Dental insurance plans are a great way to reduce dental costs and protect your teeth and your family’s teeth. With so many options for dental plans, it may be difficult to choose. Let’s take a look at the different dental plans in Nevada, and some strategies and resources to help you choose the best dental plan.
How to Choose Dental Plans in Nevada
Choosing the right dental plan in Nevada means assessing your needs and budget, finding your preferred dentist, and honing in on the right plan. In some cases, this decision might already be made for you. If your employer offers dental plans, this is generally the best option, since your employer often covers part or all of the costs, or can obtain discounts through a group plan. However, if your employer doesn’t offer dental plans, you can choose your own dental plan for yourself or your family.
Nevada’s Insurance Marketplace
Nevada Health Link is a health insurance marketplace for Nevada residents to search for and purchase health insurance plans, including dental plans. If you don’t have dental insurance, this is a great place to start your search. However, you might also conduct a reverse search. You might look for a dentist that you or your children are comfortable with, who provides high-quality care, and choose your dental insurance based on the plans that your dentist accepts.
BDG accepts over 40 dental insurance plans
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There are many great dental plans in Nevada. Many of these dental insurance providers are active across several states, and others operate only in Nevada. Which dental plan in Nevada is best for you depends on what type of coverage you’re looking for and your budget.
As of 2023, five insurers provide dental coverage for individuals or families outside of an existing health plan. These insurers include the following:
- BEST Life
- Alpha Dental
- Delta Dental
- EMI Health
- Rocky Mountain Dental
These outside dental plans can be purchased on HealthCare.gov during the open enrollment period from November 1 until January 15 each year. Or, a life event, such as marriage or having children, can also allow you to change or purchase insurance.
Direct-to-Consumer Dental Plans
Other insurers offer dental plans directly to Nevada consumers. These plans are not available on HealthCare.gov, and may or may not offer pediatric dental coverage under the ACA. However these plans are regulated by the Nevada Division of Insurance, and can be good dental insurance options for many consumers, especially if pediatric coverage is not a concern.
How Much are Dental Insurance Premiums in Nevada?
According to Healthinsurance.org, “Premiums range from $0 to $226 per month… IHC Specialty Benefits reports that the average monthly premium for a stand-alone family dental plan sold in Nevada in 2023 was $51.86.” According to eHealthinsurance.com, “The average dental insurance premium in Nevada is $33.74 per month.” Keep in mind that premiums will vary depending on how many people are on your plan, how much your plan covers, your zip code, and other factors.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
Your dental insurance plan should cover preventive and routine dental care. It may also cover additional services or procedures. The dental plans that offer more coverage typically have higher premiums, while the plans with less coverage will have less expensive premiums. If you are confident in your dental hygiene and you do not have a history of cavities, tooth infections, or other issues, a plan with more affordable premiums may be best for you.
Alternatively, if you have a more complicated dental history, or if you foresee braces, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or other procedures in your or your family’s future, a dental insurance plan with higher premiums but more coverage may be ideal.
Considering how dental exam, cleaning and procedure costs may impact you financially can help you determine which plan might be best for you overall. Your dental insurance may cover the following in varying amounts:
- Regular dental care: Twice annual cleanings, x-rays, cancer screening, filling cavities
- Orthodontic care: braces, Invisalign, wisdom tooth removal, dental crowns
- Special care: Tooth removal, tooth implants, bridges, gum treatment, tooth whitening
Consider Your Deductible
It’s also important to consider your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your coverage starts to pay. Some procedures are covered by your dental insurance even before you meet your deductible. For instance, dental insurance plans typically cover teeth cleaning, x-rays, and fillings with only a mandatory copay. However, other procedures may require you to meet your deductible before your dental insurance covers the costs.
Compare different insurance plans, consider your and your family’s dental needs, and read the insurance documents carefully to determine which dental insurance plan in Nevada is right for you. If you already have a dentist in mind, ask them which dental insurance plans they take. If you are looking for a dentist, pediatric dentist, orthodontist, or another expert who accepts your insurance in Nevada, BDG accepts over 40 different insurance plans. Take a look at our insurance page or contact us to learn more.
