Dental insurance trends in the 5 most populated U.S. states

DentalInsurance.com released an analysis of dental insurance trends in the top five most populated states. Of those included in the analysis, the plans in Pennsylvania had the lowest average premium at $37.17 for single coverage.

At the other end of the spectrum, California had the highest premium at an average of $47.61, nearly 22% higher than that of Pennsylvania. The analysis included financial considerations ranging from premiums and annual caps on benefit expenses to deductible amounts.

Additional states reviewed in the analysis included Texas, Florida, and New York. The average monthly premiums in New York and Texas were close to those of Pennsylvania, with premiums of $39.31 and $39.25, respectively, while the average premium in Florida was $41.92

Of the five states analyzed, California had the most plans reviewed at 43, followed by Pennsylvania with 38. Texas and New York both had 35 dental plans reviewed, and Florida had 34.

Even though dental plan offerings varied by region, all of the states offered a range of prices to accommodate a spectrum of budgets. Of the five states included in the analysis, DentalInsurance.com found coverage options for less than $10 per month.

On the lower end of the price range were plans, including MetLife's TakeAlong Dental Low HMO, which was found in parts of New York for $5.10 per month. Guardian's Managed DentalGuard plan was listed in parts of Florida for $8.06 per month.

Preferred provider organization dental insurance and indemnity dental plans were usually more expensive but provided more flexibility for consumers to use their preferred dentists. The plans reviewed in New York have the lowest maximum benefit of $1,571 annually. Pennsylvania had the highest maximum benefit at $1,720. Health maintenance organization plans and dental discount programs did not have a maximum benefit limitation.

Individual deductibles ranged from $0 to $150. New York had the lowest average individual deductible at $50 for one enrollee. Pennsylvania had the highest at $66.

Given the differences in services included in dental plans, DentalInsurance.com encourages consumers to evaluate the details of a plan's coverage rather than shopping solely based on monthly premiums.