Help: Cost Benefit Analysis - Discount Dental Plans

Non-investing personal finance issues including insurance, credit, real estate, taxes, employment and legal issues such as trusts and wills.
Post Reply
Topic Author
Beatle Boots
Posts: 71
Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2018 10:28 am

Help: Cost Benefit Analysis - Discount Dental Plans

Post by Beatle Boots »

So, decided to dump the prepaid so-called dental insurance and to self insure with a dental discount plan (DDP). Googled past Boglehead (BH) posts related to this topic, but didn't find anything on my specific concerns. Hopefully your input will help me and others. I am shopping for a plan that includes self + 1 (wife). Recently retired.

BH users typically recommend the following DDPs:

(1) Coast2CoastRX.com - FREE (for 2 people) (My current dentist accepts C2C)
(2) Dentalplan.com offerers - Typically range $155 for 2 people. (Evidence there may be some periodic discounts such as Black Friday. Includes popular carrier Careington. Mdentalplan.com). There is no COSTCO in my state at this time. Former employer doesn't pay for, nor do they offer y current dentist accepts Careington.)
(3) Aetna Vital Savings (AVS) - Price $15 one time fee and $11 per month. (My current dentist accepts AVS)

Other note worthy background. Tried to find some group discounts for dental plans by looking at AARP (nothing available), USAA, Penfed (Dental Benefits Max), etc. Banking DDPS seem to be about $15 per month (same as DDPs.

QUESTIONS:

I realize these DDPs are basically selling discounted dental rates, but is there any reason that I should select any DDP other than C2C? If so, which one and why?

Also, are C2C discounted dental rates the same discounted rates that Carrington's, Aetna's, etc. offer?

Also, I need a sanity check. Have I missed anything in my research? Are there any other possible discounts or factors I need to consider?

Am hoping to make my purchase decision fairly quickly in case there any Black Friday or other holiday discounts that I may take.

Appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks you!
Post Reply