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When it comes to health insurance sales, some areas that don’t receive as much attention as they should. Dental vision & hearing insurance fall into this category. Often times, both agents and clients overlook the importance of these products until a problem occurs. However, adding dental, vision, and hearing coverage to a traditional health plan can save the enrollee headaches down the road. Healthcare agents also benefit by adding these products to their sales.

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Why dental, vision, and hearing coverage is important

Dental

Dental health is about much more than having a pretty smile; it’s an integral part of overall well-being. Poor oral health can lead to various health issues that go far beyond cavities and gum disease. These issues can include heart disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications. That is why regular dental check-ups and treatments are crucial to maintaining good overall health. Unfortunately, the price of oral care can be very costly, especially without insurance coverage. When clients are looking for a dental plan it is imperative they choose a plan where their dentist is part of the network. Clients save a significant amount of money on dental care if they use an in-network provider and pay the negotiated rates for oral care.

Watch a video on our individual dental plan available in all 50 states

Vision

Although eyesight is one of the most important senses, many of us take it for granted. Regular eye exams can help detect vision problems early on, which may prevent more serious issues down the line. Vision insurance helps cover the costs of eye exams, prescription eyewear, and even corrective surgery, like LASIK, in some cases. Many Medicare advantage plans include some dental vision and hearing benefits, although, in most cases, it is not significant coverage. Beneficiaries who purchase stand alone vision insurance plans can easily prioritize their vision health.

Hearing

Because hearing loss is more common than you might think, it affects millions of people worldwide. f hearing loss is ignored, it can have a significant impact on quality of life. This can lead to communication difficulties, social isolation, and even cognitive decline. Hearing aids and other hearing assistance devices can be life-changing for those with hearing loss. Unfortunately, they often come with a hefty price tag. Having insurance coverage for hearing can make these life-changing devices more accessible.

The Benefits of dental, vision, & hearing insurance

Financial Protection

One of the most obvious benefits of insurance coverage for dental, vision, and hearing health is the financial protection it provides. Without insurance, the cost of routine check-ups, treatments, and necessary devices can add up quickly. This can put a strain on an already stretched budget. Insurance helps offset these costs, making it easier to prioritize preventive care and address issues as they arise.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is key to maintaining good health. Regular check-ups can detect problems early on when they’re easier (and cheaper) to treat. With insurance coverage, beneficiaries are more likely to schedule preventive appointments and stay on top of their overall health.

Access to Necessary Treatments

In addition to preventive care, insurance coverage provides beneficiaries the necessary access to treatments if an issues arises. Whether it’s a cavity that needs filling, new glasses or contacts, or hearing aids, insurance helps cover the costs. This helps ensure beneficiaries get the care they need without breaking the bank.

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Choosing the Right Coverage

When it comes to dental, vision, and hearing insurance, there are many options available, including standalone plans or coverage as part of a comprehensive health insurance policy. Agents helping beneficiaries choose coverage need to, consider premiums, deductibles, coverage limits, and provider networks. It’s essential to find a plan that meets your client’s needs and budget while providing adequate coverage for the services you’re likely to require.

Dental, vision, and hearing health are often overlooked aspects of our overall well-being, but they are no less important than other areas of health. Investing in insurance coverage for these areas can provide financial protection, access to preventive care, and necessary treatments when needed.

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Medicare dental benefits

Most people have heard about the additional benefits offered on some Medicare plans.  One of the most asked about benefits are Medicare dental benefits.  Although dental care is an integral part of overall health, in the vast landscape of healthcare, dental benefits are often overlooked.

The state of Dental coverage in Medicare:

Medicare plays a crucial role in ensuring individuals over the age of 65 and qualifying individuals with disabilities.  Unfortunately, the comprehensive healthcare coverage Medicare provides is definitely lacking when it comes to dental coverage.

As we have already mentioned, Medicare provides a great deal of coverage for various health services, yet dental care has traditionally held a separate status.  Neither Part A nor Part B (Original Medicare) cover routine dental care.  This includes things like check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and extractions.  These services can be quite expensive and many people on fixed incomes simply do not have the resources to afford the costly dental care they require.  This lack of coverage frequently leaves beneficiaries looking for supplemental options that will cover their oral health needs.

Medicare Advantage Plans with dental benefits:

These days, many people look to Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) to provide some relief from the high cost of dental work.  Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and often provide additional benefits beyond Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental coverage.  This coverage usually includes preventive and a few additional services.  In some rare instances, more extensive treatments like root canals or dentures are also covered to some extent.

Learn about some of the plan comparison tools that help clients sort out their options

Stand-alone Dental Coverage:

Many Medicare beneficiaries ask about dental coverage because they understand the importance of dental health.  This is where you need to explain that supplementary (stand-alone) plans cater specifically to dental care needs.  There are many different options available and many dental insurance carriers. Each carrier provides a few different coverage options that include things like checkups, cleanings, fillings and various other dental procedures. It is imperative that beneficiaries understand dental plans only work well if they use an in-network provider for dental care. As an agent, you need to check that their dentist is in network with any plan they are considering.

click here to learn about the NCD metlife dental plans

The Importance of Routine Dental Care:

While navigating Medicare and dental benefits, it’s imperative to understand how important routine dental care is. Oral health can significantly impact overall well-being.  There are several studies that link poor oral health to various systemic conditions. Maintaining regular dental visits preserves a healthy smile and also contributes to overall health and quality of life.

Advocating for Future Changes:

Because of the critical role oral health plays in overall well-being, there’s an ongoing call for expanding Medicare to include comprehensive dental coverage.  Both advocates and policymakers continue to push for changes within the program to include preventive and restorative dental services.  The goal is to provide better access to essential oral healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, understanding the importance of Medicare dental benefits remains pivotal for individuals seeking comprehensive healthcare coverage.  Although the current scope of dental coverage in Medicare has many gaps, exploring supplemental options like Medicare Advantage plans or standalone dental coverage offer some help addressing oral health needs.

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MetLife Dental Plans

MetLife dental plans are available through MetLife TakeAlong Dental.  TakeAlong dental is a PPO dental program that offers coverage to both you and your family.  Three PPO plan designs are currently available to choose from.  All three plans have affordable monthly premiums and a large network of participating providers.  The MetLife dental plans offer you a number of benefits…

CLICK HERE TO QUOTE PLANS

Having the right Dental insurance can protect you and your family from unexpected dental expenses! MetLife TakeAlong Dental offers comprehensive coverage today and in the future, even through different stages of your life.

CLICK HERE TO QUOTE AND ENROLL

About Crowe and Associates

Individual Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Vision and dental needs are not typically covered by medical insurance plans.  Such expenses can total to large amounts during the year.  Dental and Vision Insurance plans help to defray the cost of routine care.  We offer individual and family dental and vision plans at competitive rates.  Both plans have very competitive  benefits and national networks.

Dental Plans

Dental insurance plans have access to two different dental benefit designs.  Both plan choices use the Ameritus dental network.  There is no waiting period for either of the plan types for preventative and basic services.  Please note: Preventative and basic services vary by plan.  Click here to view a list of services by plan.  There is a waiting period for major services.  The Choice Dental plan offers a $1,500 annual per person max benefit.  The Premier Dental plan offers a $3,000 per person max benefit.  Plans both have a $25 per visit co-pay for services.  Both plans are available for all ages.  Rates are very competitive.  Open enrollment rules do not apply.  New plans can begin the first of any month.

Hassle free, unassisted online enrollment is available.

Click for dental rates and benefits.

Ready to enroll?

Vision Plan

This vision insurance plan utilizes the VSP vision network.   The plan provides coverage for lenses, frames, exams and more.  Rates are very competitive.  Enrollment can be entered online in just minutes.   A link to benefits, rates and provider search has been provided below.

Click here to search for a provider.

Ready to enroll?

Still have questions?  Feel free to either call us at 203-796-5403 or email us at edward@croweandassociates.com.

Crowe and Associates is a full service insurance and investment brokerage.  Click here to visit our home page.

Always Care Dental Insurance

Crowe and Associates is now able to offer  Always Care Dental Insurance and vision coverage. Always Csre offers clients several different levels of coverage as well as one of the nation’s largest provider networks.

The Cleaning Plus Vision plan helps cover the cost of dental exams and cleanings. It also covers annual vision exams and material allowances for each person covered by the plan. Click here for an overview of the Cleaning Plus Vision Plan.

The Preventive/Basic plan gives individuals immediate access to all covered services with no waiting periods and $1,000 annual maximum for each person covered. Click here for an overview of the Preventative Basic Plan.

The new Increasing Max plan rewards individuals with an increasing annual maximum benefit as well as no increase in premium. There are no application fees as well as no administrative fees. Click here for an overview of the Increasing Max plan.

The Ultimate Max plan gives you a $2,000 annual maximum for each person covered by your plan.  Additionally, there are no application fees and no administrative fees. Click here for an overview of the Ultimate Max plan.. (Currently not available in Connecticut)

Click here for a no obligation quote.  In addition to dental insurance, we are able to quote and write medical, life, auto, home, commercial  and annuity policies.   To discuss your individual needs in detail, please call the office at 203-796-5403 or email us at admin@croweandassociates.com.

Teladoc Doctor and RX by Phone

Teladoc Doctor and RX by Phone.  This Teladoc service is such a great help for today’s active on the move individuals and families. This is a national network of U.S. board-certified and state-licensed physicians.  The physicians use electronic health records, telephone consultations and online video consultations to diagnose, recommend treatment as well as write short term, non-DEA controlled prescriptions.  This is all done without a face to face meeting.  Physicians are available 24 hours a day for 365 days a year.  This allows it’s members of any age to conveniently access quality care either from their home, work or on-the-go.  In fact, Teladoc coverage includes both a dental as well as a vision discount plan.  LASIK vision correction and a prescription saver program are also included in this plan.  All programs are included in the pricing below.  In fact, this service is approved in all 50 states.

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Stand Alone Dental Plans Connecticut

There are a number of stand alone dental plans Connecticut.  Stand alone dental simply means that either an individual or family can purchase the plan on its own.  There is no need to purchase any other type of insurance plan with it.  The plan is also not connected to any type of insurance plan that is offered from an employer.   In fact, when you purchase a stand alone plan, there is almost always a waiting period on both the basic and major services.   These waiting periods usually range from 6  up to 12 months.  It all depends on the plan you choose.

Cigna dental

Cigna dental currently has a stand alone dental plan with the best rates available for the benefits you receive.  They have three plan offerings. There is one plan that covers preventative only. There are two traditional dental plans with a $1,000 and $1,500 max annual benefit per person on the basic and major services.   All three plan designs are PPO’s.   This allows you to see any dentist even if they are not participating in the Cigna dental network.

In addition to having the lowest rates currently available in CT and one of the better networks of dentists, they will also waive the waiting period on basic and major services if the applicant has had previous dental coverage without a lapse.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BENEFIT SUMMARIES

CLICK HERE TO QUOTE CIGNA DENTAL AND/OR ENROLL IN A PLAN

If you have any questions about these dental plans, please feel free to contact us.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at Edward@croweandassociates.com.  We are always happy to help you choose the right insurance coverage for yourself and your family.  We can find a policy that fits your medical needs as well as your budget.

New Cigna Dental Plan For Connecticut

INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED.  CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NEW PAGE. 

This post will give you some details about the New Cigna Dental Plan For Connecticut.  Cigna has come out with a new suite of Dental plans that can be purchased by individuals.  The plans are all PPO based.  This means that, consumers can see both in and out of network doctors.   These plans use Cigna’s employer dental network  which provides more dentists than any other well priced individual dental plan.   Plans can be purchased by people over the age of 65 and the pricing is the best in the market for a PPO based dental plan.  It is very easy to enroll in the plan. You can enroll either with a paper application or online.  Cigna plans are available in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, NC, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA

Trying to find a solid dental plan without going through employer based benefits can be very difficult.  By using the employer based dental network and pricing the product aggressively, Cigna has separated themselves from the other dental plans available.  Cigna dental plans are available in the following states….There are 3 plan offerings which are Preventative, PPO 1000 and PPO 1500.  CLICK HERE TO QUOTE NEW CIGNA DENTAL PLANS FOR CONNECTICUT

Preventative Plan-

Covers two cleanings and X-Rays at 100% (no balance billing with participating dentists.)  Basic and Major services are not covered but are billed at the Cigna discounted rate which would allow for a 15% to 40% cost reduction depending on the procedure.  Rates vary by age and area but this plan is $14.00 a month on average.

CLICK FOR SUMMARY

PPO 1000-

Covers two cleaning and X-Rays at 100%.  Covers basic services (such as fillings) at 80% and covers major services (such as Crowns at 50%)  The plan has a $50 deductible for basic and major services and a $1,000 benefit max per person per year.  Rates vary by age and area but this plan is $25.00 a month on average.

CLICK FOR SUMMARY

PPO 1500-

Covers two cleaning and X-Rays at 100%.  Covers basic services (such as fillings) at 80% and covers major services (such as Crowns at 50%)  The plan has a $50 deductible for basic and major services and a $1,500 benefit max per person per year. Rates vary by age and area but this plan is $28.00 a month on average.

CLICK FOR SUMMARY

Click the link below to get a quote or check to see if your dentist participates with the plan.  You may also enroll in the plan from this site if you wish.   If you have questions, call our office at 203-796-5403 or email us at Edward@Croweandassociates.com

CLICK TO GET A QUOTE OR CHECK DENTAL NETWORK FOR THE  CIGNA DENTAL PLAN FOR CONNECTICUT

Spirit Dental offers PPO and Indemnity based dental programs.   The plans have benefit structures which are similar to that of a group plan but are offered on an individual basis.  The two most popular plans are the PPO plan and the Indemnity plan.

The Spirit Indemnity plans are ideal for dentists that do not participate with dental plans. The plan uses a 90% fee schedule based off the zip code of the dentist.  This means that the fee schedule is 90% of what a dentist charges in that area.  Preventative, Basic and Major Services are covered from Day 1. Spirit Individual Dental Indemnity Details

If the dentists participates with the Careington or Premier dental network, the PPO plan would be the more cost effective choice.   The PPO plan has a lower premium and also includes Ortho coverage.   Spirit Individual Dental Careington Details

A link has been provided to quote Spirit Dental and/or apply for the plan.    CLICK HERE TO GET QUOTES

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Denali Dental offers dental plans on a PPO and Indemnity basis.  The indemnity plan can be used for any dentist with a fee schedule that pays based off 90% of the average charge for a dentist in any particular zip code.

CLICK HERE FOR QUOTE LINK