No Dental Insurance? Discount Dental Plans Are Your Answer.
Dental discount plans are something you may have heard about as a way to help pay for dental care. But you may have many questions? Here’s an overview.
Dental discount plans provide an alternative to dental health plans. A lot of Americans have found these plans to be a helpful replacement when they don’t have access to group health insurance benefits for one reason or another.
The difference is that with insurance you pay a premium — monthly or annually — to get coverages for various dental procedures. When you have the work done, you usually need to pay a deductible and a copayment, while the insurance company pays the rest. There can be restrictions including when benefits start and the total amount (maximum) that the plan will pay per calendar year. Once you hit that maximum, you no longer receive benefits from the insurance plan the rest of the year.
Discount dental plans do not make payments to your dentist. Instead, you become a member in a plan by paying a yearly membership fee. Plans have networks of dentists who participate in your area. You simply show the dentist your membership card to received the discounted fees. Savings can range from 10 percent to 60 percent on most dental care services. This includes cleanings, x-rays, examinations, fillings, crowns and much more.
You can usually start using your membership right away after approval, and plans are available for individuals, families and groups.
It’s easy to find a plan — and find a local dentist who participates — in your area by going to a comparison site. You can compare discount dental plans, sign up and pay online and even print out your membership card so you are ready to go. This means it is also a good option if you have a dental emergency or are in need of immediate help.
There’s no reason to pay full price on dental work, or avoid getting it altogether when you have alternatives like discount dental plans.
