Nearly 2 In 5 American Workers Are Now Freelance – Here's How They're Keeping Dental Costs Down Even Without Employer-Sponsored Dental Insurance

In the first year of the pandemic, approximately 2 million Americans switched from traditional employment to freelance or contract jobs bringing the total percentage of the U.S. workforce that freelances from 28% in 2019 to 36% in 2020. By 2022, that percentage had grown to 39% — or 60 million Americans — suggesting that the trend is here to stay even as other parts of the economy return to their pre-pandemic norm. 

While freelance or contract work brings flexibility and more control over work/life balance to American workers, it also often places the costly burden of paying for insurance entirely out of pocket. The average monthly premium contribution employees pay for employer-sponsored plans is $110 for single coverage. Meanwhile, self-employed workers pay an average of $560 for the same coverage. That’s not even counting dental insurance, which can add another $46 to the monthly insurance bill for a self-employed person – more if they need to provide coverage for a family. 

Dental Savings Plans Are An Easy, Low-Cost Alternative To Dental Insurance

According to survey research by the USDA, self-employed workers were twice as likely as employees to be completely uninsured, with approximately one in five self-employed workers going without health insurance. Approximately 84% of people without health insurance also don’t have dental coverage. Another 50% of self-employed workers were covered by a family member’s employer-sponsored plan or by taking on a second job from an employer who offered health insurance to avoid paying the high premiums for an individual plan.

Though a potentially steep financial burden has pushed many freelance and contract workers to the risky decision to skip or scale back insurance coverage, it’s important to know that insurance and no insurance are not your only options. One way to keep those costs under control is with a dental savings plan.

Regardless of your insurance status, signing up for a dental savings plan on DentalPlans.com can save you an average of 50%* on your dental care. After signing up, simply show your membership card to any participating dentist, and you’ll be charged the discounted rates included in your plan. Dental savings plans provide savings on virtually all dental procedures, have no annual limits, no restrictions on who can sign up or when and activate in as little as one to three days.  Visit DentalPlans.com to find tools that help you choose the best plan for your unique needs. Filter plans by dentist, location and procedures and get a personalized dental plan recommendation right away. 

Featured photo by Robert Golebiewski on Pexels.

This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice.

 *Discount Health Program consumer & provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.