Leaving Your job? Here Are Your Dental Insurance Options

You’re always supposed to have a plan. A backup plan. A backup to the backup. But what if that all changes because you lose your job, or choose to take a break from work?

Suddenly, you’re not thinking about the next trip or night out. You’re in survival mode. How do you make rent? What can you afford to eat? How long can you stretch your budget?

You’re probably not thinking about dental insurance—at least not right away

When coverage isn’t top of mind, it can be easy to put off routine care. But keeping up with your dental exams and check-ups can save you money. That’s because your dentist can spot small problems early before they turn into painful, costly treatments. Preventive visits are usually covered by insurance, which means you can take care of your teeth now and avoid bigger bills later.

 The good news? Finding dental coverage that fits both your budget and your family’s needs is easy.

When Your Dental Coverage Ends and What to Expect Next

When you leave your job, your employer-sponsored dental coverage will end on your last day or at the end of the month. Check with Human Resources or look at your plan paperwork to find out exactly when your coverage ends.

That timing matters more than it might seem right now. If you have a cleaning coming up, a filling you’ve been putting off or anything your dentist flagged at your last visit, knowing when your coverage ends gives you a chance to use it while you still can. If you’re mid-treatment, call your dentist to find out what you can complete before you’re no longer covered.

So, what happens next? You can look at dental plans offered outside of work to help protect your smile and give you peace of mind.

Finding Insurance Options that Work for You

When you’re looking for dental insurance, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. The right plan will depend on where you live, how soon your coverage ends, whether you have another job lined up and what you can realistically spend right now. Some options are temporary. Others can carry you for as long as you need. It’s worth knowing what’s out there before you decide.

Continue Your Current Coverage Temporarily

If you had dental coverage through your employer, you might be able to keep it for a little while longer through something called COBRA. This program lets you stay on the plan you already have—same coverage, same network, same dentist—just without your employer sharing the cost. The full premium is now yours to pay.

It’s not always the most affordable option. But if you’re mid-treatment or you have something coming up that you’ve already scheduled, staying on your current plan can make a lot of sense. It buys you time to figure out your next move without interrupting care you’ve already started.

Join a Spouse or Partner’s Dental Plan

Losing your job is considered a qualifying life event, which means you can join your spouse or partner’s dental plan right away. It’s one of the easier options if it’s available to you. Just keep in mind there’s usually a window to make that change, so don’t wait too long.

If you leave your job voluntarily, you’ll need to wait for open enrollment before you can join a spouse or partner’s dental plan.

Explore Marketplace or State-Based Options

Most states, including Arizona, have their own health insurance marketplace, and losing your job-based coverage  gives you a chance to enroll in a new plan through these programs. Some plans include dental coverage. Others let you add it on. If your income has changed, you might also qualify for financial help that brings your monthly cost down more than you’d expect.

Purchase Your Own Dental Plan

Did you know that you don’t need an employer to get dental (and vision) insurance?

That’s right! You can purchase an individual and family plan to help cover the cost of cleanings, checkups and other dental work. Companies like Delta Dental of Arizona allow you to enroll at any time and have various options that fit both your budget and your family’s needs.

One thing to note: if you’re coming off employer or COBRA coverage with less than a 63-day gap, the waiting period may be waived on some plans. That means you can use your benefits sooner rather than later.

Choose a Discount Plan

Discount plans, or memberships, have become more common. But it is important to note that discount plans are not insurance. With a discount plan, you’ll get a discount when you visit a dentist that accepts your plan. Then you will pay the balance due for the service. A discount plan may be right for you if you’re looking for short-term coverage and won’t need much dental care.

With Delta Dental Patient Direct, you can receive a minimum 20% discount on treatment and services performed in-office with a Patient Direct network provider and you don’t have to worry about waiting periods.

How to Choose the Right Dental Plan for Your Situation

So now you know your options. But with everything else on your plate, the last thing you need is another decision to overthink. A few things can help you figure out which dental plan makes sense to you right now.

• Low cost: If you’ve been keeping up with regular cleanings and your mouth is healthy, a lower-cost plan focused on preventive care is probably all you need. This keeps you from falling behind on your oral health while you’re in between jobs.
• Major services: A plan that covers a larger percentage of major services, like fillings, extractions and root canals, might be a better option if you already know you need work done. It still saves you money in the long run, even if the monthly premium is a little higher.
• The in-between: And then there’s everything in between! You might not expect to need a major service, but you don’t want to be caught off guard either. Pair an affordable plan with the coverage you need so you can keep up with preventive care and be prepared if (and when) the unexpected happens.

One more thing to consider: how long you need coverage. If you’re planning to be back on an employer-sponsored plan soon, a short-term bridge might be all you need. But if you’re self-employed, taking time off or not sure what’s next, an individual and family plan can carry you as long as you need it—on your terms, not your employer’s.

Compare Dental Plan Options by Budget

Dental coverage doesn’t have to be expensive. And when you’re watching every dollar, knowing what you’re getting for what you’re spending matters.

Delta Dental of Arizona offers a choice of Individual and Family plans designed to meet your needs and budget. You’re sure to find one that makes you smile!

Some plan features include:

• Free Until Three^TM: $0 premiums for children under age 3 on select plans
• Orthodontic coverage: Additional coverage for braces, clear aligners and more
• Special health care needs benefit: Extra preventive care and services for members who qualify

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