Dental insurance can make all the difference when it comes to preventing dental issues and preparing for unexpected oral health problems. However, with so many different plans and policies available, choosing the right one can feel somewhat overwhelming. It’s essential that you understand the terms and details of all your options. Otherwise, you may end up paying far more than you need to or not have coverage when you need it most. Read on as your Arlington dentist shares six things to keep in mind when choosing the dental insurance plan that’s right for you and your family.
1.) HMOs, PPOs, and Indemnity Dental Plans
There are a few different types of dental insurance plans, including:
- Indemnity dental plants: Also known as “fee-for-service plans.” Insurers will reimburse you for the cost of your treatments with any dentist based on a set fee schedule, and you’ll be responsible for the remainder.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): These plans give you the flexibility to get treatment from any dentist, but you’ll pay more out-of-pocket if you visit an out-of-network provider.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): While these policies typically offer the least expensive premiums, you’ll be restricted to their network of dentists.
2.) Group Coverage Vs Individual Plans
Most people with dental insurance get benefits through their employer or other group coverage programs. In most cases, these plans are less expensive than individual dental insurance. However, it’s important to look at the details of your employer-sponsored plan before choosing it to ensure it covers what you need.
3.) Details of What Treatments Are Covered
When reviewing the coverage details of your options, consider the types of dental work you or your family will need in the future. Typically, most dental insurance companies will cover:
- 100% of preventive care, like checkups, cleanings, fillings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
- 70-80% of basic treatments, including root canals, deep cleanings, and some gum disease treatments.
- 45-50% of major procedures, such as dentures, dental crowns, and oral surgery.
4.) In-Network Dentists & Out-of-Network Coverage
If you have a preferred dentist, make sure to choose an insurance policy they accept. If they don’t, you’ll need to evaluate your policy’s out-of-network coverage costs. If you don’t have a preferred dentist, it’s a good idea to choose a plan with a large network of dentists to pick from.
5.) Balancing Annual Maximums, Deductibles, and Premiums
It’s not a wise idea to simply choose whichever policy has the lowest monthly or yearly costs. Keep in mind that:
- Plans with lower deductibles and premiums will typically also have lower annual maximums. This is a good choice for those in good oral health who will likely only need preventive care.
- Plans with higher annual maximums will generally come with higher deductibles and premiums. This is a better choice for those who may need extensive oral healthcare.
6.) Don’t Put Off Getting Dental Insurance
Don’t put off investing in dental insurance until you absolutely need dental work done. Most dental plans have waiting periods for major services. If you wait to get dental insurance until you are in dire need of a root canal or crown, you may need to wait several months for your dental insurance to cover the cost of your treatments.
Dental insurance can help you save money while keeping your smile healthy. Now that you know some important basics and terms, you can choose a plan that’s right for you and your family.
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Whitmore has been caring for the smiles of Arlington and the surrounding communities for over 35 years. Not only is he in-network with numerous dental insurance providers, but he’s also happy to work with other plans as well and ensure that your benefits are always being maximized. If you aren’t happy with your coverage or don’t have dental insurance, he also offers financing through CareCredit to make your oral healthcare as affordable as possible. To learn more, he can be contacted via his website or at (817) 468-1212.