Hassle-Free Health Coverage: Dental, Vision and Prescription
In addition to medical and hospitalization coverage, some people opt to buy coverage for things such as dental expenses, vision expenses and even prescription expenses.
Dental insurance -- which you can get as additional coverage under most group plans, through a prepayment plan or through a dental service corporation -- will reimburse you for at least part of the money you spend on dental service and supplies.
Dental coverage usually includes payment for preventive care, such as regular checkups, x-rays and cleanings. It also pays for the things most people
hate about dental work: fillings, tooth removal, bridgework, oral surgery and -- ugh -- root canals.
This insurance also will help you in a more limited way -- 50 percent is a common figure -- with expenses for dentures and orthodonture.
Normally, you'll have to shell out a pretty hefty copayment, although that co-payment may be smaller for preventive services. (Typically, insurance will not help pay for cosmetic work on your teeth.)
Vision plans typically are discount services. For a small fee -- about $15 to $20 a year -- you get a membership card that entitles you to discounts on eye exams, glasses and contacts. These discounts (usually in the 50 percent range for eyewear) often are good at a wide variety of stores, including most of the major chains. Some of the plans also offer contact lenses at a discount by mail. Some even provide a discount on non-prescription sunglasses.
If you purchase glasses or contact lenses on a regular basis (for example, if you wear disposable lenses), these plans can be cost-effective.
Prescription plans are much like vision plans. They also get you a discount on prescriptions if you visit
a participating pharmacy. Again, they typically include most major chains. Discounts range from 5 percent to 50 percent on most drugs. Discounts may be higher if you purchase your prescription drugs through a mail-order program.
Most people who have health insurance do not need a prescription plan -- unless they have an extremely high deductible on a major medical plan and purchase prescription drugs on a regular basis.
