Invisalign aligners are a popular alternative to braces for correcting crooked teeth. They are clear, removable trays you wear over your teeth to gradually realign them into their proper positions. It’s a popular choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth but don’t want the hassle of wearing braces.
But does Cigna dental insurance cover Invisalign aligners if you reside in the Fairview or Allen, TX areas? If so, how do you go about getting coverage? The answer depends on several factors, including what kind of plan you have and where you live. For example, some plans have a maximum number of trays they will cover per year—if your dentist exceeds this because of the severity of malocclusion, there will be an out-of-pocket cost. Other plans require pre-approval before any treatment begins—this usually entails sending in photos or x-rays showing evidence of the problem area so they can verify that it qualifies as eligible treatment under the terms of their policy. So, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you figure out if your Cigna policy includes coverage for invisalign aligners, and more.
If you’re shopping for individual dental care with Cigna, Cigna offers three key dental plans: the Cigna Preventive Plan, the Cigna Dental 1000 plan, and the Cigna Dental 1500 plan. Of the three plans Cigna offers, orthodontics is only included in the Cigna Dental 1500 plan. If you have dental coverage with your employer, check your coverage, as each policy may vary.
The Cigna Dental Preventative Plan – This plan only covers preventive treatments, such as dental X-rays, exams, and cleanings, and it does not cover orthodontic treatment or Invisalign.
The Cignal Dental 1000 Plan – This plan includes preventive treatment and major treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals. However, this plan does not cover orthodontic dental treatment, but subscribers can get discounted orthodontic treatment from in-network dentists and clinics.
The Cigna Dental 1500 Plan includes preventive and restorative treatment and comprehensive orthodontics, including braces, aligners, Invisalign, retainers, and other treatments. This is the best dental insurance coverage for Invisalign if you have Cigna.
Be sure to read the contract carefully, as a couple of clauses may exclude Invisalign coverage. If you’re unsure what is or is not covered, contact your insurance provider, or we can check your benefits to verify whether Invisalign treatment is covered under your policy.
Non-covered service – An example of a non-covered service is if your plan says orthodontic treatment is a non-covered service. In this case, you will not be eligible for reimbursement or benefits for Invisalign.
Limitations and exclusions – Even if your plan covers orthodontic benefits, your plan may have a clause that limits those benefits to be used. Such as benefits only apply to patients under a specific age limit, or you may have to wait until a specific date before you qualify for orthodontic benefits through your plan.
Orthodontic services are a way to straighten your teeth. There are many different types of orthodontic treatment, but they all have the same goal: to help your teeth and jaw line work together to form a beautiful smile. Here are some of the reasons why you may need orthodontic treatment:
Here are four different types of orthodontic services:
If you are an adult or teen and have the Cigna Dental 1500 dental plan, Cigna will typically provide orthodontic coverage, including Invisalign. To ensure you have the right dental coverage for Invisalign, review your individual plan to see if there are any maximum or exclusions by contacting Cigna, or contact us, and we’ll verify your benefits.
The average cost before insurance is between $3,000 and $8,000. Depending on the condition, location, and the orthodontist, the cost for Invisalign will vary. If you have Cigna dental insurance like the Cigna Dental 1500, you can reduce your Invisalign costs while enjoying the same services at a more affordable price.
With the Cigna Dental 1500 plan, the plan covers up to 50% of the provider’s fee, making orthodontic treatment more affordable. But there are limitations to this coverage, such as a one-year waiting period before you can start enjoying benefits, and the lifetime maximum is $1,000 per person. With any plan, you will need to verify your benefits to ensure your insurance benefits are valid.
If you do not have dental insurance coverage, you can get coverage in one of two ways:
Purchase through your employer – If you have an employer that offers dental insurance, enroll in a plan that provides orthodontics benefits as part of your dental plan.
Purchase your own dental plan – If you do not have employer coverage and want dental care, you can buy an individual or family dental plan through a health insurance carrier or through the Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as the “exchange”). You can also get orthodontic treatment coverage through Cigna, where you sign up for the Cigna Dental 1500 plan.
If you would like orthodontic treatment and a Cigna dental insurance plan does not cover you, there are still ways that you can get affordable treatment.
Payment plans – One option is to talk to your orthodontist or dentist about ways to make orthodontic treatment more affordable. They may allow a payment plan where you pay for treatment in installments, such as paying half of the total cost upfront and the balance over several months.
Third-party financing – Another alternative is using a third-party lender that offers 0% interest financing, such as LendingPoint or Carecredit. By financing your clear aligner treatment, it allows you to pay for your purchase in affordable monthly installments with no additional charges.
HSA or FSA – If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you can use either option to pay for your treatment. These accounts allow you to use pre-tax money that you can use for qualifying medical and dental expenses. Even if your Cigna insurance plan covers only part of your dental expense, you can use an HSA or FSA account to pay the remaining balance.
If you do not have dental insurance, knowing the exact treatment you need will help narrow down what type of coverage you will need. Once you have your plan selected, check with your dentist to see if there will be any additional costs that may be part of your treatment. In addition, before you begin orthodontic treatment, make sure that your orthodontic coverage is with an in-network provider, that you are not exceeding any lifetime limit, and that you have satisfied any waiting periods. By understanding the details of your dental plan, you avoid paying for any unexpected costs.
By working with an in-network dental provider, your dentist or orthodontist office will file an insurance claim with your dental insurance provider, so you won’t have to worry about the claim process.
There are many other dental insurances that covers Invisalign. To learn more about what is a covered treatment under your plan, we have a team of experts who can help determine if you are eligible for orthodontic benefits. Please give us a call and speak to one of our insurance specialists.
Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas.
