About Cigna
The Cigna Group is a global health company dedicated to enhancing health and vitality. Committed to innovation and collaboration, the company strives to create solutions that lead to better health outcomes.
With a mission to improve the health and vitality of those they serve and a vision of a brighter future founded on the well-being of each person and every community, their team of over 70,000 workers works via Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services to support over 178 million customer connections in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions.
Understanding dental insurance coverage
The specifics of what dental insurance covers depend on the plan you choose. Here are the types of coverage to consider when selecting a dental plan:
- Preventive dental care: Most dental plans provide certain preventive care at no cost, typically covering specific types of mouth X-rays and a dental exam and cleaning every six months. Coverage may also include sealants, fluoride treatments, and more for children.
- Restorative care: This encompasses treatments ranging from basic fillings and tooth extractions to more complex procedures like root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures. As the complexity and specialization of dental care increase, so do the costs. If you anticipate needing dental care beyond routine exams, consider plans that offer extensive coverage for restorative services.
- Orthodontic care: This specialized area focuses on correcting teeth and bite alignment. In the event that you or a family member needs orthodontic treatment, seek dental insurance that includes coverage for these services.
The following services are typically not covered by dental plans:
- Cosmetic procedures, including veneers and teeth whitening, are not covered by insurance.
- Dental services like crowns, bridges, and dentures might not be covered if you only purchase a preventive dental care plan.
- Orthodontic appliances, such as braces, retainers, and removable aligners, might not be included in all types of dental plans. Make sure to understand the details of your dental plan. For instance, some plans might cover an orthodontist’s services but not pay for orthodontic devices.
How does dental insurance work?
There are two common ways to get dental insurance:
- Your employer might offer you dental coverage as part of your benefits. In that case, you can apply for it during annual open enrollment.
- If your employment benefits do not include dental insurance, or if you lose a job or work for yourself (a freelancer, for instance), you can purchase a dental plan on your own. You can do this through a state health exchange or a health insurance company like Cigna HealthcareSM.
If you get dental coverage through your employer, a monthly premium might be deducted from your pay. If you buy the plan on your own, you would be paying a fixed amount every month directly to the insurer. Once you buy a plan, there might be a waiting period, which means you might have to wait for six months at most. After that period, you would be covered for dental care that goes beyond preventive oral check-ups.
Dental deductible, copay, and coinsurance
When selecting a dental plan, it's essential to understand the basic costs associated with most dental plans:
- Deductible: This is a set dollar amount you must pay before your dental plan begins to contribute. You will pay your dentist for non-preventive care until you meet this deductible. Since most dental plans typically provide 100% preventive care coverage, the deductible does not apply to these services.
- Copay: These are fees you may need to pay when visiting a dentist. They are typically paid at the time of the visit. Copays may also count towards meeting your deductible.
- Coinsurance: This refers to how you and your dental plan share costs once the deductible is met. Coinsurance is usually shown as a percentage split between what you will pay versus what your plan will cover. For example, a coinsurance of 80%/20% means the plan covers 80% of the costs while you pay the remaining 20%.
Who are dentists, and what do they do?
Dentists are highly trained professionals dedicated to caring for teeth and the mouth. Routine appointments with a dentist are crucial for maintaining optimal dental health, which can significantly impact overall well-being. One of the duties of a dentist is to encourage good dental hygiene, which helps to avoid issues in the mouth and other areas of the body. Dentists also diagnose and treat gums, teeth, and mouth issues.
Dentists perform various dental procedures using advanced technology and equipment, such as lasers, X-ray machines, drills, brushes, and scalpels. They also wear protective gear like gloves, masks, and safety glasses to ensure a sterile environment and hinder the transmission of germs and bacteria.
Common dentistry tasks:
- Educating patients about dental hygiene
- Filling cavities
- Removing buildup or decay from teeth
- Repairing or extracting damaged teeth
- Reviewing X-rays and diagnostics
- Administering anesthesia
- Applying fillings or sealants
- Monitoring the development of teeth and jawbones
Dentistry involves a collaborative approach. The dentist leads a team that includes dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians. Together, they ensure that patients receive high-quality dental care.
How to find the right Cigna dentist near you in Dallas, TX?
Finding a trusted dentist who accepts your Cigna insurance in Dallas can be streamlined with Zocdoc. This dependable online platform provides an easy-to-navigate interface and an extensive database of healthcare providers. With Zocdoc, you can easily locate dentists based on criteria such as location, insurance coverage, and specialty.
If you have any doubts about the security of your insurance card with Zocdoc, let us put your mind at ease: it's absolutely secure. Your privacy and data protection are among our top priorities, and we employ industry-leading practices to safeguard your information. Learn more about how Zocdoc manages data and privacy by visiting our dedicated resources. For more insurance-related information, you can visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
While you can add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account, you can only search for and schedule an appointment with one insurance plan at a time. In case you have multiple plans, you can mention your secondary insurance plan and carrier in your notes for the provider in the last step of the booking process. If your provider uses Zocdoc’s intake forms, you can add details about your secondary insurance while filling out your forms online.
To begin your search, input your specific requirements, including Cigna as your insurance provider. Zocdoc will then generate a list of top Cigna dentists near you. Each dentist's profile includes detailed information such as practice location, areas of expertise, educational background, languages spoken, and patient reviews, helping you make an informed choice. You can also explore Zocdoc's guide on health insurance options for freelancers and college students.
With Zocdoc, booking appointments with a Cigna dentist near you is 100% free, fast, and safe.
Dental statistics in the U.S.
According to Express Dentist, in the United States, dental expenditures in the United States annually surpass $130 billion and are on the rise, fueled by factors including the aging populace, growing interest in cosmetic dentistry, and advancements in dental technology. As per 2022 data, however, the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to the dental industry, resulting in the closure of over 198,000 dental offices and practices nationwide.
Despite the importance of regular dental care, nearly 30% of individuals covered by dental insurance in states like Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma did not visit a dentist within the past year. Additionally, approximately 53 million Americans faced limited access to dental care due to shortages of dental health professionals in their areas.
A Cigna study on Cigna clients based on dental claims between 2012 and 2019 revealed compelling benefits for members who maintained regular dental check-ups over three consecutive years. These individuals experienced an average savings of 4.4% on annual medical costs per member for five years. Furthermore, the study indicated a 22% decrease in emergency room and urgent care visits among these individuals, contributing to additional savings in medical expenses.
Sources
The Cigna Group
Cigna Healthcare[1]
Cigna Healthcare[2]
WebMD
Express Dentist
