Assumptions About Dental Coverage: Why It’s Time to Rethink “Good Coverage”

“We’re all set—our senior patients have Medicare Advantage plans.”

If you’ve worked in dental care, you’ve likely heard statements like this. It’s an easy assumption to make, but as the old adage goes, assumptions can lead us astray. When it comes to insurance coverage, this can have serious consequences for your patients.

A recent study from Mass General Brigham analyzed Medicare Advantage plans and found that only 8.4% of plans met the study’s quality standards for dental benefits. This means that while patients technically have coverage, the quality of care available to them under these plans often falls short of meeting even basic standards.

The same flawed assumptions often apply to employer-sponsored dental plans. There’s a common belief that all employers provide free dental insurance. In reality, over 40% of employers offer dental plans on a voluntary basis—meaning the employee pays 100% of the premium without any employer subsidy.

So, we must ask ourselves: If the coverage doesn’t meet minimum standards or requires patients to shoulder the full financial burden, is it really “good coverage”?

Driving Change with EmpowerDDS Membership Plans

Instead of relying on subpar plans, dental practices have the power to change the narrative. With EmpowerDDS membership plans, you can:

• Provide Affordable Care: Membership plans are often less expensive for patients than traditional PPO plans, making comprehensive dental care more accessible.
• Ensure Quality: Practices get paid at their full cash fee schedule, ensuring they can deliver the best possible care without the constraints of restrictive insurance policies.
• Enhance Patient Experience: Patients benefit from transparent pricing, preventative care, and a more personalized dental experience.

It’s time to stop equating all coverage with good coverage. EmpowerDDS offers a proactive solution for practices to provide real value to patients—especially those struggling with inadequate or costly benefit plans.

By making this shift, you can help ensure your patients receive the care they deserve while positioning your practice as a leader in dental health innovation.

What steps can your practice take to reimagine coverage for your patients? Let’s start the conversation. Visit our website to schedule your demo!