1. 5527 POINTS
    Marlin McKelvy
    President, Consumer Directed Benefit Solutions, Memphis, Tennessee
    Yes, I know, teeth are part of your body and so it is easy for some people to think that they are covered under health insurance. However, this is rarely the case, especially when it comes to orthodontics (which means braces for the teeth in most cases). There are some narrow circumstances when medical necessity criteria for some oral surgeries or treatments would be covered by your major medical coverage (the patient is a Hemophiliac for example) but braces are unlikely to ever fall into even this rare category.

    In practical terms, if you want insurance coverage for orthodontia you will need to purchase a dental insurance policy that covers orthodontia. You should be aware that even dental insurance policies generally have a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontia that places a limit on the amount the policy will pay for braces. A lifetime maximum benefit of $1000 is very common though there are policies with higher limits (e.g. - $2000). So, even when you have orthodontia coverage you can anticipate some fairly meaningful out-of-pocket expenses.
    Answered on September 25, 2014
  2. Did you find these answers helpful?
    Yes
    No
    Go!

Add Your Answer To This Question

You must be logged in to add your answer.


<< Previous Question
Questions Home
Next Question >>