Archive for the ‘Low Income Help’ Category
Welcome to MedicardCard.com! If you’re thinking about buying dental insurance, it’s crucial to understand how deductibles work and how they can impact your out-of-pocket costs. This article will explain dental insurance deductibles and their influence on dental treatment expenses.
If you have any questions or need assistance choosing the right dental insurance plan with the best deductible, please call us at 310-534-3444. Our team of experts is ready to help you find the perfect plan to meet your dental health needs.
Thank you for choosing MedicareCard.com. We’re here to help you get the dental care you need at a price you can afford. If you are considering purchasing dental insurance, it’s important to understand deductibles and how they work. Deductibles are a common feature of most PPOs and Indemnity dental insurance plans. This article will explore how deductibles work in dental insurance plans and provide examples to help you better understand how they affect dental treatment costs.
What is a Dental Insurance Deductible?
At the start of a dental insurance plan, the insurer will set a specific dollar amount that you must pay out of pocket before your plan will start covering the costs of your dental treatment. This amount is known as a deductible. The deductible can vary depending on the dental insurance plan’s terms and conditions.
For example, if your dental insurance plan has a $100 deductible, you must pay $100 for your dental treatment before your insurance plan will start covering your costs. After you have paid your deductible, your insurance plan will cover some of your treatment costs, known as the coinsurance.
When it comes to dental insurance, PPO plans are a popular choice. However, it’s important to note that some dental PPOs may have a higher deductible for orthodontic services than others. If you or someone on your plan needs orthodontic treatment, you may have to pay a higher out-of-pocket cost before your insurance plan starts covering the costs.
Conversely, some dental PPOs have a lower deductible for all other services, such as routine check-ups, cleanings, and fillings. These typical deductibles can range from around $25.00 to $150.00, depending on the plan and the insurance provider.
It is essential to review your dental insurance plan carefully to understand how your deductible works and how it will impact your orthodontic and other dental treatment costs. If you or a family member needs orthodontic treatment, check the deductible and any other coverage limits or exclusions for these services. You can compare dental insurance plans to find the best coverage and deductible for your needs.
Remember, having dental insurance can help you and your family get the dental care you need at a more affordable cost. By understanding how deductibles work and comparing plans, you can decide which dental PPO plan is right for you.
How Deductibles Affect Your Dental Treatment Costs
Deductibles are essential when choosing a dental insurance plan because they can significantly impact out-of-pocket expenses. For instance, if you have a high deductible, you must pay more out of pocket before your insurance plan starts covering your costs. On the other hand, if you have a low deductible, you will have to pay less out of pocket.
How Deductibles Work in Benefit Periods
Dental insurance plans usually operate on a benefit period basis, which is typically one year. During this period, you have a set amount of coverage for dental treatments, which can vary depending on your plan.
Once you have paid your deductible, your insurance plan will start covering some of your treatment costs, known as coinsurance. The coinsurance varies depending on your dental insurance plan and can range from 50% to 100% of your treatment costs.
How Deductibles Work for Preventive and Diagnostic Treatments
Some dental insurance plans apply the deductible to preventive and diagnostic treatments, such as routine check-ups, cleanings, and x-rays. Other dental insurance plans do not have a deductible for preventive treatment but do for basic and major dental services. If your plan applies the deductible to these treatments, you must pay the total cost until you reach your deductible.
Suppose you have a dental insurance plan with a $100 deductible and need a routine check-up that costs $100. In this case, you must bear the entire cost out of your pocket as the deductible amount is the same as the check-up cost. However, let’s assume your dental insurance covers 80% of preventive care costs, and you require a routine check-up, bite-wing X-rays, and basic cleaning, which amounts to $225. In this scenario, you would pay $100 for the deductible and 20% of the remaining $125, which comes to $25, bringing your total cost to $125.
How Deductibles Work for Major Dental Treatments
Understanding how deductibles work is crucial when it comes to major dental treatments. Many people think you must pay the deductible every time you receive a major treatment. However, this is only sometimes true. If you have already paid the preventive care deductible for the year, you will not have to pay it again for major services.
You only have to pay the deductible once yearly. Once you have met your deductible, you are good for the rest of the year. You only have a deductible on major services if you have not met the deductible in a given year. The average deductible for dental insurance is around $25.00 to $150.00 per person. While this may seem like a lot, it is essential to remember that dental treatments can be extremely costly.
How to Choose the Right Deductible for Your Needs
When choosing a dental insurance plan, consider your dental needs and budget. If you have a history of dental problems and require frequent treatment, a plan with a low deductible may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you have good dental health and only require routine check-ups, a plan with a higher deductible may be more cost-effective.
Maximize the Dental Insurance Deductibles
It is crucial to schedule all dental appointments within the same year. Again, avoiding the deductible payment can be achieved by taking care of services within the same year. Let’s take a look at an example to understand how this works.
Suppose you have a dental insurance plan with a $100 deductible. You have a routine check-up in February, which costs $100. You pay the $100 out of pocket, and your deductible is met for the year. In April, you need a filling that costs $150. Since you have already met your deductible, your insurance plan will cover part of the cost, typically between 50 and 80 percent, depending on your plan’s coinsurance.
Let’s say you need another filling, which also costs $150. If you wait for treatment in January of the following year, you must pay the deductible again since it’s a new benefit period. However, if you had scheduled the filling in November, you would have avoided paying the deductible again since it’s in the same benefit period as the filling in April.
By scheduling all your dental appointments within the same year, you can maximize your dental insurance benefits and avoid paying deductibles multiple times for dental services. You can save significant money in the long run, especially if you need multiple dental treatments yearly.
In conclusion, deductibles are a factor when choosing a dental insurance plan. They can significantly affect your out-of-pocket expenses and the coverage you receive. Be sure to carefully review your dental insurance plan information to understand how your deductible works and how it will impact your dental treatment costs.
Question: I am 20 with a newborn. I am not getting much help with the care of my son, and my son’s dad does not have any benefits that he can add to our son, too. I work from home and go into the office when needed; though I get medical care for my son and me, I do not have dental benefits either. Getting dental insurance is new to me since I only gave it a little thought once my son was born. He is not teething yet, but I would like to get something in place for him and me both to use. What are my dental insurance options? I am trying to keep the cost low, so please advise.
Reply: I completely understand your concern about finding a dental plan that covers your child under five. However, I assure you that dental insurance benefits both you and your child.
When finding an affordable dental insurance plan for you and your child, a dental HMO insurance plan is the best option. The cost of an HMO insurance plan for couples (you and your son) is generally in the range of $13.00 to $30.00. However, with HMO plans, you need to choose a plan provider. Therefore, it is crucial to call the providers and confirm that they provide dental care services for children under five. Confirming will allow you to choose a provider who specializes in child dental care and can address your child’s specific needs.
Another option we offer is a dental PPO. PPO plans are good because they allow you to choose your preferred dental provider, but they are generally a more expensive insurance option. However, certain PPO plans have a low yearly maximum limitation, such as $1000.00 per person. This could be a good option for you if you are looking for a plan that gives you more flexibility in choosing your provider without breaking the bank.
It’s also important to note that regular checkups are crucial for maintaining good dental health. Hopefully, you won’t need more extensive dental care services. Therefore, I highly recommend taking your child in for regular checkups to keep their teeth healthy and catch any potential dental issues early on.
Tips for Finding a Dental Provider that Specializes in Child Dental Care
Finding a dental provider who specializes in child dental care can be a little overwhelming, but it’s essential to find a provider who can address your child’s specific dental needs. One way to find a dental provider is to ask for referrals from your pediatrician. Pediatricians often work with dental providers who specialize in children’s dental care. You can also request referrals from friends, family, or colleagues with children.
Another way to find a pediatric dentist is to check with your dental insurance provider. Most insurance providers have a list of in-network pediatric dentists. You can also visit the provider’s website for pediatric dentistry or children’s dental care information.
When choosing a dental provider, it’s essential to consider some factors, such as the provider’s experience, location, and cost. You can also check online reviews and ratings from other parents who have taken their children to the provider. This will give you an idea of the provider’s quality of service and patient satisfaction.
It’s also important to note that not all dental providers specializing in child dental care are equal. Some may have a more kid-friendly environment, while others may use child-friendly language and techniques to put your child at ease. Therefore, taking your child to a provider who makes them feel comfortable and at ease during the dental visit is crucial.
In summary, finding a dental provider specializing in child dental care requires research, referrals, and careful consideration. By finding a qualified provider, you can ensure that your child receives the best dental care possible.
Importance of Baby’s First Dental Visit: When and Why to Take Your Child to the Dentist
Many parents wonder when their child should see a dentist for the first time when it comes to dental care for babies. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a baby’s first dental visit should occur within six months after the first tooth appears or no later than the child’s first birthday.
The first dental visit is essential because it allows the dentist to examine the baby’s teeth and gums, check for any signs of tooth decay or other dental problems, and guide how to properly care for the baby’s teeth.
During the first dental visit, the dentist will also educate the parents on caring for the baby’s teeth and gums, including brushing and flossing techniques, a healthy diet, and ways to prevent tooth decay. They will also answer any parents’ questions about the baby’s dental health.
Some parents may wonder why their baby needs to go to the dentist at such a young age, especially if their baby has only a few teeth or none at all. However, dental problems can occur at any age, and early detection and treatment can prevent more significant issues.
Additionally, the first dental visit is an excellent opportunity for parents to establish relationships with the dentist and dental staff. This can help reduce any anxiety or fear the child may have about going to the dentist in the future.
In summary, it is recommended that babies see a dentist for the first time within six months of the first tooth appearing or no later than the child’s first birthday. This early dental visit is crucial for ensuring the baby’s dental health and providing parents with guidance and education on properly caring for their child’s teeth and gums.
Affordable and Comprehensive Dental Insurance Plans for Your Family at MedicareCard.com
At MedicareCard.com, we understand the importance of finding the right dental insurance plan that fits your monthly budget. With over 100+ plans, we offer various options for individual and family dental insurance and dental discount plans. Our plans are available throughout all 50 states, so you can rest assured knowing that we have you and your family covered.
We take pride in offering affordable dental insurance plans that provide quality coverage. Many of our plans offer a cheap price yet still provide access to the best dental providers in your area. We also offer supplemental dental insurance plans to help offset your dental and family expenses, ensuring you and your family receive the best dental care possible without breaking the bank.
We specifically designed our dental insurance plans to meet your dental needs and budget. We understand the importance of maintaining good dental health, and our plans provide you with the coverage you need to achieve this. Our plans cover routine checkups, cleanings, preventative care, and more extensive dental procedures such as fillings, root canals, and crowns.
At MedicareCard.com, we strive to provide you with the most comprehensive and affordable dental insurance plans available. We understand that navigating the world of dental insurance can be overwhelming, so we offer personalized assistance to help you find the plan that best suits your needs. Everyone deserves access to quality dental care, and we are committed to ensuring that you and your family receive the best care possible.
We would be happy to provide you with a free dental insurance quote for the plan we offer in your area or answer any questions about dental insurance. Our member service line is available from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call us at 310-534-3444, and we’ll gladly assist you.
If you’re considering buying an individual PPO dental insurance plan, you may wonder if it’s worth the cost. While some people believe dental insurance isn’t worth it, this may be true for some dental insurance plans, particularly if you only need short-term coverage.
Understanding the limitations of specific insurance plans is key. Many people delay dental care until they experience pain or significant dental issues. In these cases, they may find that certain PPOs or Indemnity insurance plans have restrictions that prevent immediate coverage for major dental care needs. By being aware of these limitations, you can make an informed decision about your dental insurance needs.
It’s important to note that dental PPO plans are not designed for short-term solutions. They may not be the best choice for those who only want dental insurance to address a current dental issue and then cancel the plan. This approach could leave you without coverage for future dental needs, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket costs. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the long-term nature of dental PPO plans before making a decision.
Considering your long-term dental needs is crucial when deciding whether to buy a dental PPO or an Indemnity plan. If you opt for these insurance plans, keeping them for at least a few years is best. Doing so will ensure that you get the most out of your dental coverage and can receive timely treatment for any dental issues that may arise. Ultimately, purchasing an individual PPO dental insurance plan should be based on your long-term dental health goals and needs.
You can now enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for next year!
Beginning on November 15, you can submit an online enrollment on the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder Tool by simply clicking on the “Enroll” button and completing the requested information. As you are deciding on the best plan for your needs, check out the 5-Star Plan Ratings information. You can find more information about the data represented by the star ratings and how quality and performance are measured by selecting the “Click here to view more details on Plan Ratings” link close to the star ratings in the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder and Medicare Options Compare Tools.
Improve Health for All: REACH 2010
Mon, 12 May 2008 14:05:00 -0500
The future of health of the nation will be determined to a large extent by how effectively we work with communities to reduce and eliminate health disparities between non-minority and minority populations. This podcast illustrates CDC’s REACH 2010 initiative – Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health – which funds innovative programs across the United States.
2003 Abortion Surveillance Report
Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:39:00 -0600
This podcast provides a summary of the latest CDC Abortion Surveillance Report. It is the one of two podcasts available on this topic. The report is prepared annually by CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health. Additional information on this CDC Surveillance System is available at http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth.
ay, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of thirteen new 30-second flu radio public service announcements (PSA). These new radio messages feature 13 of America’s governors and Elmo from Sesame Street. The messages, which will be promoted to radio stations across the country, promote key flu prevention messages to parents and children.
Children and young adults continue to be disproportionately effected by H1N1. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of the hospitalizations from 2009 H1N1 flu reported recently were people age 24 and younger. That’s why HHS has teamed up with Sesame Workshop and other partners to promote flu prevention PSAs aimed at educating children and their parents about the importance of getting vaccinated.
“Elmo has emerged as one of our best partners in fighting the flu this year,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “That’s why we are excited for Elmo to join some of the nation’s governors in promoting important flu prevention tips. We know that kids are especially vulnerable against H1N1, and we hope that hearing flu prevention tips from Elmo will help them stay healthy and flu free.”
These new 30-second radio ads are designed for broadcast in states around the country. All of the new ads are available for download at http://www.flu.gov/psa/psacongress.html.
All of the latest flu PSAs are available on www.flu.gov/psa/. The new radio PSAs include recordings from:
Gov. M. Jodi Rell of Connecticut, Gov. Chet Culver of Iowa, Gov. Mark Parkinson of Kansas, Gov. Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri, Gov. Bev Perdue of North Carolina, Gov. John Hoeven of North Dakota, Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio, Gov. Brad Henry of Oklahoma, Gov. Ted Kulongoski of Oregon, Gov. Jim Douglas of Vermont, Gov. Chris Gregoire of Washington, and Gov. Dave Freudenthal of Wyoming.
Source: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/10/20091026a.html
October 23, 2009
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the award of $17 million to fund projects to fight costly and dangerous health care-associated infections, or HAIs.
“When patients go to the hospital, they expect to get better, not worse,” Secretary Sebelius said. “Eliminating infections is critical to making care safer for patients and to improving the overall quality and safety of the health care system. We know that it can be done, and this new initiative will help us reach our goal.”
HAIs are one of the most common complications of hospital care. Nearly 2 million patients develop HAIs, which contribute to 99,000 deaths each year and $28 billion to $33 billion in health care costs. HAIs are caused by different types of bacteria that infect patients being treated in a hospital or health care setting for other conditions. The most common HAI-causing bacteria is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The number of MRSA-associated hospital stays has more than tripled since 2000, reaching 368,600 in 2005, according to HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project.
Of the $17 million, $8 million will fund a national expansion of the Keystone Project, which within 18 months successfully reduced the rate of central-line blood stream infections in more than 100 Michigan intensive care units and saved 1,500 lives and $200 million. The project was originally started by the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the Michigan Health & Hospital Association to implement a comprehensive unit-based safety program. The program involves using a checklist of evidence-based safety practices; staff training and other tools for preventing infections that can be implemented in hospital units; standard and consistent measurement of infection rates; and tools to improve teamwork among doctors, nurses and hospital leaders.
Last year, AHRQ funded an expansion of this project to 10 states. With additional funding from AHRQ and a private foundation, the Keystone Project is now operating in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The new funding announced today will expand the effort to more hospitals, extend it to other settings in addition to ICUs, and broaden the focus to address other types of infections. Specifically, the new $8 million in funding will provide:
- $6 million to the Health Research & Educational Trust for national efforts to expand the Comprehensive Unit-Based Patient Safety Program to Reduce Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections. The funding will allow more hospitals in all 50 states to participate in the program and expand the program’s reach into hospital settings outside of the ICU. The Health Research & Educational Trust will also use $1 million to support a demonstration project that will help fight catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
- $1 million to Yale University to support a comprehensive plan to prevent bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients.
AHRQ, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also identified several high-priority areas to apply the remaining $9 million toward reducing MRSA and other types of HAIs. These projects will focus on:
- Reducing Clostridium difficile infections through a regional hospital collaborative.
- Reducing the overuse of antibiotics by primary care clinicians treating patients in ambulatory and long-term care settings.
- Evaluating two ways to eliminate MRSA in ICUs.
- Improving the measurement of the risk of infections after surgery.
- Identifying national-, regional- and state-level rates of HAIs that are acquired in the acute care setting.
- Reducing infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase-producing organisms by applying recently developed recommendations from CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee.
- Standardizing antibiotic use in long-term care settings (two projects).
- Implementing teamwork principles for frontline health care providers.
A complete list of institutions funded by the $17 million in resources awarded today is available at http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/haify09.htm.
For more information, please contact AHRQ Public Affairs: (301) 427-1258 or (301) 427-1998.
Source: http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2009/haifund.htm
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers Medicare, the nation’s largest health insurance program, which covers nearly 40 million Americans. Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for people age 65 or older, some disabled people under age 65, and people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant).
Welcome to the Medicare Eligibility Tool
This section of the site is designed to provide you with information about your Medicare eligibility and enrollment. You will be asked to answer a series of questions. The number of questions, as well as the questions themselves will be dynamic based on your answers. Once they have collected enough information, they will display detailed information tailored to your specific situation. Please note that Social Security will make the final decision on your eligibility and enrollment status.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted alien who has lived in the U.S. continuously for a five-year period, please contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for your Medicare enrollment and eligibility.
People age 50 and over are at higher risk for serious complications from flu. You should get your flu shot as soon as they become available. Signs of the flu include fever, sore throat, body aches, runny nose and coughling.
How often is it covered? Once a year in the fall or winter
For whom? All people with Medicare Part B
Your costs in the Original Medicare Plan? You pay nothing as long as you have Medicare Part B
Help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program) helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for good health. Although SNAP is the national name, your state may use a different name.
To learn more about SNAP and find your state’s application forms, simply select your state from the state list.
Extra Help for People with Limited Income and Resources
If you are not sure if you qualify for extra help paying for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, visit these two online resources:
1. Apply Online for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs
If your resources are less than $11,710 (single) or $23,410 (married) and your income is limited, you may qualify for extra help paying for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. These resource limits are for 2007 and may increase each year. The resource limits include $1,500 per person for burial expenses. Resources include your savings and stock, but not your home or car. If you haven’t received an application or information about the extra help, and you think you may qualify, you should apply.
Remember, as Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Leavitt says, “If in doubt, fill it out!” You can apply Online by visiting the Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs section on the Social Security Administration website.
2. Find Out if You Should Apply for the Extra Help
Visit the BenefitsCheckUpRx website to learn about and join valuable federal, state and private programs that can save you money on health care and prescription drugs including the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.