Don't make yourself crazy looking for dental insurance. We have PPO, DHMO, Indemnity and Discount Dental Plans and Dental Insurance in all 50 states. One-stop dental plan shopping where you can compare and purchase dental insurance directly online.
Short Attention Span? - 5 Minute Guide to Dental Plan Selection
Use this web site to get quotes, find providers and learn about the different types of dental plans available in your area. We will help you find the best plan for the lowest cost.
You can learn a lot about choosing a dental plan by reading this web site. But, if you are in a hurry, just click on the big red box above (the one that says "Instant Dental Plan Quotes) to get quotes now. Otherwise, there are a few things you need to understand before you can be an intelligent consumer.
The first thing we need to make clear is the difference between Dental Plans and Dental Insurance.
Dental Plans
versus Dental Insurance
Dental plans and dental insurance are not the same thing. Let me briefly explain the differences before you go any further.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is, for a lack of a better expression, "real insurance".
The agent who sells it must be licensed and there is an insurance carrier behind the plan, paying the claims.
With dental insurance, you will either pay a percentage of the covered costs, receive reimbursement for part of the covered costs or have a co-pay for procedures. It all depends on which type of dental insurance plan you purchase.
Dental Plans
Dental plans are membership-based
programs where a consumer pays a membership fee in exchange for secured
discounts on most dental services, such as dental exams, routine cleanings,
fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures, crowns, and braces.
These
plans typically save the consumer ten to sixty percent off standard out-of-pocket
fees when visiting a participating network provider. There are no preexisting
condition limitations, maximum limits or deductibles to pay. Some of these
plans offer free preventive services such as cleanings and exams. Depending
upon which plan you choose, an entire family can be covered for less than
$15 a month. If you find a provider in your area, these plans can save
many times their cost in reduced fees.
Keep in mind that you are responsible for paying the dentist directly at the time of service when using a dental plan. The trick is finding a dentist that accepts the plan and that you are comfortable with.
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Dental Plans
& Dental Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The purpose of this site is to help you find the ideal dental plan for yourself, your family or your business. Here are some of the more common questions we have received regarding dental insurance and dental plans.
My dentist told me to find a PPO dental plan. So far, I have had no luck. Do you have PPO's?
Yes we do have PPO dental plans for individuals, families and businesses. But, keep in mind that you want to have a PPO dental plan with your dentist as listed network provider. Otherwise, they can charge you more than the PPO negotiated/discounted rate and you will have to pay the difference.
We also have what I would call a hybrid plan that has a PPO dental network but pays fixed amounts for different procedures.
This is a very effective way of obtaining dental insurance. You get the advantages of PPO repricing but the flexibility to go out of network if you need to.
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Can I get a plan just for my children?
Unfortunately, all of our plans require at least one adult to be on the plan.
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Do any of your plans cover orthodontia?
The discount plans will provide a discount for orthodontia. Some of the PPO, HMO and indemnity plans will provide partial coverage.
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When you say 'discount plan", exactly what is the discount?
Discount plans use a schedule of benefits that show numerous dental procedures and then an amount that you will pay for that procedure. It is not a flat discount like 50%. Some procedures are more heavily discounted than others. The discounts vary from plan to plan. These plans offer a lot of value for very low cost.
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What is an indemnity plan? I find this type of plan very confusing. Is it also a PPO plan?
Indemnity dental plans can be very confusing. Let me give you the short answer to the question and then refer you to a brief article we have written that will give you a few illustrations.
An indemnity plan pays you or your dentist a fixed amount for each dental procedure, up to a maximum amount per year. Some of these plan also have PPO-like networks. If your dentist is in the network, you are entitled to the discounted, network rate for services. Regardless, the scheduled amount will be paid. So, you can go to essentially any dentist you want.
An indemnity plan with a good network is often the best type of plan to buy. Your actual out of pocket costs can be less than with a PPO dental plan.
Indemnity dental insurance plans, click here now
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Are all of your plans available in all states?
No, the plans available will vary by state. When you go to our quoting page, you will see a list of state specific as well as national plans.
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Are there waiting periods before the plan benefits kick in?
Discount plans have no waiting period at all. From the company's point of view, they are not physically paying claims, so they don't care.
On PPO and Indemnity plans, basic and preventative procedures are typically covered right away. But, major work (i.e., root canal) is usually covered only after a 6 to 12 month waiting period. We have some plans that will cover major work right away at a reduced benefit, and then increase the percentage they pay in years 2 and 3. We also have a plan that will cover everything with no waiting period except crowns and dentures.
Dental HMO plans often cover all procedures with no waiting period and no coverage limits. You must find a provider in the network. If you need immediate coverage, this could be a great option.
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I have a business. Do you have group dental plans?
We have traditional group dental plans in certain states (depending on what your group size is). Generally, you must have a mimimum of two full time employees (not 1099 contractors). Take a look at our Group Dental Insurance page for more information.
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What happens if I cannot find my dentist in your network?
There are a lot of dentists who either take only a few large PPO plans or take no insurance at all. We have plans were you can go to any dentist you want. Also, read our article entitled "What to Do When Your Dentist Will Not Accept Your Insurance".
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Can we just call you and have you figure this all out?
Yes, I will help you. But I prefer you spend 10 minutes to read the information on the web site and then, if you have questions, by all means give us a call. That way, we can intelligently discuss the options and I can help you find the answers you are looking for. Believe me, this is not rocket science.
But, if you want our opinion on which plan is best, then read our "almost" Pulitzer Prize winning article "". It is short, to the point and great for someone with a short attention span.
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Which dental plan do you personally have?
Our family has a discount dental plan and is very happy with it. Its is inexpensive, I found a great dentist in my area who takes it and the discounted rates save me a bundle. However, I am presently considering an indemnity plan. |
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