Dental insurance plans that include orthodontic care are a great investment for families and individuals who anticipate a future need for orthodontic treatment, such as braces. It is important to note that “orthodontic insurance” is covered under dental insurance and is not sold as a separate plan. However, not all dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment. The best dental insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage, low deductibles, minimal waiting periods, and a large network of providers. You will want to check with your dental insurance provider to understand your coverage and if orthodontic treatment is included. If you don’t have orthodontic insurance, there is no need to panic, there are several alternate solutions available.
Payment Plans
Look for an orthodontist that offers a payment plan. Here at Smith Orthodontics we offer a payment plan option that allows patients to pay a reasonable down payment at the beginning of treatment and make affordable, interest-free payments over time. To allow more flexibility, we manage the payment plans at our office rather than outsource to a third party.
CareCredit
CareCredit, which is a credit card specifically designed for your health and wellness needs, is another wonderful solution to help with paying for treatment if you don’t have orthodontic insurance. You can apply for CareCredit at our office and receive the terms applicable for your financing needs. Oftentimes, there are financing options of 6, 12, 18, or 24 months with no interest charged on purchases of $200 or more if you make the minimum monthly payments and pay in full by the end of the promotional period.
CareCredit also offers longer-term financing with a reduced APR and fixed monthly payments. Our office can help you navigate the CareCredit application process and understand which solution works best for your needs.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Even if your dental insurance does not offer orthodontic coverage, you may have a Health Savings Account (HSA) that you can use to pay for treatment. HSAs are typically offered to those who have high-deductible insurance plans, and you can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for medical care.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are an optional add-on for insurance carriers, and you can use pre-tax money to save for medical expenses. Unlike and HSA which allows you to roll your money over year after year, FSA funds must be used by the end of each year. You can use either your HSA or FSA to help pay for braces.
Personal Savings
If your child is young or if you anticipate needing orthodontic care for yourself a few years down the road, you can begin setting money aside now to pay for those expenses. While a personal savings account doesn’t allow you to save pre-tax dollars like FSAs and HSAs, they do allow you to set aside the amount of money that works for you on a cadence that works with your budget.
When you bring your child in for an early orthodontic consultation, you set your child up for success because orthodontic issues can be discovered while the jaw is still growing, which allows for quicker and more effective treatment. You can also begin setting funds aside ahead of time, which will make it easier to pay for orthodontic treatment down the line.
Take advantage of discounts
At Smith Orthodontics, we offer a discount if you have two individuals in the family undergoing orthodontic treatment at the same time. Additionally, to show our gratitude to those who have served or are currently serving, we offer a 10% discount to veterans, service members, and their immediate families.
Enroll in orthodontic insurance during annual enrollment
As the annual enrollment period approaches for medical and dental insurance plans, take this opportunity to research the plans your employer offers. If you discover that there is a dental plan available that includes orthodontic coverage, select to switch to that insurance in the new year so you are prepared to begin treatment the following year. Or take part in an HSA or FSA and start saving your tax-free funds for treatment.
Contact Smith Orthodontics with any questions about paying for orthodontic treatment and finding the right solution for you and your family.
