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OCTOBER 2024
Beating the costs of braces
A beautiful smile is priceless. But the money you spend to keep smiles beautiful can add up when you or a family member needs braces. The average cost of traditional metal braces is in the $5,000 – $6,000 range.1 Adults and some teens may be able to use clear aligners, plastic trays that snap onto teeth and gently push them into alignment. Since they’re nearly invisible, aligners are less obvious than metal braces but also can be expensive, from $2,000 – $5,000 on average.
And then there’s the emotional cost, especially for kids and teens. The fear of looking different can be stressful for young people and may lead some of them to resist treatment.
Your Costco benefits can help. Read on to learn about the resources available to help bring a new smile to your (or your kid’s) face.
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Braces and kids’ mental health
Wearing braces can be tough on kids and teens. They may be bullied or teased about their appearance or avoid social situations because they’re self-conscious about the way they look. Fortunately, the boost in self-esteem and confidence they feel when they see their new smile emerging can often overtake any negative feelings.
If your child could use someone to talk to, Resource for Living offers emotional well-being support to parents and children. Teens age 13+ can also access Talkspace for video chat or text therapy.
Three ways to budget for braces
Check out these benefit programs to help finance orthodontia treatment.
Use your dental plan benefits
Orthodontia benefits through your Costco dental plan help make braces more affordable. You and each of your enrolled family members can access orthodontic services up to the lifetime maximum benefit of your dental plan. Visit Costcobenefits.com to find your plan’s orthodontia benefit information.
Plan ahead with a reimbursement account
You can use a Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA)* from Inspira FinancialTM to set aside pre-tax dollars for orthodontia or other eligible health care expenses. You can enroll in an HCRA during Annual Enrollment, coming in November. Only a small portion of your HCRA balance can roll over to the next plan year, so you’ll want to think about when you plan to use your HCRA funds.
Improve your budgeting skills
SmartDollar, a free financial well-being program for all employees, offers tools, advice and coaching to help you save for what’s important to you. Create your free SmartDollar account here. Then, follow these three steps:
Step 1: Find Your Why
What’s your reason for getting braces? Are you looking to correct your kid’s overbite? Straighten crooked teeth? Or just feel more confident in your smile? Every goal needs a why—something that’ll keep you motivated. Try to keep your why front and center.
Step 2: Know Your Numbers
Making a budget is a lot easier when you know what numbers you’re working with. Look at your most recent bank statements. Note how much you’re bringing in every month and what’s going out. Prioritize these essentials: food, utilities, shelter, transportation. This gives you a clear view of what money is left over to put toward your goal.
Step 3: Write It Down
It’s super important to write down your budget. You can use pen and paper or download SmartDollar’s free EveryDollar budgeting app. A plan, on paper and on purpose, is a great tool to set you up for success.
Need help getting started? Set up a coaching session with a financial expert at SmartDollar today.
Your new smile, or one for your kids, is within reach with the help of your Costco benefits. Use the resources below to help you make it happen.
1Consumer Affairs. Cost of braces in 2024.
2 Forbes Health. How much does Invisalign cost in 2024?
*Not available in Puerto Rico.
Resources for you
- Aetna Dental® covers orthodontia care both in network and out of network. Check your plan coverage for benefit maximums. Use in-network providers for 100% coverage on preventive care services, including two yearly dental exams and cleanings. Learn more at Aetna.com, call 800-218-1458 (TTY: 711) or download the Aetna Health℠ app.
- SmartDollar provides one-on-one financial coaching and digital resources to teach you how to budget, save more money and reach your financial goals. To learn more, visit SmartDollar.com/enroll/Costco, call 844-283-9381, or text COSTCO* to 33789 to download the SmartDollar app.
*Message and data rates may apply.
- Triple-S dental benefits cover orthodontia care. Check your plan coverage for benefit maximums. Use in-network providers for 100% coverage on preventive care services, including two yearly dental exams and cleanings. Learn more at SSSPR.com, call 800-981–3241 or download the Mi Triple-S app.
- SmartDollar provides one-on-one financial coaching and digital resources to teach you how to budget, save more money and reach your financial goals. To learn more, visit SmartDollar.com/enroll/Costco, call 844-283-9381, or text COSTCO* to 33789 to download the SmartDollar app.
*Message and data rates may apply.
- HMSA dental benefits cover orthodontia care. Check your plan coverage for benefit maximums. Use in-network providers for 100% coverage on preventive care services, including two yearly dental exams and cleanings. Learn more at HMSA.com or call 800-776–4672.
- SmartDollar provides one-on-one financial coaching and digital resources to teach you how to budget, save more money and reach your financial goals. To learn more, visit SmartDollar.com/enroll/Costco, call 844-283-9381, or text COSTCO* to 33789 to download the SmartDollar app.
*Message and data rates may apply.