Dental
Care: Insurance Or Dental Plans
Dental Plans Vs. Dental Insurance -
Reading Between The Lines
There are distinct differences between the way “traditional
dental insurance plans” and “discount dental plans” work. As
a general rule, dental insurance is utilized by large groups
and businesses to cover their employee’s dental care.
Dental insurance is considered true insurance where monthly
premiums are paid for defined coverage. Dental insurance is
not readily accessible to individuals and families, unless provided
by their employer.
Some
drawbacks of dental insurance include annual spending maximums,
deductibles, waiting periods for certain procedures, and limitations
and exclusions on care. There are also claims forms to fill
out and submit.
Dental
insurance usually covers the cost of preventive services (such
as cleanings and exams) at 100% after deductibles are met. Annual
deductibles vary from $25 to $50 per covered individual, depending
on the policy. The cost of deductibles should be considered
when calculating the overall costs associated with dental insurance.
While you are able to use any dentist, the monthly premiums
for dental insurance may be as much as $30 per month for individuals
and over $100 per month for family plans.
Discount
dental plans, on the other hand, are available for the millions
of Americans that do not receive dental benefits through their
work or business. Discount dental plans are designed to provide
consumers access to dental networks at reduced rates.
These
plans, are commonly known as “referral” or “reduced fee” plans,
and are not considered an insured dental plan. Discount dental
plans are affordable to join and are the most widely available
dental programs for individuals and families. These discount
plans work differently than dental insurance plans, yet provide
consumers with real and substantial savings on most dental procedures.
Discount
dental plans are membership-based programs that usually provide
coverage on an annual basis. Consumers pay a membership fee
in exchange for secured discounts on most dental services, such
as dental exams, routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, root
canals, dentures, crowns, and braces. These plans typically
save the consumer ten to sixty percent off standard out-of-pocket
fees when visiting a participating network provider.
Related
Article:
How
To Brush Your Teeth Properly |
