I recently wrote an article concerning the fact that dental discount insurance was a misnomer - a combination of the terms 'dental discount plans' and 'dental insurance'. However there was some expectation that under the new medical care policy that dental discount insurance would become a reality - that people could be offered a reduction in our costs for having a great dental history, just like our costs in other types of insurance could be decreased. But, it seems that dental care is really a low priority (after all, Congress has great dental insurance coverage at our expenditure!) that the matter never made it to the floor.

The A.D.A. seems only concerned with 2 matters - more money for State medicaid programs since it's regarding paying more (in their pockets) towards dental hygiene. And more resources for public education and awareness regarding dental hygiene, that is the governments' ticket to pay (meaning you and i foot the bill).

Am i going to ever get to the good news? O.K. - here it comes - how your dental discount insurance will arrive - however in vain. Here's the deal. The medical insurance sector as a whole is exempt from federal antitrust laws. Generally, antitrust regulations are made to keep big industries from price fixing, bid rigging, and taking control over a certain industry and dictating prices and product supply.

In February of this year, Congress voted for the repeal (406-19) of this exemption that the medical insurance industry has been thriving under. How does this help you? In a nutshell, more competition. Small companies will now have a level playing field to contend for your business - the prominence that the titans of the market have enjoyed could be challenged.

So you will get dental discount insurance, however it will come in the form of more competitive prices and options. But not in the form of an insurance policy - at least right up until an even more competitive industry makes the product - and it is extremely likely that it will happen.

Please understand these changes won't take place overnight, but over the next few years. If you currently need a dental plan, there's no sensible reason to hold up your decision. Do a little research, find a product that fits your requirements, and be aware that the influx of competition will drive prices down - it always happens!