Statistics show that there are over 30 dental insurance companies in Tennessee alone. With this overwhelming number, choosing the best dental insurance in Tennessee can be quite a hassle.
Still, we understand that getting the right dental insurance is so important as it has a lot of oral health and financial benefits to offer. So, we have made your search easy by highlighting over 9 best dental insurance in Tennessee.
Let’s get started.
Some Factors to Consider When Choosing Dental Insurance in Tennessee
You may not know what to look out for while choosing a dental insurance plan in Tennessee, we will advise that you consider these important factors:
- The size and quality of the dental provider network
- The coverage limits.
- Waiting periods
- Examine the annual maximum
Let’s discuss them quickly
#1. The Size and Quality of the Dental Provider Network
A larger network will offer you more options for choosing a dentist, while a smaller network may limit your choices but potentially offer lower premiums.
#2. The Coverage Limits
These limits specify the maximum amount that the dental insurance plan will pay for your dental procedures within a specific time frame. You really need to understand these limits as it is essential to ensure that the chosen plan provides adequate coverage for your needs when demand arises.
#3. Waiting Periods
Some dental insurance plans impose waiting periods before some of your procedures are covered. This is why we advise that you should review the waiting period requirements and determine if they align with your anticipated treatment needs.
#4. Examine the Annual Maximum
This specifies the maximum amount the insurance will pay in a given year. Choosing a plan with a higher annual maximum can provide greater financial protection, especially if you require extensive dental work.
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Tips for Maximizing Dental Insurance Benefits in Tennessee
To make the most out of your dental insurance coverage in Tennessee, consider the following tips:
- Understand your coverage
- Choose in-network providers
- Prioritize preventive care
- Utilize annual maximums
- Keep track of claims and receipts
1. Understand your Coverage:
Familiarize yourself with the details of your dental insurance plan, including coverage limits, waiting periods, and any exclusions. This knowledge will really help you plan and budget for your dental needs effectively.
2. Choose In-network Providers:
Go for dentists and specialists who are part of your dental insurance network. In-network providers have negotiated rates with the insurance company, which will result in lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
3. Prioritize Preventive Care:
We can’t stop emphasizing this! Take advantage of preventive services covered by your dental insurance, such as regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays.
Preventive care can help you detect oral health issues really early, which will save you from very costly treatments down the line.
4. Utilize Annual Maximums:
If you require major dental work that may exceed your annual maximum, then it’s a good time to consider scheduling treatments strategically to maximize your coverage across multiple years.
5. Keep Track of Claims and Receipts:
Make sure you document your dental procedures, bills, and insurance claims for future reference and to ensure accurate billing.
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Eligibility and Enrollment Process for Dental Insurance Plans in Tennessee
You need to understand the eligibility requirements and enrollment process for your dental insurance plan before you go ahead with a plan.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Individual plans
- Family plans
- Employer-sponsored plans
- Enrollment periods
#1. Individual Plans
Individual dental insurance plans are available to anyone, regardless of employment or other group affiliations. Simply compare coverage options, and enroll directly with the dental insurance provider.
#2. Family Plans
Family dental insurance plans provide coverage for multiple individuals, typically including You as the primary policyholder, your spouse, and dependent children. Enrollment requires providing the necessary personal information for each of your family members.
#3. Employer-Sponsored Plans
We have seen that many employers in Tennessee offer dental insurance as part of their employee benefits package. Check with your employer’s human resources department for details on available plans, enrollment periods, and eligibility requirements.
#4. Enrollment Periods
Enrollment periods for dental insurance plans may vary. Some plans have open enrollment periods where you can enroll at any time, while others may have specific enrollment windows or require qualifying life events to enroll outside of designated periods.
During the enrollment process, you will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth, as well as any necessary documentation to verify eligibility.
As you have understood this, we believe you will be able to easily navigate the steps to obtain dental insurance coverage in Tennessee.
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9+ Best Dental Insurance in Tennessee
The following are the best dental insurance in Tennessee:
- Delta Dental
- eHealthInsurance
- Humana
- Tennessee Government
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Health Insurance Organization
- DentalPlans.com
- Tennessee Family Dental
- Shelby County Tennessee.
#1. Delta Dental
Coverage Features: Individual plans, Dental and vision plans…
This is currently one of the dental insurance providers with the largest network of dentists in Tennessee and across the US.
They also offer one of the best dental and vision insurance plans available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories.
They have individual, family, employee, and group dental plans.
Feel free to check them out.
#2. Humana
Humana is one of the largest Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations in Tennessee with a Medicare contract.
The Humana plan is also a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program.
Your enrollment into any Humana plan will really depend on contract renewal. They also offer one of the largest dental insurance plans available in the US.
#3. eHealthInsurance
Coverage Features: Individual plans, Affordable plans…
eHealthInsurance specifically offers one the finest individuals and families dental plans in Tennessee from trusted carriers at affordable prices that fit your budget.
They believe dental health doesn’t have to be costly. With as low as $8.95 per month you can get a Dental insurance plans that suits you nicely.
These dental plans basically provide coverage for preventive and basic dental care.
You can check them out.
#4. Tennessee Government
Do you fall into any of these categories:
- State and higher education employee
- Retirees receive a monthly pension from the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System.
- Local education and local government employees.
If you fall into this category as an Employee or Retiree and meet up with any other necessary eligibility requirements, then you will be offered to choose from two different dental insurance plans funded by the government.
Learn more about them.
#5. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Coverage Features: Individual plans, Dental and vision plans…
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is an Insurance company that offers you a single Personal Dental Coverage plan as well as combination plans.
These plans have a set annual maximum of $1,000 and a deductible of $50 for yourself as an individual and $150 for your family.
Their Basic and major treatments have a fixed fee, and you can also access their dental and vision plans. Their website is currently not available, but you can still visit their physical office.
#6. Health Insurance Organization
This is also known as Tennessee’s health insurance marketplace and they offer you certified individual and family dental plans from over eight insurers.
These eight insurers offer stand-alone individual/family dental coverage in Tennessee, and they include:
- BEST Life
- Cigna Healthcare
- DentaQuest
- DentaTrust/DentaSpan
- EMI Health
- Guardian
- Humana
- Truassure
If you purchase your own stand-alone or family dental coverage through the exchange, then your premiums would range from $18 to $82 per month.
#7. DentalPlans.com
This is a health insurance provider that specifically offers you 25 dental savings plans from top healthcare companies such as Careington, Aetna, and Cigna.
![Source - DentalPlans.com - One of the Best Dental Insurance Tennessee](https://theinsureguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Source-DentalPlans.com-One-of-the-Best-Dental-Insurance-Tennessee.png)
Some of the benefits of their plans include:
- No health restrictions
- No annual spending limit
- Plans customized and tailored to your needs
- Dental services including cosmetic, restorative, orthodontia, and more
- No paperwork or waiting period and other benefits.
Do well to obtain your zip code, so that once you enter it, they will help you find a dental plan that fits you.
#8. Tennessee Family Dental
Coverage Features: No waiting period, Dental and vision plans, Family Discounts…
The Tennessee Family Dental offers you their In-Office benefits plan that includes:
- Free cleanings
- Free exams
- Free Annual Whitening
- Family Discounts
- FREE X-rays annually,
- As well as 20% off all the dental services that they offer you.
This In-Office Benefits Plan is a $25 per month alternative to your traditional dental insurance.
Also from our research and experience, there are:
- No more annual benefit maximums
- No more waiting periods
- No more approval processes
- No more Pre-Existing condition clauses.
- No More Annual Deductibles and Others…
#9. Shelby County Tennessee
The Shelby County government offers two dental plans for you to choose from:
- The Cigna Dental DHMO
- The Cigna Dental DPPO
The Cigna Dental DHMO
This plan provides you with dental services at predetermined copayment amounts, which are reduced fees for your dental treatments.
You can check out the plan design and patient charge schedule (PCS) on the Winston Benefits Online Portal (www.shelbycountybenefits.com).
This plan has no deductibles to meet, no claims to file, no waiting periods for covered members, no annual dollar maximum, and no preexisting conditions are covered.
Cigna Dental DPPO
The Cigna Dental DPPO plan offers you so much flexibility to choose any dentist.
Here, there are no referrals required and you or your dentist will file claims for services rendered. Also, the annual maximum is $2,000.00 per enrolled member, though the premiums are lower for the DPPO Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”What is the difference between dental insurance and dental discount programs?” answer-0=”Dental insurance is a form of coverage where the insurance company pays a portion of the dental costs after deductibles and copayments. Dental discount programs, on the other hand, offer discounted rates for dental services when visiting participating providers.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”Can I use my dental insurance immediately after enrolling?” answer-1=”It all depends on the specific dental insurance plan. Some plans may impose waiting periods before certain services are covered. However, many plans provide immediate coverage for just preventive care like check-ups and cleanings.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”Can I choose any dentist with dental insurance in Tennessee?” answer-2=”Dental insurance plans typically have a network of dentists and specialists with whom they have negotiated discounted rates. While some plans allow you to visit out-of-network providers, it may result in higher out-of-pocket costs. To maximize your benefits and minimize expenses, we advise that you choose dentists within your plan’s network.” image-2=”” count=”3″ html=”true” css_class=””]
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Conclusion
We hope you got what you wanted and a little extra. We trust you will make the right decision toward getting the best dental plan for yourself and your family in Tennessee.
Let us know your experience with the different plans. Check them out, know the ones that suit you best, and take advantage of them.
We hope to see you another time!
Thanks for reading!