No dental and vision coverage: What would you do?

[LightPhoenix]

Honestly, at our age (I'm twenty-six) I really don't think vision and dental are that big of a deal. I've only used my dental twice, for a yearly cleaning, and I don't take care of my teeth nearly as well as you do. So honestly, not having actually looked at your teeth, I think you're probably fine without it. Just don't let them hit you in the face.

Vision is okay, but it depends on how often your prescription is changing. If cost is very much an issue, keep in mind that you do have your glasses, and they don't get worn out nearly as much as your contacts. If your prescription isn't changing from check-up to check-up, I would personally just keep the glasses.

Everyone that said shop around is absolutely right, but also make sure to get recommendations. Getting something cheaper doesn't always work out as well. I actually recommend avoiding the chain-dentists, but I recommend the opposite for vision. Also, check with your union, they may have some options and probably have experience with this.

 

[ssampier]

I don't have a union actualy. I work as a regional support techology specialist (ie computer and network guy).

Someone was telling me about "flex cash" that may be useful. I meet with my district payroll and benefit person on Monday.

Thanks all for the advice.

 

[ssampier]

I saw the payroll and benefit person today. I signed up for the Flex-pay of $700 a year. It's pre-tax so it shouldn't be bad. That should cover my vision and incidentals.

As for dental, I was mistaken. They do have an optional dental program. It's not very broad - only one provider in our area. It's only $13 an month, though, so I took it.

I hope to get my teeth cleaned soon. I hope it's a good check-up.

 

[Infiniti2000]

Good luck on the check-up. I personally recommend the Oral-B rotary brush. I get high marks by my dentist all the time, despite infrequent flossing.

13/mon is good. That should about cover the two check-ups, plus you get covered in case of other problems. The insurance should also cover x-rays.

I have never had vision insurance because I don't get new glasses that often and the insurance would cost more. Unlike dental insurance, you'll still be covered under exams by an ophthalmologist by your regular insurance. So, IMO 700/year is too much, unless your regular insurance doesn't cover anything having to do with the eyes. This bears looking into.

 

[TogaMario]

I skipped out on the dentist for 3 years (never had any cavities or problems before then for 19 years), went back and was told that I have 26+ small cavities. You should probably go for cleanings every 6 months, lol. I recommend having dental at all costs, and vision if you have a family (or really bad eyes / a history of eye problems in your family).

 

[freebfrost]

Does your work have a Health Spending Account or similar plan?

 

[DerianCypher]

I have paid cash for my vision for years and never once gotten a single discount.

I wish there was a (legal) way to put pre-tax cash toward vision and dental expenses. Since I have group insurance, I am not eligible for a HSA. Oh well.

There is! You can set up a Health Savings account or something to that effect. It allows you to contribute money before tax into an account that can only be withdrawn for medical expenses (tax free atleast). Unfortunately I'm not sure how one would go about setting one up.

 

[ssampier]

There is! You can set up a Health Savings account or something to that effect. It allows you to contribute money before tax into an account that can only be withdrawn for medical expenses (tax free atleast). Unfortunately I'm not sure how one would go about setting one up.

You weren't paying attention. To qualify for a Health Savings Account you must have high-deductible insurance, not a group insurance, Cobra qualifying plan. HSAs are great because the money you don't use "rolls-over" to the next. If it don't use the money until age 65 you can cash it out for retirement, tax-free.

As for what I was looking for, tax free medical expenses, the flex account does that. There is a caveat. You must use ALL of the money before the end of year or it's gone.

 

[ssampier]

Good luck on the check-up. I personally recommend the Oral-B rotary brush. I get high marks by my dentist all the time, despite infrequent flossing.

13/mon is good. That should about cover the two check-ups, plus you get covered in case of other problems. The insurance should also cover x-rays.

I have never had vision insurance because I don't get new glasses that often and the insurance would cost more. Unlike dental insurance, you'll still be covered under exams by an ophthalmologist by your regular insurance. So, IMO 700/year is too much, unless your regular insurance doesn't cover anything having to do with the eyes. This bears looking into.

My regular insurance does cover one vision screening a year for $15. I probably did put too much in the flex. I figured if something happened it'd be better to be overprotected then under (since you can only change it yearly).

 

[ssampier]

I skipped out on the dentist for 3 years (never had any cavities or problems before then for 19 years), went back and was told that I have 26+ small cavities. You should probably go for cleanings every 6 months, lol. I recommend having dental at all costs, and vision if you have a family (or really bad eyes / a history of eye problems in your family).

Good idea. You and I on the same wave-length. I took the average of the 4 dental plans (1 of which is really a "discount" plan). It doesn't cover everything, but I have the flex-cash for the little things (see below).

For my vision, I put $700 a year in a flex spending account that I can use pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses (aspirin & allergy meds here I come).