Today, businesses, families, and individuals have multiple options to reduce their out-of-pocket dental care costs. These options include PPO and DHMO dental insurance plans. You can also consider dental savings plans, an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance plans.
Let’s take a closer look at dental insurance plans and dental savings plans.
Reading: What is a ppo dental insurance plan
what are the main differences between ppo and dhmo dental insurance plans?
Choosing between a ppo and dhmo insurance plan can sometimes lead to confusion. To help you better understand these options, we’ve broken down the key differences between dhmo and ppo plans:
what is ppo dental insurance?
- offers out-of-network coverage, which means you can choose any dentist you want.
- is more flexible when it comes to specialists and treatments beyond preventive care.
- there are typically higher monthly premiums due to in-network and out-of-network coverage being offered. however, many ppo plans have little or no copays.
- Many ppo plans have an annual maximum limit – the highest amount an insurer will pay for your dental treatment in a calendar year.
- does not offer coverage outside the network. If you choose a dentist outside the network, you will likely pay out of pocket.
- is more restrictive on specialists and treatments other than preventive care.
- There are generally lower monthly premiums and copays when you take advantage of services.
- there is seldom an annual maximum limit.
what is dhmo insurance?
dental ppo insurance: understanding the benefits and drawbacks
If you’re interested in a ppo plan, it’s essential to understand both its pros and cons.
benefits
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PPO dental insurance plans, also known as dental preferred provider organizations or DPPOs, are a popular dental insurance option due to their flexibility in allowing insured members to choose dentists and dental specialists. PPO dental insurance plans are generally said to offer better service and have fewer limitations than HMO dental insurance plans, but the premiums are often more expensive. Companies often use PPO dental insurance plans to provide their employees with valuable dental benefits. PPO dental insurance plans are also used by individuals and families.
Preferred dental provider organizations are managed care organizations with a network of dentists under contract with a dental insurance company. This network of dentists provides PPO dental insurance plan members with special rates on dental care. Fees are typically lower if the insured member selects a primary dentist or dental specialist from the PPO dental network. however, the insured person is free to choose a dental care provider outside the established network.
drawbacks
Despite this flexibility, ppo dental insurance plans also have some limitations. In addition to the higher premiums typically associated with dental PPOS compared to other dental savings plans, you typically have to wait to receive reimbursements. If you are insured with a PPO dental insurance plan, you are responsible for paying the deductible before receiving any reimbursement.
In addition, you must make a copay to the dentist, as most ppo dental insurance plans only cover a portion of the dentist’s fees. Many people join PPO dental insurance plans because this type gives them more freedom when choosing a dentist or dental specialist.
dhmo dental insurance: understanding the benefits and drawbacks
dhmo’s dental insurance plans are another option to consider. here are the benefits and drawbacks.
benefits
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dhmo dental insurance plans, also known as dental health maintenance organizations or dhmos, are typically much less expensive than ppo dental insurance plans. dhmo plans have networks of dentists under contract with the dental insurance company that offer dental services to insured members at predetermined rates. Companies often offer DHMO dental insurance plans to their employees, but they are also used by individuals and families.
drawbacks
one of the main advantages of dental insurance plans from dhmo is that they tend to have lower premiums than other dental insurance options. however, dhmo plans have been known to place strict restrictions on insured members. For example, DHMO will not provide reimbursement if you see a dentist who is not in its network. If you have a DHMO plan, you must select a primary dentist from a pre-approved list. additionally, all referrals to dental specialists must be provided by the primary dentist.
ppo vs. dhmo: what is the best option for you?
Choosing between a PPO and a DHMO dental insurance plan depends on your needs, budget and lifestyle. If you prefer flexibility and freedom to choose your dentist or specialist, a PPO plan may be better for you. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind choosing from a select group of dentists and specialists, a dhmo plan might be more suitable for you. however, another option you can use with or without dental insurance is a dental savings plan.
Dental Savings Plans, while not a dental insurance product, provide individuals, families, businesses, and other groups with affordable access to dental care. dental savings plans provide plan members with flat discounts on most dental procedures from a national network of more than 140,000 dentists and specialists. Most plans you’ll find on dentalplans.com offer savings of 10-60% at the dentist, and while dental insurance may have annual maximums, deductibles, and copays, dental savings plans do not.
For more information about dental savings plans, you can call us at 1-833-735-0399. We can answer any questions about how a dental savings plan can help provide affordable access to dental care.
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