What to Know About Dental Coverage During Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is the time of year when many employees review their benefits and decide what coverage they want for the year ahead. While health insurance often gets most of the attention, dental coverage is another benefit worth looking at—especially if you expect to need cleanings, dental work, orthodontic treatment, or other care throughout the year.
But what if your employer doesn't offer dental insurance? Or what if the dental plan available to you has a high deductible, an annual maximum, or leaves you paying more out of pocket than expected?
A dental membership program can be another option to consider.
What Should I Look At During Dental Open Enrollment?
Don't just look at the monthly premium. Take a closer look at:
Deductibles: How much do you pay before your plan begins covering certain services?
Annual maximums: How much will your insurance pay toward dental care each year?
Coverage: Which preventive and treatment services are included?
Out-of-pocket costs: How much will you pay when you actually receive care?
Waiting periods: Will you have to wait before certain services are covered?
Your dentist: Can you continue seeing your current dental provider?
Understanding these details can help you compare the actual value of your dental benefits.
What If My Employer Doesn't Offer Dental Insurance?
Not every employer offers dental benefits, and some employees may choose not to enroll in a traditional dental plan.
That doesn't mean you have to put off routine dental care.
The 7 to 7 Dental Membership is an in-house membership option designed for patients who don't have traditional dental insurance or want another way to save on dental care.
Instead of paying an insurance premium for coverage with its own plan limitations, the membership provides included preventive services and discounts on additional treatment at 7 to 7 Dental.
What Is the 7 to 7 Dental Membership?
The 7 to 7 Dental Membership is an in-house dental membership program available for $21 per month.
Membership includes:
2 dental cleanings per year
Dental exams
All three levels of dental X-rays
Discounts on additional dental treatment
Discounts on orthodontic treatment and Invisalign
Discounts on implants
No waiting periods
No deductibles
No annual maximum
The membership is designed to make routine dental care and additional treatment more predictable for patients who don't have traditional dental insurance.
Is a Dental Membership the Same as Dental Insurance?
No. A dental membership program and dental insurance are different.
Traditional dental insurance is an insurance product with its own plan terms, premiums, deductibles, annual maximums, coverage levels, and other limitations.
A dental membership is a discount and benefits program offered directly by a dental practice. With the 7 to 7 Dental Membership, members pay a monthly fee and receive included services and discounts on eligible treatment at participating 7 to 7 Dental locations.
The right option depends on your individual needs, so it's important to understand what each option includes before making a decision.
What If My Dental Insurance Has an Annual Maximum?
An annual maximum is the most a dental insurance plan will pay toward covered services during a plan year. Once you reach that limit, you may be responsible for additional costs.
The 7 to 7 Dental Membership does not have an annual maximum. Members receive the included services and discounts outlined in the membership terms.
Consider Your Options Before Open Enrollment Ends
Whether you're enrolling in dental insurance through your employer or looking for an alternative, open enrollment is a good opportunity to compare your options and understand your potential out-of-pocket costs.
The 7 to 7 Dental Membership is $21 per month and includes preventive care, exams, X-rays, and discounts on additional treatment without deductibles, waiting periods, or an annual maximum.
Want to learn more about the 7 to 7 Dental Membership? Contact 7 to 7 Dental or ask about membership at your next visit.
