If you’re in the market for new dental insurance, chances are you’ve looked into Metlife Dental Insurance and are wondering if it’s right for you. If you’re not sure what Metlife offers, we can help you understand your options and find the perfect plan to fit your needs and budget. In this guide to metlife dental insurance, we’ll discuss what types of plans Metlife has to offer, and how to choose between them based on your own personal needs.
MetLife Dental Insurance
Good News for Job Seekers A recent survey commissioned by MetLife showed that dental insurance is no longer an issue when it comes to job-seekers. The survey of 1,500 U.S. job seekers revealed that a whopping 72% had no dental insurance coverage during their most recent position. Of those surveyed, 51% said they were declined dental benefits during their last employer-sponsored plan and 21% said they simply opted out because they couldn’t afford it. Fortunately, 89% of respondents felt health insurance was still necessary to take care of one’s overall health and wellness needs and 74% believed having some form of dental coverage is important as well.
The Cost of MetLife Dental Insurance
One factor that could determine whether or not you’re eligible for dental insurance is cost. Depending on where you live, dental care costs vary. Some plans require monthly payments, while others may offer a discounted rate if certain services—like cleanings and routine exams—are performed at a specified dental office or clinic.
Here’s an example: Let’s say you want to receive treatment from a specific dentist in your area who charges $200 per cleaning. Your plan only covers 80 percent of services rendered by dentists in your network (20 percent is out-of-pocket), so to get that cleaning covered entirely, you’d have to pay $40 up front and submit proof of payment to receive reimbursement later on.
Pre-existing Conditions and MetLife Dental Plans
If you have a history of pre-existing conditions, be sure to take that into account when applying for dental insurance. Some people apply for individual dental plans and then find out they were denied because their application revealed a pre-existing condition. Once you’ve received that denial letter, there isn’t much you can do about it because MetLife uses a look back period as long as 90 days and only 12 months, compared to other major carriers who use look backs up to 36 months. To ensure success with your application, ask yourself if these questions apply to you: 1) Have I had any orthodontic work? 2) Have I ever needed cosmetic dentistry procedures like tooth whitening or veneers done in a dentist office?
Maintaining Good Oral Health
Having good oral health and hygiene can have benefits far beyond just looking nice. For one, a healthy mouth helps you avoid problems like cavities and gingivitis, which can not only be painful but lead to serious infections as well. Good oral health is also linked to good heart health, immune system function, and even academic success. All that said, while there’s nothing stopping you from maintaining perfect oral hygiene at home (and there are many options to help you do so), that’s not always enough for people with more serious dental issues.
Stop Smoking
According to some research, 45% of people who quit smoking using electronic cigarettes will never light up a traditional cigarette again. This is an amazing statistic and something that is well worth considering for those looking for an easier way to stop smoking. Those who want to put down their cigarettes forever may want to consider vaping as a means of cessation. With e-cigarettes there is no smoke, which means there is no smoke odor. In addition, there’s no ash, no risk of second-hand smoke and you can vape indoors wherever you like! All in all it’s a pretty good way to go about stopping if you ask us. Why not give it a try today?
Brush And Floss Properly
Did you know that brushing, alone, only cleans between 30 and 40 percent of plaque from your teeth? That means you need to floss, too. Brushing and flossing in tandem helps remove bacteria—the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease—from hard-to-reach places in your mouth. More than 75 percent of Americans don’t floss every day as recommended by dental professionals. If you’re part of that statistic, or if you fall into another category like I hate using floss! or I don’t have time to floss, there are other options available.
