Last month at lunch Ruth told me how happy her sister-in-law, Toni is. Toni’s sister, Linda, and best friend, Judy, both moved to Arkansas.
They are adjusting great and love Arkansas! They’ve both updated their medical and prescription coverage and are ready for adventures. Last week Ruth, Toni, Linda and Judy had a nice relaxing “ladies” lunch. They enjoyed their meal and decided to splurge with dessert. Dessert was about over when Linda let out an “OUCH!” She thought she had bitten down on a pecan shell. Yes, and damaged her tooth. She was now holding her crown in her hand! A trip to the dentist was imminent. When Linda and I talked last month, I reminded her that neither Medicare nor a Medicare Supplement cover dental. We talked about dental plans and the benefits they provide/cover. There is no “enrollment period” for dental insurance so you can enroll in a dental plan anytime. I told her there is a six (6) month waiting period for minor and major services. Linda said she takes great care of her teeth, gets annual checkups and has only one crown she got years ago. She said she was fine with the waiting period, and she would call me when she was ready to talk further when she was more settled. Yes, I just got a call from Linda telling me that she was looking at her crown in her hand. “Can I buy dental insurance now?” Yes, she can buy dental insurance now but . . . it will not cover getting her crown repaired or replaced. There is that six (6) month waiting period for minor and major services – a crown is considered a “major” service. Linda wanted to know if there was any way she could get her crown issue covered so she would not have to write a check for the full amount $$. We talked about the six (6) month waiting period again and I referred her to the dental brochure I had given her. The brochure outlines the criteria for getting the waiting period waived. “Oh, I forgot to tell you I had a dental plan in Florida that ended March 1.” (Yes, she did forget to tell me about!). Ok, different guidelines now. If Linda applies for a dental plan within 30 days of terminating her existing dental plan, she may be able to have the six (6) month period waived and her crown work might be covered! She will need to apply right now, provide a copy of her existing dental policy’s benefit schedule and a certificate of coverage showing the dates she was covered and when her coverage ended. Linda is thrilled. She is applying for a dental plan to be effective April 1. Will her dentist be able to do something temporary to help her situation until after April 1 when her policy goes into effect? Fingers crossed. Accidents happen even with good teeth. Do we need to talk? Call 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”
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AuthorCaroline Beauchamp specializes in personalized life and health insurance solutions. Archives
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