Your teeth are one of a kind. They not only sparkle when you smile, they serve an important purpose in your overall health. So, taking care of them just makes sense. But you may not be so sure about the need to buy dental insurance, so here are the two basic forms of coverage for dental work. One is the basic dental insurance plan. The other is known as a discount dental plan.
The most typical plan is an Indemnity plan. With this plan you can usually go to a dentist of your choice, and the plan will pay a portion of the cost. You may have a deductible and there is a maximum annual amount the insurer will pay. A Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) is typically the least expensive type of dental insurance. The insurer contracts with the dentist to provide all dental services to its clients for a set fee, and the individual normally pays no fee, or only a co-payment. A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) keeps costs low by requiring you to use a pre-selected group of dentists. If you see a dentist outside the network you'll be required to pay more.
The other option is the Discount Dental Plan. This is not insurance, but a discount card that can be used at any dentist that participates in the program.
What to Look for
For dental insurance plans the first consideration is cost. Consider how much you'll pay for coverage and what you'll get. Pay special attention to the annual maximum. This is usually $1,000--if the policy you're considering is less, look elsewhere. Make sure your dentist accepts the insurance you select. Picking a different dental plan is much easier than picking a new dentist. Review what are called the Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) fee schedule from the insurer. This lists the amount they'll pay for each dental procedure. Check that it's not too much less than your dentist's fees, since you'll be responsible for the difference.
For dental discount plans, review the fee schedules to see what discounts you'll receive. Also, make sure the dentist you want to use will accept their discount card.
Common Pitfalls
Planning is important. Most dental insurance companies have waiting periods. This means you may have to wait, usually for one year after your coverage begins, before you can have certain major work done. This may include procedures like crowns, bridges and implants. Make sure your policy covers major procedures--some insurers don't.
Don't wait to get dental work. The biggest mistake people make, even after they have dental coverage, is to wait until there's a problem. But, by then it's often too late. Most insurance companies pay in full for routine exams every 6 months for a reason--they want to keep your teeth healthy and avoid serious problems. It's a good strategy.
Member Comments