Dental hygiene is a critical part of overall health and well-being – but unfortunately it is sometimes put off the most. Many times lack of insurance or cost of care prevent patients from receiving the dental care they need. Understanding the financial barriers to access and how to overcome them is critical for millions of Americans. According to the University of Chicago, an estimated 74 million U.S. citizens are without dental insurance or care, meaning that more than a quarter of Americans aren’t getting the proper oral hygiene, maintenance, and preventive care that can literally be lifesaving.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused these numbers to rise even further, job losses and company cutbacks forecast an additional 16 million Americans without employment-provided dental health care. The reality is that millions are falling victim to predatory financing to cover these basic dental and intensive dental services such as cleanings, extractions, implants and dentures.
A recent survey of Florida voters found that nearly 1 in 3 patients have put off a necessary dental procedure in the last 12 months. The main reason for such delays was the inability to pay or willingness to enter into high interest payment options. This problem spans the U.S. and can create a great deal of long-term financial and oral health problems. Putting off a procedure now could actually cost more later, without even factoring in the greater risks of pain and damage to a person’s health. According to Marko Vujicic, Chief Economist and Vice President of the Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association, a majority of the $1.9 billion spent yearly on oral-related emergency room visits could be completely mitigated through early intervention and consistent care.
If you have put off dental procedures due to cost and are worried about how to afford and care for your and your family’s smiles, there is help. Alternative payment programs can bridge the gap of high-priced dental procedures. One excellent option is Care Cap Plus, which provides an innovative approach to health care payment options, making it more financially feasible for all Americans to get the dental care they weren’t able to receive before due to bad credit and/or affordability. Care Cap Plus is a payment plan solution, free of any interest, fees, or credit requirements.
Unlike other payment plans that require a high credit score and difficult approval process, Care Cap Plus has a 97% acceptance rate and creates payment plans that are manageable, regardless of a patient’s financial predicament or credit score. This type of payment option is critical to bridging the gap between cost of care and necessity of care. In fact, 75% of Florida voters surveyed said they would switch to a dentist who offered this type of plan versus a high-interest dental credit card.
No one should have to suffer the often-severe consequences of neglecting their oral health. To learn more, visit carecapplus.com for a practical path toward a perfect smile and a healthier life.