While the financial risks generally aren't as catastrophic as not carrying other types of insurance such as health or homeowner's insurance, many people find that having dental and vision insurance helps to spread out their costs for care into more manageable monthly premiums and co-insurance amounts. You may expect that if your dental needs are less than average, insurance may not save you money - but due to pre negotiated discounts and fully covered annual exams and cleanings, it may still benefit you (especially if you utilize an in-network dentist.) The same thing would apply for vision insurance, if you wear glasses or contact lenses. Because you are paying your premiums whether you use it or not - it may also help to make sure you don't delay your routine check-ups and cleanings.
We are pleased to be using Ameritas as our provider for both dental and vision insurance. The Ameritas Dental Network is one of the nation’s largest. Network providers have agreed to charge 20-50% less than their regular rates which can lower your out-of-pocket costs even before any potential coverage payments from Ameritas. Different plans allow you to visit any dentist, in- or out-of-network, and family members do not need to visit the same provider.
For vision, they offer different levels of plans through two large, nationwide, networks: EyeMed and VSP.
DENTAL PLANS
We currently offer a variety of PrimeStar plans through Ameritas. Premiums vary by zip code but the plan basics are the same. As of July 28, 2021 the old PrimeStar plans are not eligible for new enrollees, therefore we have removed information on them from this page. Those who have enrolled in one of the old plans may continue their plan, or they may cancel it and switch to one of the new plans described below.
PRIMESTAR VALUE is a new plan designed for those who do not have a substantial need for dental coverage, but still want the peace of mind of coverage as well as regular exams, cleanings, and other preventative benefits. The yearly benefit for this plan is $750/year, but it includes Preventive Plus coverage, which means that coverage paid out by the plan for twice per year exams and cleanings will not count towards the $750 total maximum benefit offered by the plan. Exams and cleanings are covered twice per year at 90% on Day 1, and covered at 100% after year one (new "after year 1" definition is 12 months following the policy start date) Basic services such as Bitewing x-rays, fluoride (for under age 16), sealants, space maintainers, and fillings, will be covered at 50% on Day 1, and 80% After Year 1. Other services, categorized as Major Services, include Panoramic x-rays, simple extractions, oral surgery, root canals, periodontics, and crowns, do not have any coverage as of Day 1, however you will still receive the Ameritas discounted pricing, saving you money over paying completely out of pocket should the need for those services arise unexpectedly. After Year 1 there will be 15% coverage for those Major Services, in addition to the discounts received by carrying Ameritas dental coverage.
Please click the link at the bottom of this page to get an accurate quote for your zip code. You do not need to input any personal information aside from your zip code to see pricing for these plans. You may enroll directly via the site or contact our office for personal assistance getting signed up.
PRIMESTAR ACCESS is the second of the three new plans, and it’s designed with families in mind who may need more coverage than the Value plan and with a broader range of covered services from day 1. The yearly benefit for this plan starts at $1000 as of day 1 and expands to $2000 in coverage after year 1. It also includes Preventive Plus coverage, which means that benefits paid out by the plan for twice per year exams and cleanings will not count towards the maximum benefit amount. Exams and cleanings are covered at 100% from day 1, as well as the other basic services including bitewing x-rays, sealants, and fluoride (for under age 16). Fillings & simple extractions are covered at 65% from Day 1 and increase to 80% coverage after year 1. Major services, such as implants, oral surgery, root canals, periodontics, crowns, bridges, dentures, panoramic x-rays, and teeth whitening (a new covered service!) start with 20% coverage from day 1 and increase to 50% coverage after year 1. This plan also includes orthodontic coverage for dependents on the plan who are under age 19, with 15% coverage from day 1 and 50% coverage after year 1, but with a lifetime maximum benefit of $1000.
Another new covered service provided by the new Access plan is LASIK. You can receive up to a $125 benefit per eye in coverage for Lasik during the first 2 years, with an increased coverage amount of $250 per eye after year 2.
The annual deductible for this policy is $50. Please click the link below to get an accurate quote for your zip code. You do not need to input any personal information aside from your zip code to see pricing for these plans. You may enroll via the site or contact our office for personal assistance getting signed up.
**The coverage amounts stated above are for IN-NETWORK providers. You can search for providers by clicking the link on the website while getting your personalized quote as well as see the out-of-networks coverage provided by this plan on the quote screen.
PRIMESTAR TOTAL, the third new plan from Ameritas, is offering coverage geared more toward seniors, adults without any young dependents, or those who have different coverage needs as described below. The yearly benefit amount of this plan starts higher at $2000 on day 1, and increases to $2500 after year 1. With that, you get 100% coverage from day 1 for cleanings, exams, and bitewing x-rays, while still benefiting from the Preventive Plus feature where those preventative services covered will not count toward your yearly benefit limit. From day 1 fillings and simple extractions are covered at 80% with coverage increasing to 90% after year 1. The coverage for major services including implants, oral surgery, root canals, periodontics, crowns, bridges, dentures, and panoramic x-rays starts at 20% from day 1, and increases to 50% after year 1.
While there is no orthodontic, Lasik, or teeth whitening coverage (as there is with the Access plan) this plan includes hearing coverage. There is a hearing aid benefit of up to $200 per ear starting day 1, increasing to $300/ear after year 1, and further increasing to $400/ear after year 2. The plan will cover $75 per annual hearing exam.
The annual deductible for this policy is $50. Please click the link below to get an accurate quote for your zip code. You do not need to input any personal information aside from your zip code to see pricing for these plans. You may enroll via the site or contact our office for personal assistance getting signed up.
VISION PLANS
Ameritas offers two vision plans - the Primestar Select and Choice plans. Prices are the same nationwide - $10.67/mo for an individual/$19.63/mo for a couple for the Select plan, and $16.34/ individual, $30.07/couple, monthly, for the Choice plan (as of 7/1/2021). There are no waiting periods for full coverage to start.
The Select plan uses the EyeMed Vision Care Access Network - which you can search at www.eyemed.com. It has over 7,000 retail locations - including LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical, JCPenney Optical, Sears Optical, and many independent providers. There are fixed co-pays for all services ($25 for an eye exam), and a $130 allowance for glasses OR contacts (for in-network providers). However, you have additional discounts beyond the initial coverage as well. If you choose to see an out of network provider - fixed allowances are provided for various services.
The Choice plan uses the VSP Choice network - which you can search at www.vsp.com. It includes all of the same providers as the EyeMed network, but also includes Costco Optical, and many additional independent providers. Co-pays are generally lower for most services, and the eyeglass/contact allowance is $150.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS WHATSOEVER, OR WOULD LIKE US TO HELP YOU DECIDE ON WHICH PLAN IS BEST FOR YOU - PLEASE LET US KNOW.
Click below to get started applying online or simply view pricing and detailed coverage:
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