With stagnant incomes and treatment costs on the rise, it is vital to find 
dental coverage you can rely on. You may be surprised to learn just how many individual dental plans are available to Louisiana residents. Read on for information about available plans and for sample savings in your state.
Medicaid
Not technically considered insurance, Medicaid is a partnership program between the federal and state governments. It is geared toward serving adults, children and people with disabilities who have severely limited incomes.
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- Medicaid provides comprehensive emergency, diagnostic, preventative and dental screening services for eligible children under 21.
- Although some states are more limited in what Medicaid services they furnish to adults, Louisiana offers preventative and restorative care, as well as assistance in obtaining dentures.
- Because statutes may change and your particular case may be different, always be sure to check with your dentist to make sure a particular treatment or procedure is covered by Medicaid. This is especially important because an increasing number of medical practitioners no longer accept Medicaid patients.
Medicare
Many senior citizens and people with disabilities are eligible for Medicare benefits. This is a federal program that primarily helps with the substantial costs of hospitalization, long-term care and durable medical equipment.
When it comes to routine dental care, Medicare is prohibited by law from offering any assistance. The only procedures Medicare will cover must be in conjunction with additional medical problems.
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- For instance, Medicare will cover the extraction of teeth, but only if the patient needs this before a kidney transplant.
- Medicare cannot be relied on to help with cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures or most other types of dental work.
Louisiana Dental Plan
Annual Membership (may be cheaper the first year) = $114.95
Average Savings = 40% off
Example Discounted Prices:
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- Checkup = $16
- Cleaning = $32
- Full X-rays = $48
- Porcelain Crown = $540
Vital Savings by Aetna
Annual Membership = $134.95
Savings = 15-50% off
Example Discounted Prices:
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- Checkup = $18
- Cleaning = $38
- Full X-rays = $50
- Porcelain Crown = $488
OptumHealth Allies Dental Program
Annual Membership = $159.95
Example Discounted Prices:
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- Checkup = $18
- Cleaning = $39
- Panoramic X-rays = $47
- Porcelain Crown = $451
DentaMax Discount Dental Plan
Annual Membership = $104.95
Example Discounted Prices:
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- Checkup = $25
- Full X-rays = $72
- Cleaning = $49
- Porcelain Crown = $641
Access Dental Plan
Annual Membership = $104.95
Example Discounted Prices:
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- Checkup = $30
- Full X-rays = $61
- Cleaning = $46
- Porcelain Crown = $580
Careington 500 Series (available on 1Dental.com)
Monthly Membership = $6.95
Savings = 20-60% off or more
Example Discounted Prices:
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- Checkup = $14
- Full X-rays = $40
- Cleaning = $29
- Porcelain Crown = $473
Conclusion
In these difficult times, Louisiana residents need all of the help they can get when it comes to medical costs. The same fact applies to dentist expenses. As you can see, there are numerous individual dental plans in your area from which you can choose if you want to get high-quality dentistry at an affordable price. Because caring for your teeth and gums should be as important to you as visiting your medical doctor, why not take some time to choose the best for you? The Careington 500 Series Plan, available at 1Dental.com, clearly offers the most substantial savings for the lowest membership fee.
