Dental Insurance Illinois: What You Need to Know

It is important to have dental insurance for regular dental checkups, cleaning, and filling cavities. A dental insurance plan will also help you pay for more expensive procedures like root canals, bridges, or implants. Dental insurance plans in Illinois offer different levels of coverage, and it is important to choose the right plan that best suits your needs and budget. Here is what you need to know about dental insurance in Illinois.

Types of Dental Insurance

There are two main types of dental insurance: PPO and HMO.

PPO Plans

PPO plans give you the flexibility to choose any dentist you want. They offer discounts based on in-network dental providers, but you can still see an out-of-network dentist for a higher cost. You pay a monthly premium, and your plan covers a percentage of the cost of your dental treatments.

PPO plans have higher premiums compared to HMO plans, but they offer more choices and flexibility in terms of dental providers. They also have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

HMO Plans

HMO plans only cover in-network dental providers. You pay a monthly premium, but you do not have to pay any deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses for most routine dental services. HMO plans offer lower premiums compared to PPO plans, but you have fewer choices when it comes to dental providers.

If you choose an HMO plan, you will have to select a primary care dentist, who will coordinate all of your dental care. You will need a referral from your primary care dentist if you need to see a specialist.

Costs of Dental Insurance

The costs of dental insurance in Illinois depend on the type of plan you choose, your age, and your location. Dental insurance premiums can range from $15 to $50 per month for individual coverage and $50 to $150 per month for family coverage. Some plans have deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance costs.

Deductibles

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and you need a root canal that costs $1,500, you will have to pay $500 out of pocket, and your insurance will cover the remaining $1,000.

Copayments and Coinsurance

Copayments and coinsurance are the amounts you pay for each dental procedure. For example, if you have a $50 copayment for a filling, you will pay $50 out of pocket, and your insurance will cover the rest of the cost. Coinsurance is a percentage of the cost of the procedure that you are responsible for paying. For example, if you have a 20% coinsurance for a root canal that costs $1,500, you will have to pay $300 out of pocket, and your insurance will cover the remaining $1,200.

Benefits of Dental Insurance

Having dental insurance in Illinois offers many benefits, including:

Preventive Care

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care like regular checkups, cleanings, and X-rays. These services can help you maintain good oral health and prevent more serious dental problems down the line.

Coverage for Major Procedures

Dental insurance can help you pay for major dental procedures like root canals, bridges, and implants. These procedures can be very expensive without insurance coverage.

Savings on Dental Services

With dental insurance, you can save money on dental services like fillings, extractions, and crowns. Many plans offer discounts on these procedures, which can help you save money.

FAQ

Conclusion

Having dental insurance in Illinois is important for maintaining good oral health and saving money on dental procedures. When choosing a dental insurance plan, consider your needs and budget, and compare different plans to find the best coverage for you. With the right dental insurance plan, you can ensure that you and your family receive the dental care you need without breaking the bank.