Does Cigna Cover Teeth Aligners?
Table of Contents
- Average Costs of Aligners
- Will Cigna Cover Aligners?
- How To Get Orthodontic Treatment
- How To File A Claim
- Other Options
Cigna insurance plans may cover orthodontic treatments like teeth aligners, although you must receive these aligners in-office through your dentist—Cigna does not cover mail-order teeth aligners.
For an average monthly premium of $39, the Cigna Dental 1500 plan covers braces and other orthodontia, which can include teeth aligners.
Cigna has three main dental plans: Cigna Preventative, Cigna Dental 1000, and Cigna Dental 1500. The Cigna Dental 1500 is the only Cigna insurance plan that includes orthodontic treatment, and it will provide some coverage for teeth aligners.
Cigna also partners with DentalPlans.com to offer discounts on dental services such as teeth aligners.
Unlike traditional insurance, dental discount savings plans do not have annual maximums and can save you an average of 20% to 25% on teeth aligners at participating providers.
Average Costs of Aligners Before Insurance
There are several different types and brands of aligners that can come with a wide range of costs.
Most of the time, clear aligners will cost less than traditional braces. Teeth aligners may or may not be covered by dental insurance, depending on the specific plan.
Average costs before insurance for the different brands of teeth aligners are as follows:
| BRAND | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Invisalign | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| SmileDirect | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| Candid | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| ALIGNERCO | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Byte | $2,000 – $2499 |
Will Cigna Usually Cover Aligners?
Under the Cigna Dental 1500 plan, teeth aligners are covered at 50% of the cost, up to a lifetime maximum amount of $1,000. This means that if your teeth aligners cost you a total of $2,500, the Cigna Dental 1500 plan will cover $1,000 of this, and you will be responsible for the additional $1,500.
There is also a 12-month waiting period, so you will need to wait a full year to begin aligner treatment after securing a Cigna Dental 1500 plan.
With a Cigna Dental Savings Plan, you can receive aligner treatment right away at a discounted rate. The amount of the discount will depend on your location, the specific plan available, and your chosen provider. Typically, savings are about 20% of the overall cost.
How To Get Orthodontic Treatment Through Cigna
To obtain orthodontic treatment through Cigna, you will need to sign up for the Cigna Dental 1500 plan, pay your monthly premiums every month, and wait a full year before seeking treatment.
You are able to choose your provider, but you will save more money if you choose a Cigna Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) Network Advantage dentist. You can search for one here.
If you are using a Cigna Dental Savings Plan, you will first need to purchase a dental plan that includes orthodontic treatment, select a participating dentist, and then show them your discount card at your visit. To find a qualifying Cigna Dental Savings Plan in your area, check here.
How To File A Claim with Cigna
If you receive your teeth aligner treatment in an orthodontist’s office, they will handle the filing of the orthodontic claim for you if they are in-network with Cigna. If you use an out-of-network provider, you often need to file the claim yourself.
If your insurance is provided through your employer, your HR department can often help you with this.
When using at-home teeth aligner treatments, you will need to file the claim yourself.
If you need to file the claim yourself, Cigna offers details and information on how to do so on their website.
When using a discount plan, there is no claim process at all. You just show your card when you obtain your services, and the savings are automatically applied.
Other Options If Your Plan Doesn’t Cover Aligners
If your teeth aligner treatment is not covered through Cigna insurance, there are still several options you can use to help pay for aligners. Here are some of them:
Dental discount plan: These plans differ from insurance in that they generally do not have waiting periods or annual maximums. They can offer you a percentage off the total cost.
HSA (health savings account): This is a form of pre-tax money that you (or your employer) can set aside into a special account that can then be used to pay for health care expenses, including orthodontic and aligner treatment.
FSA (flexible spending account): This type of account is offered by your employer, and it puts some of your money into a specialized account that can then be used to pay for health care expenses, including orthodontic and aligner treatment.
Financing plans: Providers offer payment plans and financing options that can break the total cost down into more affordable monthly payments. These plans can make payments much more manageable.