Ease into retirement with individual dental coverage
Retirement is a time to relax and return to the hobbies and skills that make you happy. While exploring new interests, it’s important to keep your physical health and oral health a top priority.
Individual dental coverage for retirement
One part of retirement you may not have considered is losing employer-sponsored dental benefits. You’ve maintained a healthy smile for years, but retiring doesn’t mean you need to retire your oral health! So what options are out there for when dental benefits through an employer are no longer an option?
Most Americans lose dental coverage after retirement. Many people defer to Medicare for their health coverage in retirement. However, basic Medicare only covers dental procedures for certain services in the hospital. Even then, there are many requirements and limitations.
To start your retirement
One option to begin retirement is to extend coverage on your employer’s plan, commonly called COBRA benefits. Businesses generally offer their benefits to those who experience a qualifying event, like retirement. If you are enrolled in your employer’s dental plan, you have the option to pay to continue those benefits for a period of time after you retire, typically 18 months. Spouses and dependents covered on the plan may also be eligible. Visit with your human resources representative to find out more about the costs and coverage period.
Options for individual dental plans
Whether you’ve exercised a COBRA option or not, you can find coverage much like what you got from your employer in our individual and family dental plans . We offer affordable dental benefits directly to individuals and families. Our Individual and family plans give you access to the largest network of dentists in South Dakota to help you maintain your oral health. Click here to find a dentist near you.
Oral health is important after retirement
Having good oral health is important as you age because your mouth changes as you get older. About a quarter of adults 65 and older haven’t seen the dentist in the past five years. That means that too many older adults are missing cleanings and oral health exams.
You don’t have to accept the notion that losing teeth is a part of getting older. Dentist appointments allow trained professionals to ensure problems like tooth decay or oral cancer aren’t developing.
The importance of oral health doesn’t disappear after retirement. Keeping good oral health routines and seeing a dentist twice a year with individual insurance helps you stay healthy even after losing employer-sponsored benefits.
Good oral health means better health and better quality of life during your retirement.
Contact us at 877-841-1478 if have any questions about making sure you’re covered after retirement. We’re happy to help!