Do you want to know more about affordable dental plans? Continue reading to learn more!
Even though dental treatments can be expensive, comprehensive dental insurance may allow you to take your oral healthcare seriously instead of living with gum problems or a mouthful of cavities.
Some people avoid dental care because their insurance doesn’t cover the treatment, while others do so because they have used their maximum coverage for the year. Still, most people agree that having some coverage is better than nothing at all.
The Basics of Dental Insurance
Dental insurance gives you coverage to help pay for specific dental work. These policies can help insured parties pay for all or part of the work their dentists perform, from routine cleanings and X-rays to more-complicated procedures such as implants.
Although dental insurance is slightly similar to health insurance, the premiums are comparatively much lower. Most health insurance policies cover a substantial percentage of even towering expenses once you have paid your deductible, and many have an annual out-of-pocket maximum, along with a $50 to $100 deductible. However, dental insurance usually follows a 100-80-50 coverage structure.
If you are using in-network dentists, dental plans generally pay 100% preventive care – examinations, X-rays, and cleanings. However, basic procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions only pay 80%, while significant procedures such as crowns, bridges, implants, and gum-disease treatment may only be 50% of the cost. Orthodontia and cosmetic dentistry, which are not considered medically necessary treatments, are usually not covered. This means you may still have to pay a hefty price to get your work done.
Policies range from group insurance to individual and family plans and come in three categories.
- Indemnity Dental Plans
Also called “fee-for-service plans,” these plans tend to be the most expensive and aren’t as common in the market. Insurers cap the amount of money they will pay for various procedures – a usual and customary amount set by the American Dental Association. If your dentist charges a higher amount, you will have to pay this amount yourself.
Most insurance companies that offer indemnity plans require you to pay for the entire cost and file a claim. Once the claim is approved, the insurance company reimburses you for its portion. Since this plan doesn’t come with a network, you can choose any dentist you like.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
A preferred provider organization (PPO) is one of the most common types of plans available. Dentists join a PPO network and negotiate their fee structure with insurers. If you decide to use an out-of-network provider, you will have to pay more from your pocket.
These plans can be more expensive because of the associated administrative costs. Still, they provide more flexibility than other plans because they often come with a broader network.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
With a health maintenance organization (HMO), you will pay monthly or annual premiums but are restricted to the network, and you may have to live within the area where the HMO is offered. It’s generally the cheapest of the three types of plans, with dentists agreeing to charge fees for specific services.
Contact us today to discuss affordable dental plans with our Insurance Agents.
