Dental Opinions, Which is better a dental discount plan or and HMO dental plan
California girl here looking for some dental. After many on line dental insurance plans I know I do not want PPO since they are too costly and I do not want to have waiting periods since I know I will be needed some basic dental care beyond a cleaning. Which is better for me to get a dental discount plan or an dental HMO plan I really do not see much difference in them. Please advise
Dental Opinions, Which is better a dental discount plan or and HMO dental plan,
Friday, Sep. 10th 2010 9:45 AM at 9:45 am
I would not say one is better then the other. But they are different understanding the differences may help you choose which one would be best for you.
What is an HMO
HMO dental 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.
A Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) is a common example of a capitation plan. The individual and family dentist is paid on a per capita (per person) basis rather than for actual treatment provided.
Participating individual and family dental offices 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 would be:
Free preventive or routine care. In network plan dentist only. The average monthly cost range is around $7 – $20 for a single person. No claim forms to fill out. Companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments.
What is a Dental Discount Plan
If you are self employed and looking for a more affordable dental plan, a discount dental plan may be an alternative.
Discount dental plans are not dental insurance plans. A discount plan partners with dentists to provide customers with a savings on visits to the dentist office. The downside to discount dental plans is that they are not regulated and you have limited recourse if you experience dental plan problems.
Benefits: No waiting periods, You get all your dental services done and at a reduce or discount rate. Start within the next business day from signing up and no claims form to worry about.