What Types of Dental Insurance Plans are Available?
Going to the dentist can be a costly endeavor, but putting off a trip to the dentist can be even more expensive. Dental plans vary quite a bit, but the most common plans that are available include Indemnity Dental Insurance Plans, Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO), Preferred Provider Organization Insurance (PPO), or Dental Discount Plans.
What is an Indemnity Dental Insurance Plan?
Indemnity Dental Insurance Plans work on a fee for service basis, the same way that Indemnity Health Insurance Plans work. When you use this type of plan, you are allowed to visit any dentist you choose. You pay your dentist for the service he or she provides and then you file a claim with your insurance company. The insurance company then reimburses you the percentage they have agreed to cover. Most Indemnity Dental Plans have a deductible that must be met annually and a limit on the amount of claims you can make in a year.
What is a DHMO?
If you choose a DHMO dental plan, you will have to visit a dentist that is on your plan. Your insurance company will negotiate a special rate with the dentist on their plan and when you visit, you will only be required to make a pre-determined co-payment. You will have a primary dentist and all of your care will be through this provider. Many PPO plans offer preventative treatments such as cleanings and x-rays at no cost to its members.
What is a PPO?
When your dental care is provided by a PPO, you can choose to receive care from any of the dentists on their network. These dentists provide service to PPO members at a discounted rate. You do pay a share of the costs for each visit and often there is an annual deductible that must be met before the insurance company will cover any costs. Your premiums are determined by the amount of co-payment you sign up for and the types of dental procedures that are covered.
What is a Discount Dental Plan?
Discount Dental Plans are often purchased by individuals when their employers do not offer any dental insurance. This plan works with a list of dentists that have agreed to provide service to members at a substantially lower rate. When you are a member of a Discount Dental Plan, you pay a monthly fee to the organization that set up a contract with your area dentists. They in turn refer you to dentists that will charge you less for dental work. You then pay your dentist directly for any service you receive. The rates you pay are much less than the dentists normal fees.
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