal per Dr. Ellie Phillips dental hygiene protocol.
Interesting!
infomercial for insurance broker.
Well, thanks for watching anyway. We do mention to just pay cash by the way...
Madam i am young i have not take teeth i am indian i am poor my age 30 i am problem teeth india in not good dentist india in froud dentist
Thanks for sharing. You might be able to get state assistance to help you.
Just about all dentists in north Florida DO NOT accept dental insurance of any type. All are demanding payment in cash.
Sounds like a bunch of greedy dentists, like the ones everywhere. Only worse
By doing cash instead of buying insurance, are dentists actually expecting literal cash, or are a check, debit card or credit card accepted?
@@brendareed5050 Our dentist will accept almost any form, cash, Apple Pay, credit, etc
You just gave me no helpful information!!
Interesting. Ok. Sorry.
Kai & Ann Chung