Why Have Dental Insurance?
Discount or Referral Plans
Traditional and Indemnity Insurance
Capitation Dental Plans (DHMO's)
What Does My Plan Cover?
Preferred and Exclusive Providers
Get the Most out of Your Insurance
Choosing a Plan
Where Can I get Insurance?
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Discount or Referral Dental Plans Not Really an Insurance Plan Discount dental plans are one of the newer options available to consumers. Although technically not an actual insurance plan, the company does not pick up any portion of the cost of the bill, it can be an affordable choice for some families. Discount Payments What a discount dental plan does do is provide you with steep discounts on dental payments. Discount dental companies are third party companies that contract with a group of dentists to provide deeply discounted care. You join their dental plan for a monthly fee and they provide you with a dentist that offers you discount rates, often as much as 70% off normal fees. Closed Panel These types of programs have what is known as “closed panels”. That simply means they have already chosen the dentists they are going to use and you have to choose from their lists. There is no choice on your part if it is not on the list of participating dentists. Good Points One of the good points to this type of program is that it can be affordable for families who can not afford other types of insurance. Also there are generally no clauses for pre-existing dental problems, such as an already missing tooth, everything is taken care of. You pay the dentist a set amount already predetermined. Another benefit is there is no paperwork on your end, the dentist takes care of it all. There is also no co-payment; no deductible and no annual cap on the amount the company will pay in a calendar year. You get what you need when you need it. The Down Side As a rule there are no emergency benefits if you are out of town or away from your dentist. And because the dentist agrees to slash prices in exchange for dental patients being referred to him or her, you have to make sure you are getting proper dental care. Ask around about the dentist and the plan, he may have a good reason for being in a plan like this or he could be looking for quick way to increase patients and increase income. You will also want to make sure just what the discounts are for the various services your family may need. For Those Needing Insurance Outside of Employment There are legitimate companies who offer good dental plans of this type. And if you have no dental insurance through either your work or your spouses it can be a viable option. Be sure to shop around and check out the dentists used and compare plans. feedback@DentalInsuranceLocators.com |
