modernhomeowner t1_ivgy4n5 wrote
Reply to comment by peteysweetusername in Didn't know dentists really worry about our dental costs by scwelch
I don't know what to tell you about how, I just shopped around and got the best deal for me. I never had dental insurance before, but moving to MA, dentists were so expensive, it's cheaper to buy the dental insurance than it was to pay cash. If this passes, I doubt that will be the case and I will see my premium go up.
Everyone seems to think if they have a limit to their MCR the premium will go down to fit the MCR, rather than the premium going up so their current operating costs are met. Delta and others aren't magically going to make less money in MA, they are going to raise rates to continue to make the same amount, and just pay dentists more to compensate.
peteysweetusername t1_ivkdbra wrote
That’s not how it will work. If you have to spend 83% on patient care no matter what you charge you still have to hit that ratio
modernhomeowner t1_ivkej4s wrote
Yes, but say you currently have operating costs and profit of $32 on $100. Your operating costs don't magically go down to $17 because this passes. Maybe they can lay off some people and outsource claims to India to get it down to $25, which means to hit the 87%, they'll raise your rate to $147, and just pay your dentist more to compensate for the remainder of the money. They aren't going to be able to lower their costs to $17, they will raise rates to get to their overhead and just pay out the rest to dentists.
peteysweetusername t1_ivkihc8 wrote
Yeah, they do magically go down. Wanna know how? Delta dental gave its parent company $291 million. Boom
modernhomeowner t1_ivkjx7u wrote
You think they will run Massachusetts without a profit?
peteysweetusername t1_ivkn6jc wrote
Delta dental is a non profit so absolutely yes
modernhomeowner t1_ivkosma wrote
Every insurance company has profit, even the non-profit ones. They keep reserves for future claims and growth, and of course, other charitable donations. Harvard Pilgrim had $700M in carried surpluses when they merged to Point32.
I don't think Delta is just going to give it up. And they aren't the only dental insurance company, that's not who I have, there are dozens of them. I'm guessing mine doesn't make much profit on the $19.99 to just keep the rates as is.
peteysweetusername t1_ivkszgv wrote
The polls are showing my point of view is going to win so I look forward to the facts proving you wrong
modernhomeowner t1_ivktaam wrote
Of course I do hope for my own sake you do prove me wrong! In the event my premium goes up, can I send the bill to you? Lol!
peteysweetusername t1_ivktjy4 wrote
I don’t know how your insurance company is operating at $240 a year. I don’t think that’s enough to cover two cleanings, X-rays, and a exam never mind other services you may need like drills and fills
modernhomeowner t1_ivkv0pi wrote
In most states, $240 is a lot; I used to pay cash to my dentist in NY $173 per year for THREE cleanings and one exam (if you have healthy teeth you have no need for a bi-annual exam, that's just a dental scam, all you need is cleanings and one exam a year, I liked having a cleaning ever 4 months). Even my exam I just had last month was a near joke, he didn't even count off the teeth, just looked in for about 20 seconds.
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