Dental Insurance Articles
Understanding The Options On Your Dental Insurance Policy
2010-11-20
Understanding how a dental plan works and which types of plans are available is important when it comes time to enroll in a policy. A dental insurance policy is defined as a plan that is designed to cover a portion of the costs related to dental care in exchange for monthly premiums paid by the policy holder. Dental insurance options vary by company and can be purchased through an employer, a private dental practice, or directly though a dental insurance company. The percentage of total dental care costs that a provider pays depends on the plan that you select, as there are no set rates or limitations established in the industry. However, it is normal for a dental insurance provider to cover small routine attention such as checkups and cleaning while larger procedures are only partially covered.
Dental insurance options vary depending on the provider but there are a few practices that are commonly used within the industry. Dental insurance providers usually belong to a network based on geographical regions. When first enrolling in a dental insurance plan, you will be given a booklet that has a complete listing of dentists that belong to your network. Before you policy goes into effect, you must select one location to be your primary dentist. If you decide to change your dentist at any point in time, you must submit a formal request for a change, and there is usually a small delay (one or two days) until the change is formalized. Your primary dentist can provide basic service such as x-rays, teeth cleaning, filling cavities and even more advanced procedures such as replacing lost teeth. For specialized services, such as removing wisdom teeth and oral surgeries, you will be referred by your primary dentist to a qualified specialist that belongs to your network. Specialty visit co-pays are normally a higher rate than normal primary dentist co-pay. It is important to know that dental plans have an annual cap on service.
When it comes to dental insurance options, there are three basic plans available, regardless of your provider. A DHMO (dental health maintenance organization) is the most common plan offered by employers, and consists of a primary dentist (chosen from a network)that is paid based on the number of people in your family. An individual dental plan requires an individual to pay a monthly premium and a per visit fee, who is then reimbursed by the insurance provider. Finally, a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) gives the costumer freedom to visit any dentist (even those out of the network) at a higher co-pay. When analyzing your dental insurance policy options, choose the plan that is best for your family's needs.