Dental Insurance FAQ
Dental insurance can help people maintain a healthy smile by paying for a portion of dental procedures. Insured patients receive discounts on dental services such as teeth cleanings, extractions, exams and fillings. More extensive procedures such as root canals and oral surgery are often also covered. Not all dental insurance plans are created equal. Plan participants must read the insurance policy carefully and ask questions to fully understand what the policy includes.
Other People Are Reading
-
What Is PPO Dental Insurance?
-
PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. A PPO is a network of dentists who give lower rates to the clients of insurance providers. PPO dental insurance plans allow participants to choose any dentist they want. Participants get additional savings for using dentists within the network. Some PPO plans do not have deductibles and many have no wait times or very short waiting periods for preventative care. A major drawback of PPO coverage, however, is that dentists may turn away some PPO patients if they feel they will not be reimbursed by the insurance company for services provided. Also, PPO plans may have coverage limits or annual maximums. This means participants must pay out of pocket if dental procedures exceed policy limits.
What Is HMO Dental Insurance?
-
HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. An HMO is an organization of dentists who offer discount services to dental plan participants. These plans cover basic dental services such as checkups, cleanings and X-rays. HMOs also cover procedures such as crowns, bridgework and dentures. Plan participants choose HMOs because they are less expensive. Eligible HMO participants cannot be turned away for dental conditions. However, HMOs have waiting periods for some dental procedures. Also, patients can only see dentists within the organization. If you go outside the network, dental procedures are not covered.
-
What Dental Insurance Plan Should I Choose?
-
Although there is no "one size fits all" dental insurance plan, most plan options provide participants with the basic care needed for healthy teeth and gums. The best insurance plan is one that will meet the needs of you and your family. To choose the most appropriate dental plan you must first evaluate your immediate dental needs and what services you expect to utilize in the future. If you need more immediate work, you want to choose a dental plan without waiting periods or benefit maximums. If you simply have dental maintenance needs, plans that provide coverage for preventative care with occasional major services would be your best option.
Do I Qualify for Dental Insurance If I am Unemployed?
-
There are a variety of individual dental insurance options for people who are unemployed, students, retired or do not have access to dental coverage through an employer. Private insurance companies provide a variety of dental plans for qualifying participants. Most people qualify for dental coverage but a waiting period might apply for major procedures.
-
References
- Photo Credit Zahnarztpraxis, Zahnbehandlung image by R.-Andreas Klein from Fotolia.com
