With more than 120,000 providers and 420,000+ locations in their nationwide network, Guardian dental plans can help cover some of the cost you pay every time you visit the dentist, as well as protect your overall oral care. But should you become their next customer?

Let’s take a closer look at the coverages each of their dental plans provides.

Which Dental Plans Does Guardian Offer?

Guardian currently offers four dental plans:

Starter Plan

Guardian’s Starter dental plan provides affordable, basic coverage for preventive care, cleanings, and x-rays. The company says this “no fuss” plan is ideal if you visit the dentist for checkups and cleanings and need occasional fillings.

Core Plan 

If you need a lot of reliable coverage but don’t need everything, Guardian’s Core plan combines many benefits. It’s ideal if you visit the dentist a couple of times a year for basic dental work.

Achiever Plan 

Guardian’s “full coverage” Achiever plan includes many of the same benefits as their Diamond plan (more next), except for teeth whitening. You might choose this plan if you visit the dentist frequently or need more complex work.

Diamond Plan

Guardian’s Diamond plan offers full coverage, plus teeth whitening to “help keep your smile healthy and bright.”

A Summary of Guardian’s Dental Plans

Here’s a table summarizing the high-level differences between each Guardian dental plan:

How Much Do Guardian Dental Plans Cost?

According to the Guardian website, employer-sponsored plans start as low as $8.06 per month. Individual and family plans start at $20/mo, depending on where you live and what is covered.

With this said, here were rates we found at the time of our research (77375 zip code, age 50+):

• Starter: $19.45
• Core: $25.93
• Achiever: $37.07
• Diamond: $46.56

Where Can You Turn if You Need More Details About Guardian Dental Plans?

Whether from Guardian or another carrier, choosing the right dental plan often involves more than just online research. If you need someone to discuss your specific circumstances with, the helpful staff at IHS Insurance Group is standing by! 

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Dental Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post Guardian Dental Plans appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.

But do they offer what you need? We take a look at each of Humana’s dental plans, including coverages and pricing.

Which Dental Plans Does Humana Offer?

Below you’ll find a summary of the different dental plans Humana offers (for quoting purposes, we used the state of TX and an individual aged 60).

Dental Value

This dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) plan focuses on preventive dental care that helps you avoid unexpected dental problems. 

Preventive services, such as exams and cleanings, are covered 100 percent, while basic (e.g., fillings, extractions, and x-rays) and major (e.g., root canals, crowns, and dentures) are “paid on a set fee schedule based on your benefit summary.”

Plan HI215 is available in Florida, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. Plan C550 is available to residents of Georgia, Illinois, and Kentucky.

Preventive Value

Humana’s Preventive Value plan targets budget-conscious individuals concerned about preventive dental care that helps maintain optimal oral health. There are no waiting periods, enrollment fees, or annual maximums, and deductibles range between $50 and $150, depending on the number of individuals covered.

Preventive services like routine oral exams and evaluations, cleanings, x-rays, and topical fluoride treatments are 100 percent covered after the lifetime deductible is met.

Basic services like fillings, extractions, root removal, and emergency care for pain relief are covered 50 percent when in-network and 30 percent out-of-network.

Bright Plus

Humana’s Bright Plus dental plan is designed to help you care for your teeth with regular exams and cleanings. There’s no waiting period, and you can use your coverage as soon as you receive your member ID card.

The Bright Plus plan comes with no enrollment fee, a $50 individual deductible, a $150 family deductible, and a $100 allowance per year for in-office teeth whitening.

Bright Plus for Veterans

This plan closely follows the standard coverages found under the Bright Plus program, with the addition of savings for prescription medications, vision, hearing, clinic, and alternative medicine care. Only available to veterans.

Loyalty Plus

Humana’s Loyalty Plus dental plan features benefits that increase the longer you’re a member. For example, your annual benefit maximum grows over three years:

• First year: $1,000 
• Second year: $1,250 
• Third year: $1,500 

Basic services like fillings, extractions, and x-rays are 40 percent covered for the first year, 55 percent covered for the second year, and 70 percent covered from the third year moving forward. Coverage for major services increases from 20 percent the first year to 50 percent the third year.

Complete Dental

With Humana’s complete dental plan, you’re eligible for two routine oral examinations, two cleanings, two topical fluoride treatments, and one limited oral evaluation per year, all with no deductible or waiting period.

Emergency care (extractions, root removal), one filling per tooth, initial placement for space maintainers, and prefabricated stainless steel crowns are covered at 80 percent with a six-month waiting period unless you had other coverage in place for 12 continuous months.

Partially covered (50 percent) major services include oral surgery, complete and partial dentures, crowns, onlays, and inlays.

Dental Savings Plus

Humana’s Dental Savings Plus technically isn’t a dental plan. Instead, it can be added to any other plan and provides a variety of discounts.

There are no waiting periods, deductibles to meet, or copays for office visits. You’ll receive discounts up to 20 percent on orthodontics, 20-40 percent on exams and cleanings, and up to 37 percent on prescription medications.

You can use the Savings plan as often as you like; simply pay the discounted rate based on services rendered.

How Much Do Humana Dental Plans Cost?

Humana dental plans are priced as follows (per person, per month, 77375 zip code):

• Dental Savings Plus: $6.99
• Dental Value: $14.99
• Preventive Value: $20.99
• Bright Plus: $26.99
• Bright Plus for Veterans: $26.99
• Loyalty Plus: $39.99
• Complete Dental: $49.99

Want to Know More About Humana Dental Plans?

Humana offers a wide variety of dental plans to meet just about any coverage need or budget. Call the licensed professionals at IHS Insurance Group today if you’d like to learn more!

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Dental Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post Humana Dental Plans appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.

You’ll receive vision discounts from both private practice ophthalmologists and optometrists, as well as regional and national retailers. And the company’s Tuition Rewards® program allows you to earn points that can help make higher education more affordable. You can even save on Sonicare electric toothbrushes and air flossers for adults and kids.

To get started, you need to follow three simple steps on United Concordia’s website:

1. Create an account
2. Find a dentist
3. Explore your plan

Together, United Concordia protects more than nine million mouths and has offered affordable dental coverage for more than 45 years.

Should you sign up with United Concordia? Let’s help you find some actionable answers by taking a closer look at each of their plans.

Which Dental Plans Does United Concordia Offer?

United Concordia offers a total of seven dental plans. Here are their details:

Concordia Flex Passive PPO Plan

The Concordia Flex Passive PPO plan features the same in and out of network percentages and a large selection of designs and options that can cover things like orthodontics, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and implants.

With this plan, you have the freedom to obtain care from any licensed dentist and achieve significant cost savings, with no claim forms to fill out.

Concordia Preferred Active PPO Plan

With the Preferred Active PPO plan, you’ll also have the freedom to obtain care from any licensed dentist, although you’ll achieve better discounts when visiting an in-network provider. 

The plan focuses on providing coverage for diagnostic, preventive, basic, major, and orthodontics services.

Federal Dental Plan (FEDVIP)

Available in High and Standard options, United Concordia’s Federal Dental (FEDVIP) plan features no deductible, free in-network diagnostic and preventive care, no waiting periods, and coverage for intermediate, major, and accident services. And all of this at affordable rates.

Here’s a comparison:

Smile for Health® Value PPO Plan 1

United Concordia’s basic Value PPO Plan 1 is designed for younger individuals and those in good oral health and includes preventive coverage and discounts for unexpected basic and major dental services. And all of this while remaining easy on the wallet.

Smile for Health® Value PPO Plan 2

This low-cost option provides preventive, basic, and major dental coverage, along with “improved benefits for people with certain chronic conditions to better treat gum disease.” You’ll also experience lower coinsurance levels and a moderate premium.

Smile for Health® Value PPO Plan 3

If you’re cost-conscious and don’t need extensive oral care, the Value PPO Plan 3 features a low deductible, along with coverage for preventive and basic services for adults and children.

Smile for Health® Value PPO Plan 4

Concordia United’s Value PPO Plan 4 provides “broader coverage for preventive, basic, and major services such as fillings, extractions, and crowns.” Together, the plan is ideal for those with certain chronic conditions, such as gum disease. 

Here’s a quick table outlining the similarities between each United Concordia Value plan:

How much will you pay for each of these plans?

How Much Do United Concordia Dental Plans Cost?

United Concordia doesn’t publish rates for their PPO dental plans. However, costs for their FEDVIP High option (we used zip code 77375) are as follows:

Comparatively, FEDVIP Standard Option rates include:

What’s Your Next Step When it Comes to United Concordia Dental Plans?

Where are you in your search for affordable, benefit-rich dental plans? Should you go with United Concordia or another provider? The friendly staff at IHS Insurance Group is standing by to answer all your important questions!

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Dental Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post United Concordia Dental Plans appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.

With their plans, you can choose from more than 120,000 dental providers nationwide, whether in or out-of-network, although you might pay more than in-network options. And you can even add vision coverage to your dental plan in select states!

Aetna’s website also features digital tools that “help you search for network dentists, read patient reviews and ratings, compare out-of-pocket costs,” set up appointments, and sign up for email visit reminders.

In this article, we’ll help you decide if you should enroll in Aetna’s dental program, starting with each plan’s details.

Aetna Dental Direct Plans

Aetna Dental Direct plans provide coverage that helps you keep your teeth and gums healthy, including no out-of-pocket costs, without requiring you to purchase medical or other coverage from the company. And if you switch from your existing coverage without any lapse, you can start using your plan immediately.

However, it’s important to emphasize that if you had a Dental Direct Plan with Aetna during the past two years, you have to wait two years after the termination date to re-enroll.

Aetna Dental® Direct Preferred PDN

Aetna’s Direct Preferred PDN is the company’s top plan, which focuses on helping you pay less for some common services. You’ll have a $50 individual/$150 family deductible, no coinsurance for preventive services (20% for basic and 50% for major services), and an annual maximum benefit of $1,250 per person.

Aetna waives the waiting period if everyone enrolling in the plan has had dental coverage in place within the past 90 days. Otherwise, coverage doesn’t go into effect until after the waiting period.

Aetna Dental® Direct Core PDN

Aetna’s Direct Core PDN dental plan focuses on helping you pay a lower monthly premium, which also has $50 individual/$150 family deductibles and no coinsurance costs for preventive care. Basic and major services come with 50% coinsurance, and there’s an annual maximum benefit of $1,000 per person.

Similar to the Direct Preferred PDN program, the waiting period is waived if everyone enrolling in the plan has had dental insurance within the past 90 days.

Here’s a quick table outlining the differences between each plan:

What is Aetna’s Vital Savings Dental Discount Card?

With Aetna’s Vital Savings Dental Discount Card, you can get instant savings between 15 and 50 percent on the cost of most services. According to their website, all you have to do is show your discount card at the time of your appointment, and you’re all set. 

You can purchase the card online, by mail, or over the phone.

How Much Do Aetna Dental Plans Cost?

Aetna’s dental plans start at $22 per month. However, what you’ll pay and the savings you’ll earn can vary based on a number of factors, including provider and geographic area.

With this said, here were the rates reflected on the Aetna website based on a date of birth of 1/1/62, 77375 zip code, a 3/1/22 effective date, and no lapse in dental coverage:

• Aetna Dental® Direct Preferred PDN: $69.78/mo
• Aetna Dental® Direct Core PDN: $60.89/mo

For comparison, prices were slightly lower in the 74008 zip code:

• Aetna Dental® Direct Preferred PDN: $66.36/mo
• Aetna Dental® Direct Core PDN: $57.57/mo

Additional costs, deductibles, and coinsurance are as follows:

Should You Purchase an Aetna Dental Plan?

There are many different companies to select when deciding between dental plans for you and your family, whether from Aetna or another carrier. But you don’t have to make the decision alone. The friendly staff at IHS Insurance Group is waiting to hear from you!

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Dental Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post Aetna Dental Plans appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.

Their dental plans provide access to a network consisting of more than 92,700+ dentists in over 309,000 locations, and the Brighter Score© feature on their website allows you to “compare dentists and specialist scores for affordability, professional history, costs and ratings for different procedures, and patient experiences.”

Together with 24/7/365 customer service, more than 18+ million customers choose Cigna dental plans. 

Should you join as well? Let’s start by taking a look at the company’s offerings.

Which Dental Plans Does Cigna Offer?

Cigna offers a total of three dental plans:

Cigna Dental 1500

Cigna’s Dental 1500 Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) plan offers the most coverage for check-ups, cavities, gum disease, and major dental work, as well as braces and other orthodontia. There’s a six-month waiting period for restorative care, which they waive if you “had a qualified dental insurance plan in place for at least 12 consecutive months before you joined Cigna.”

You can see any dentist while enrolled in the 1500 dental plan, although you’ll pay less when seeing a Cigna DPPO Network Advantage dentist. You can search for in-network dentists on the Cigna website.

Cigna Dental 1000

Cigna’s Dental 1500 plan focuses on affordability while balancing coverage for preventative dental care, including cavities, gum disease, and major dental work. You won’t pay any out-of-pocket costs when visiting a Cigna Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) Advantage provider for annual exams, routine x-rays, and cleanings.

Like the 1500 plan, Cigna waives the restorative care waiting period if you had a qualified dental insurance plan in place for at least 12 consecutive months before joining. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait six months for basic restorative services coverage and 12 months for major restorative services.

You can also see any dentist, although you’ll pay less when choosing an in-network provider.

Cigna Dental Preventive

Cigna’s Preventive dental plan covers one dental exam every six months, including cleanings, oral exams, and routine x-rays. There are no deductibles or copays.

With all of these details in mind, here’s a quick table outlining the differences between each of Cigna’s dental plans:

How Much Do Cigna’s Dental Plans Cost?

Cigna Dental 1500

The Cigna website advertises the average monthly rate for their 1500 plan is $39 per person, per month. You’ll also have the following deductibles and maximums:

Cigna Dental 1000

On average, Cigna customers pay $33 per person, per month for their Dental 1000 plan. You’ll also have the following deductibles and maximums:

Cigna Dental Preventive

When it comes to Cigna’s Preventive plan, you’ll pay an average of $19 per person, per month. There are no deductibles or copays for covered services.

Need More Information About Cigna’s Dental Plans?

Do you have additional questions about dental care through Cigna? The friendly staff at IHS Insurance Group are standing by with answers!

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Dental Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post Cigna Dental Insurance appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.

Most cleanings and exams are covered 100 percent, and when you have to pay, their negotiated fees are typically 30 to 45 percent less than the average.

No preauthorization is required, and you can schedule specialist visits directly (known as a direct referral basis). You can also obtain the name of a network specialist from any participating dentist.

Together, MetLife administers dental benefits for over 20 million people. Should you be their next customer, though? Let’s start by taking a look at the dental plans they offer.

Which Dental Plans Does MetLife Offer?

Overall, MetLife offers five different dental plans.

1. PPO Plans

MetLife’s PPO dental plans feature a broad range of covered services and procedures, an expansive network of dental providers, and their Preferred Dentist Program, which is designed to save you money on dental services (depending on “various factors, including the cost of the plan, how often participants visit the dentist, and the cost of services rendered.”).

In-network preventative care is often 100 percent covered, and your dentist will submit your claim directly, which saves you from having to complete a lot of paperwork.

2. HMO/Managed Care Plan

Available in CA, FL, NJ, NY, and TX, MetLife’s HMO/Managed Care plan delivers an extensive network of dental providers and no deductibles, and you’ll have the opportunity to preselect a dentist upon enrollment.

Like with PPO plans, your dentist will submit your claims if you choose to enroll in an HMO/Managed Care plan.

3. MetLife TakeAlong Dental

MetLife advertises their TakeAlong plan as “on-the-go dental coverage,” with the freedom to choose your own dentist, whether in or out of network (you could experience higher out-of-network costs, though). Still, the plan features 36 percent lower network fees than typical service costs.

Despite this lower cost, TakeAlong covers hundreds of services and procedures, with a 

variety of options to meet your specific needs and budget.

4. Dental Insurance for Veterans

MetLife’s dental insurance for veterans covers those who served in the US military and their families. You won’t pay an annual deductible for in-network benefits, and children’s orthodontics are covered up to the age of 19 (up to $3,500 annual plan maximum per person).

Currently, MetLife offers two different veteran plan options: standard and high. Here’s a quick table outlining some of the differences.

5. Federal Dental Plan (FEDVIP)

MetLife’s Federal Dental Plan caters to US federal employees, retired uniformed service members, and their families.

Like the Veterans plan, FEDVIP is available in Standard and High options. According to their website, you can expect in-network discounts of up to 45 percent, access to over 492,000 dentist locations, and no out-of-pocket costs for in-network cleanings, X-rays, and exams.

We’re also told that 98 percent of dental claims filed under the FEDVIP plan are paid within 10 days, and claims are automatically submitted to FSAFEDS for you.

Note: MetLife also offers vision insurance through their FEDVIP program, which provides access to one of the nation’s largest networks (131,000+ providers).

How Much Do MetLife’s Dental Plans Cost?

MetLife doesn’t post online rate information for their PPO, HMO/Managed Care, TakeAlong, and Veteran dental plans. 

With this said, when it comes to the FEDVIP plan, pricing ranges between $22.21 (self only, rating area 1) and $173.53 (self and family, rating area 5) per month. You can find detailed rate information in MetLife’s FEDVIP Dental Plan brochure.

Note: Keep in mind that your premiums are in addition to each plan’s copays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs.

Do You Need More Information About MetLife’s Dental Plans?

Since 2008, the IHS Insurance Group staff has helped clients like you learn more about the dental plans available and how much you might expect to pay, including those from MetLife. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you!

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Dental Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post MetLife Dental Insurance Plans appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.

Originally founded in 1966 as a way to coordinate dental insurance for companies with employees in multiple states, Delta Dental today offers quality, cost-effective dental insurance in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. Made up of 39 independent companies, Delta Dental provides access to the largest nationwide network of dentists and currently serves more than 80 million Americans.

In this brief article, we’ll learn more about the plans offered by Delta Dental, how much you might expect to pay, and where you can turn if you’d like to learn more.

Which Plans Does Delta Dental Offer?

Delta Dental offers a total of five different plans, depending on the state in which you live.

Here’s a quick table outlining the high-level similarities and differences between each of the company’s plans.

Keep in mind that if your plan has a waiting period, it may be waived on certain products if you currently have dental insurance coverage in place.

With this said, how much might you pay for each of these plans? Let’s dive in and take a closer look in the next section.

How Much Do Delta Dental Plans Cost?

The Delta Dental plans available to you and how much you’ll pay for each one depends on the state in which you live, as well as your zip code. Let’s see how their costs differ in two states: Louisiana and Colorado.

Delta Dental Plan Costs in Louisiana

For example, in Louisiana (zip code 70032, DOB 1/1/52, and a coverage start date of 2/1/22), the company offers two different plans:

Delta Dental PPO Premium Plan: $26.53 per month — This is Delta Dental’s most comprehensive plan, which provides immediate, 100 percent coverage for essential preventive care, in addition to lower out-of-pocket costs. Coverage for fillings and teeth whitening is available after six months, and root canals, crowns, dentures, and tooth implants are covered after 12 months.

There is a $50 annual deductible and a $1,500 annual maximum, with access to 1,050 general dentists in the network.

Delta Dental PPO Basic Plan: $13.42 per month — This plan also offers 100 percent coverage for essential preventive care, including fillings and tooth removals after six months. However, there is no coverage for teeth whitening, root canals, or crowns.

Like the Premium Plan, the PPO Basic Plan comes with a $50 annual deductible and access to 1,050 in-network general dentists, but with a lower $1,000 annual maximum.

Now, let’s switch gears and take a look at Dental Dentals Colorado plans.

Delta Dental Plan Costs in Colorado

Delta Dental offers five different plans in Colorado (80210 zip code, same DOB, and coverage effective date). Here’s how their rates, coverages, and details compare to Louisiana:

How Can You Learn More About Your Best Dental Companies?

Whether you’re interested in Dental Dental or another dental service provider, the team at IHS Insurance Group is here to answer all your questions and help you find a provider that meets your coverage and budgetary needs. Contact us today for immediate, friendly assistance!

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Dental Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post Delta Dental Insurance Plans appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.

Despite these statistics, many Americans don’t get the dental care they need, which is often especially important to those old to enough enroll in Medicare. But does Medicare cover dental procedures in the first place? This article will help answer all of your important questions.

Are Most Dental Services Covered Under Medicare?

According to the Medicare.gov website:

“Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices.”

In other words, if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A, hospital insurance, and Part B, medical insurance), you’re responsible for paying 100 percent of dental services out of your own pocket. 

The only exceptions to this are if you need ​​emergency dental care (e.g., related to cancer) or must undergo complicated dental procedures (e.g., your jaw is crushed in an accident and requires reconstruction) while admitted to a hospital. And even if Original Medicare covers the emergency treatment, it likely won’t cover follow-up dental visits once the underlying health condition has been treated.

A good rule of thumb is that if it relates to dental services you receive primarily for the health of your teeth, Original Medicare likely won’t cover the related costs.

Is there any other way to obtain dental coverage under Medicare?

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Dental Services?

Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which often take the standard coverages found under Original Medicare and expand upon them, frequently offer some level of coverage for routine dental care and related non-emergency procedures. Some Advantage plans even add coverage for prescription medications (Part D), eye care, and routine hearing, including hearing aids.

Related: How to Choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan

Advantage plans work a lot like traditional insurance policies, where coverage is provided by participating HMOs (health maintenance organizations), PPOs (preferred provider organizations), and POS (point of service) plans. As a result, you can expect different deductibles for dental care, as well as copays and coinsurance, depending on the specific plan you choose.

Related: PPO vs. HMO Insurance Networks for Individual and Family Health Insurance

However, it’s crucial to emphasize that not all Advantage plans cover dental care, so you’ll need to verify before signing on the dotted line if it’s important to you, based on your unique combination of needs, preferences, and budget.

Pro Tip: You’ll find details about the dental care offered under an Advantage plan by reading the “dental services” section. There, if you see the phrase “Medicare-covered benefits” listed, this means the plan might not add any coverage other than what’s provided under Original Medicare.

Which Dental Services Do Advantage Plans Cover?

While the dental services—if any—provided under a Medicare Advantage plan can vary widely, common options include:

• Teeth cleanings (prophylaxis)
• Diagnostic services
• Oral exams
• Routine X-rays
• Extractions (having your teeth pulled)
• Fillings and other restorative services
• Dentures (complete or partial)
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Implants
• Root canals
• Treating gum disease and oral inflammation

Even if an Advantage plan offers a specific treatment, though, there may be sub-limits in place. For example, it may stipulate no more than two cleanings per year or just one extraction or one set of x-rays annually.

How Much Will You Pay For Dental Care Under a Medicare Advantage Plan?

In general, the more comprehensive dental coverage offered under an Advantage plan, the higher your monthly premiums.

It’s also worth noting that some Advantage plans come with annual limits, such as $1,500 for dental care over the course of a year. And if you exceed these maximums, you could end up paying out of pocket, so it’s always important to know what you’re getting for your money when calculating your overall budget.

For example, if Plan A comes with a lower premium than Plan B but also offers significantly lower annual limits, you might not get the most value for your hard-earned money.

With this said, plans with higher annual maximums will generally cost more than options with lower maximums.

Would You Like to Learn More About Medicare and Dental Care?

The friendly team at IHS Insurance Group has decades of combined experience helping clients like you with all aspects of Medicare, including dental care. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, and we’ll get back to you quickly with an answer you can count on!

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Dental Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post Does Medicare Cover Dental? appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.

But what is excess liability coverage? And how can you decide if it’s right for you? Let’s start with the difference between an umbrella and excess liability coverage.

What’s the Difference Between an Umbrella Policy and Excess Liability Insurance?

Umbrella and excess liability insurance policies act as additional protection above and beyond your primary insurance coverage. In fact, an umbrella is a type of excess liability policy. However, they’re not the same thing.

The only instance where excess liability coverage comes into play is as additional coverage to your primary insurance policy. But if there’s no existing underlying insurance policy, you won’t be protected.

On the other hand, umbrella insurance can provide extra coverage for claims even if you don’t have an underlying insurance policy in place. It can also cover loss types not included in your existing liability policies.

What is Personal Excess Liability Insurance?

A personal excess liability umbrella policy provides coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and certain personal lawsuits and is designed to work on top of your personal lines auto and home policies. It can also cover lawsuits related to slander, libel, false arrest or imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and shock or mental anguish. 

Personal excess liability examples include:

• An individual strolling on the sidewalk trips and falls on an uneven section and breaks their hip, which requires extensive medical care to remedy.
• A guest slips on a wet spot near your pool, throws out their back, and requires multiple surgeries to correct.
• A friend is playing with your dog at your home, which gets angry and bites them. Eventually, the bite becomes infected and requires extensive hospitalization to stabilize.

What is Commercial Excess Liability Insurance?

A commercial excess liability policy is designed to provide additional coverage for just one of your underlying commercial policies—typically, your general liability (GL) insurance. It kicks in once you exhaust your underlying limits.

Related: Should Your Business Consider a Commercial Umbrella Policy?

As with personal excess liability, commercial excess liability coverage typically follows the same coverage terms, conditions, and exclusions as the underlying policy. However, commercial excess liability coverage is usually available at much higher limits than personal—frequently up to $15 million.

Examples of commercial excess liability include:

• A kitchen fire causes $750,000 worth of damage to the building you rent for your restaurant. Your underlying general liability policy pays the first $500,000, and your excess liability policy would cover the remaining $250,000.
• After mopping the floor of your business, a customer walks in, slips, falls, and severely injures themselves. Once your GL policy is exhausted, your excess liability policy will cover any remainder.
• A customer drops a heavy item on their foot, causing them to undergo several surgeries, miss weeks of work, and deal with lingering pain and suffering. Here again, once your GL policy is exhausted, your excess liability policy would cover any remainder.

How Much Does Excess Liability Insurance Cost?

There is a multitude of factors that can impact how much you pay for excess liability insurance, including:

• Policy limits, including those found on your underlying policies;
• The industry in which your business operates, including risk exposure;
• The length of time you’ve been in business;
• Your location;
• The insurance carrier.

With this said, a good rule of thumb is that you’ll typically pay about $1,000 per year for every $1 million in coverage for an excess liability policy.

Have Additional Questions About Excess Liability Coverage?

Deciding whether or not to purchase individual or commercial excess liability coverage isn’t always straightforward. The good news is that you can contact the professionals at IHS Insurance Group, and we’ll walk you through the process step by step!

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Excess Liability Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post Do You or Your Business Need Excess Liability Coverage? appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.

But how would you fare if a liability loss arose? Would your home or auto policies provide coverage, or would you be left in the lurch? Let’s take a look.

Liability Protection Under an Auto Policy

Auto liability coverage is designed to cover bodily injury or property damage to a third party. For example, if you weren’t paying attention during heavy freeway traffic and accidentally rear-ended someone, your auto liability coverage would pay to repair their vehicle, as well as any injuries to their driver or their passengers.

Related: Why is Auto Liability Coverage Important?

Auto liability also covers liability for any pedestrians. So, if you accidentally struck a construction worker while driving, even if they’re not inside a vehicle at the time, your car insurance could pick up the tab for their injuries and lost wages.

Liability Protection Under a Homeowner’s Policy

Like with auto, homeowners liability coverage is also designed to cover bodily injury or property damage to a third party. For example, if you accidentally start a fire at someone else’s home, or if an individual has a slip and fall accident at your home, your homeowner’s insurance would likely provide coverage.

However, homeowner’s liability is a bit broader than under an auto policy since home liability coverage extends off the residence premises and will follow you anywhere in the world.

Is There Broader Liability Protection Under a Commercial Policy?

A commercial general liability (CGL) policy is designed to cover businesses against negligent acts caused by their services, operations, or employees. Therefore, while a CGL policy expands coverage beyond a personal lines home or auto policy, coverage is limited to business and commercial exposures.

Related: How Does a Commercial General Liability Policy Work?

Other types of commercial liability insurance, which are designed to cover different aspects of business, include:

• Cyber liability insurance — Protects companies against financial losses and legal claims resulting from data breaches, viruses, or other cyberattacks.
• Employment practices liability insurance — EPLI can protect you and your business against breach of employment contract, deprivation of career opportunity, discrimination, failure to employ or promote, mismanagement of employee benefit plans, negligent evaluation, and wrongful termination, discipline, or infliction of emotional distress.
• Directors and officers liability insurance — Covers financial losses caused from wrongful, negligent acts, or omissions or misleading statements committed by a company’s directors and officers. 
• Professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance — E&O insurance protects against financial damages related to actions or actions that should have been taken. Examples include copyright Infringement, negligence, personal injury, and services performed.
• Liquor liability — Provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage as a result of “causing or contributing to the intoxication of any person, furnishing alcoholic beverages to a person under the legal drinking age or under the influence of alcohol, and violating any statute, ordinance or regulation relating to the sale, gift, distribution or use of alcoholic beverages.”
• International Product Liability Insurance — Protections include coverage against defects, product recalls, tampering, and a consumer’s humiliation, mental anguish, mental injury, and shock from physical harm.
• Environmental Liability Insurance — Covers losses and damages related to the accidental release of pollutants into the environment, including bodily injury, property damage, cleanup and defense costs, and business interruption. 

How Can You Learn More About Home and Auto Liability Protections?

While home and auto policies provide liability protection against specific exposures, these scenarios are rarely cut and dry. That’s why the team at IHS Insurance Group can help answer your questions whenever you’re ready!

Need a FREE Quote or have questions regarding Home or Auto Insurance Coverage? We have three convenient ways to reach us:

1. If you prefer to talk to a licensed agent directly, please call (866) 480-5063.
2. If you prefer to fill out a quick form and have an agent get back to you at your convenience, use the GET A FREE QUOTE.
3. Lastly, for those that want an immediate quote, please click HERE.

We look forward to speaking with you today!

The post Which Liability Protections Does My Home and Auto Policy Provide? appeared first on IHS Insurance Group, LLC.