Dental Insurance

Buying dental insurance does not have to be a painful process. Finding the right value in individual dental insurance is an important step in purchasing affordable dental health care coverage.

There are three types of Dental Insurance to consider:

• Indemnity – Dental Insurance
• PPO – Preferred Provider Dental Insurance
• HMO Network – Dental Insurance

Indemnity - Dental Insurance

The Indemnity plan is where you choose your own dentist. Sometimes it is referred to as private dental insurance. This type of dental insurance plan pays the dentist on a traditional fee-for-service basis. A monthly premium is paid by the client, which then reimburses the dental office (dentist) for the services rendered. The insurance company offers 50% - 80% of dental fees for a covered procedures; the remaining 20% - 50% is paid by the client. These plans often have a pre-determined or set deductible amount which varies by plan. Indemnity plans also can limit the amount of services covered within a given year and pay the dentist based on a variety of fee schedules.

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Here are some typical features of the Indemnity Dental Insurance plan:

• Chose your own dentist
• Your average monthly cost: $15 to $25
• A deductible will apply
• May have a probationary period on certain procedures that last up to a year
• Annual dollar limit on benefits

PPO - Preferred Provider Dental Insurance

The Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) plan is an option between the Indemnity Plan and a dental HMO. This plan allows a particular group of patients to receive dental care from a defined group of dentists. Usually a participating dentist agrees to charge less for certain dental procedures; providing savings for the plan purchaser. If you choose to see a dentist outside this group you may be required to pay a greater share of the fee-for-service. This type of plan can offer you a deeply discounted rate for services, giving you substantial savings — as long as you stay in their network.

Typical plans will have:

• Your average monthly premium cost: $20-25
• Annual dollar cap
• You must stay within the approved network of dentists or pay higher deductibles and co-payments

HMO Network – Dental Insurance

This type of dental plan provides a comprehensive dental care through designated provider dentist or dental group. The dentist is paid on a per capita (per person) basis rather than for actual treatment provided. Participating dentists receive a fixed monthly fees based on the number of patients assigned to the office. In addition to premiums, client co-payments may be required for each visit.

Typical plans feature:

• Your average monthly cost: $5 to $15
• Free preventive or routine care
• Monthly premiums
• Co-payments for office visits
• You must select from an approved network of dentists