If you’re glass-half-full person there’s reason to be hopeful. Perspective being what it is…the changes in dental insurance coverage could signal needed hope.
An industry survey indicates that a shift coming. It has to do with the perceived alignment between medical and dental insurance providers.
This “convergence” as it’s being called, follows the “broad changes” in health care. According to a DentistryIQ article the trends are…
“…away from costly fee-for-service models and toward coordinated care, value-based reimbursement, and more streamlined, affordable, and prevention-based experiences.”
And the survey says…
The latest survey conducted by the firm West Monroe Partners reveals what’s driving the changes for medical and dental insurers. A few dominant themes emerged.
Dental payer territory is shrinking
One-third of survey respondents stated a 90% drop by 2025 for the payer’s market share (from 97% in 2020). One in five see a drop below 85%.
Dental payers are focused on staying competitive
54% are expected to partner or bundle (46%) benefits with a medical/health insurer by 2025. Stay-Dental CHange Moneycompetitive strategies include:
- Alternative payment solutions
- Teledentistry/data sharing
- Technology upgrades (67% consider this a top investment)
- Data management optimization
- Operational improvements
- Diversification (mergers/acquisitions, side-hustle products/services, etc)
”Convergence” pace is increasing
Though noteworthy, a solid plan for bundling medical/dental plans is lacking. Technology to administer a “unified product” is slowing the pace (36% in 2020 cite technology as a barrier – down 10% from 2018).
Growing consumer demand
Though the number of US adults visiting the dentist has dropped (37% did so in 2019), COVID-19 is believed to keep a lid on that statistic. Still, optimism emerges that as there’s a perceived shift away from standalone dental plans a majority see a merger between oral health and overall health.
The health integration is supported by a variety of factors:
- Value-based dentistry
- Health plan partnerships
- Available dental insurance driving patients to routine care
- These combined with the integrated approach (general health-oral health) could lead to a higher amount of overall dental visits.
Increasing availability of employer-sponsored dental plan memberships
48% see this trend growing between 2020 and 2025. The individual market follows with 63% anticipating growth.
COVID-19’s impact on employment could sway the numbers a bit. The results could also challenge employer-sponsored plans shifting employees to individual plans.
Bottom-line: any shifts can place unprepared dental plans at risk. Even so, providers and payers could be faced with opportunity – giving patients lower costs through coordinated, value-based care.
The general consensus about changes in dental insurance
Consider that there are two primary paths the changes can take
Each have to do with how dental insurance coverage is available to you (as a provider) and your patients.
- A comprehensive healthcare plan with dental coverage built-in. Medical and dental care is covered under a single cost.
- A stand-alone dental insurance plan. Separate from a medical plan with an additional premium cost.
Confirm that your dental practice team is trained, knowledgable, and skilled in claim filing
The systemic connection between oral health and overall health is being
