Dental Insurance and Dental Discount Plan Information:

Indemnity Dental Insurance Plans

This type of dental plan pays the dental office (dentist) on a traditional fee-for-service basis. A monthly premium is paid by the client and/or the employer to an insurance company, which then reimburses the dental office (dentist) for the services rendered. An insurance company usually pays between 50% - 80% of the dental office (dentist) 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 from plan to 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. Some typical features of these plans:

• High deductibles before coverage begins (well-designed plans don't apply the deductible to preventive services)

• Probationary periods on certain procedures that last up to a year

• Annual dollar limit on benefits

• Chose your own dentist

• Your average monthly cost: $15 to $25

• Companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments.

Dental HMOs

These insurance plans, also known as "capitation plans," operate like their medical HMO cousins. This type of dental plan provides a comprehensive dental care to enrolled patients through designated provider office (dentist). A Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) is a common example of a capitation plan. The dentist is paid on a per capita (per person) basis rather than for actual treatment provided. Participating dentists receive a fixes monthly fee based on the number of patients assigned to the office. In addition to premiums, client co-payments may be required for each visit. Some typical features of these plans:

• Monthly premiums (some require you to prepay a year's worth)

• Co-payments for office visits

• Free preventive or routine care

• You must select from an approved network of dentists

• May have an initial enrollment fee

• Annual dollar cap

• Your average monthly cost: $5 to $15

• Companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments.

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