Key takeaways:
- Open enrollment is a time to choose your dental coverage. This is important if you are aging out of your parent’s plan or starting a new job.
- Dental benefits can be provided by an employer or purchased individually.
- There are different types of dental benefit plans with different Delta Dental Provider Network options to consider based upon your oral health needs and budget.
- Dental benefit plans help you access quality dental care at the most affordable cost for you to maintain good oral and overall health.
Whether you’re a college student, aging out of your parent’s dental insurance, or approaching open enrollment for the first time, there’s a lot to keep in mind as you prepare to choose your dental benefits.
With open enrollment just around the corner, now is the ideal time to get ready! Taking a few proactive steps today can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
What is open enrollment, and why does it matter to young adults?
Toward the end of the year, employers open a window of time for employees to sign up for or adjust their health and dental benefits plans. This period is called open enrollment.
Individuals outside of traditional employment have an opportunity to explore, enroll in, or update their dental coverage during this window.
Open enrollment is an important time of year for young adults, especially as many are taking on the responsibility of managing their own dental and health coverage for the first time.
What should young adults know before open enrollment?
Open enrollment can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, you’ll be able to make confident, informed choices about your benefits.
Here’s what to consider before you get started:
Open enrollment timing
Delta Dental’s individual and family plans are available for purchase year-round.
- If you want your coverage to start on the first of the year (January 1st), you must enroll on or before December 31st.
- If you enroll on January 1st, your coverage will begin the following month on February 1st.
Where will your dental coverage come from?
- Your employer: Many employers offer dental coverage to some degree. Employer-sponsored plans often provide access to dental care at a lower cost. Keep in mind, though, that coverage can vary widely depending on how much your company contributes.
- Employer-sponsored dental plans tend to be more budget-friendly since your company often covers part of the cost. While they’re easier on your wallet, they may come with less flexibility due to pre-selected benefits and provider networks.
- Keep in mind: this coverage usually ends if you leave your job or organization.
- Dental insurance company: Individual dental insurance is coverage you purchase on your own from an insurance company. It’s a great option for freelancers, part-time workers, self-employed individuals, or anyone who doesn’t have access to employer-sponsored dental benefits.
- If you’re thinking about getting your own dental insurance, individual plans give you more control. You can choose the benefits and providers that work best for you and your family, and your coverage sticks with you even if you switch jobs.
- Keep in mind: these dental benefit plans vary in terms of cost and coverage, so it’s worth taking the time to read the fine print and find the right option for your situation. They may also be available outside of the open enrollment window if you experience a “qualifying life event”, such as a marriage or loss of previous coverage.
The differences between dental plans
- Delta Dental PPO™ (Preferred Provider Organization) network members will save the most by obtaining services with a Delta Dental PPO™ dentist. Delta Dental PPO™ network dentists agree to accept our reduced PPO fees as payment in full for dental services. This means they cannot bill members the difference between what they usually charge and what the Delta Dental PPO fee is.
- Delta Dental Premier® network members will pay more with a Delta Dental Premier® dentist compared to a Delta Dental PPO™ dentist. However, they will likely save compared to a non-Delta Dental network dentist. Again, Delta Dental Premier® Network dentists agree to our maximum plan allowance as payment in full, which may be lower than the billed amount set by the dentist.
- Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier™ network members can receive in-network benefits from both Delta Dental PPO™ and Delta Dental Premier® networks. This offers members the most choice and network protection since all Delta Dental network dentists must follow Delta Dental’s processing policies and meet network credentialing standards.
How do young adults enroll in dental coverage?
How you enroll will depend on whether you’re getting coverage from an employer or will purchase an individual dental plan yourself.
If your employer offers dental benefits, they’ll usually share plan details and may even host info sessions before open enrollment starts. If not, don’t hesitate to reach out to HR or your benefits contact to get your questions answered and make sure you understand your options. Most of the time, enrollment will be hosted on the company’s internal website.
If you’re signing up for an individual dental plan, reach out to Delta Dental of New Mexico’s customer experience team. They can answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget. You can also visit MySmileCoverage.com/NM to enroll today.
Before open enrollment starts, make a quick checklist of the benefits and networks you want or any changes to your current dental plan. When it’s time to enroll, take some time to read everything carefully. If you have a partner, it’s a good idea to review your choices together before submitting to make sure nothing gets missed.
What happens after open enrollment?
Congratulations! You have officially made the responsible decision to manage your smile and overall oral health care. Now it’s time to become familiar with your dental benefits.
Taking the time to understand the ins and outs of your dental coverage is an important first step after you’ve completed open enrollment. This includes learning key insurance terms, finding an in-network provider, and ultimately making an investment in your oral and overall health.
How to find an in-network dental provider
When it comes to finding a participating or in-network dental provider, it’s a good idea to start with a provider you’re already comfortable with. Call them and find out if they take the dental insurance you have.
If you need to find a new in-network provider, solicit opinions from trusted friends and family. Delta Dental of New Mexico also has an online tool that helps you find an in-network dental provider in your area.
Why should good oral health matter to young adults?
Good oral health is important for young adults because it sets the foundation for long-term oral health and wellness to maintain the best smile in a way that can save money and stress down the road. Regular dental care helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, issues that can affect your confidence, social life, and even job interviews. Plus, poor oral health has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Taking care of your smile by investing in dental insurance now means fewer expensive procedures later and a healthier future overall.
Want to learn more about open enrollment? Check out “What is Open Enrollment?”.