Dental Plans vs. Dental Insurance: Reading Between the Lines
Falling prey to insurance gimmicks--Some insurance is just a bad buy. Individual dental insurance tops the list.
(PRWEB) June 8, 2005 -- Cut insurance costs without cutting needed
protection. Financial planning authority Paul Mauro, CLU, CHFC, advises, "Too
many consumers waste too much money on the wrong kinds of insurance. The
solution? Integrate insurance with finanical planning and ignore overzealous
agents and incessant insurance ads and promotions." Uninformed Americans
overspend on auto, homeowner, life, accident and dental insurance.
There
are distinct differences between the way “traditional dental insurance plans”
and “discount dental plans” work. As a general rule, dental insurance is
utilized by large groups and businesses to cover their employee’s dental care.
Dental insurance is considered true insurance where monthly premiums are paid
for defined coverage. Dental insurance is not readily accessible to individuals
and families, unless provided by their employer. Some drawbacks of dental
insurance include annual spending maximums, deductibles, waiting periods for
certain procedures, and limitations and exclusions on care. There are also
claims forms to fill out and submit. Dental insurance usually covers the cost of
preventive services (such as cleanings and exams) at 100% after deductibles are
met. Annual deductibles vary from $25 to $50 per covered individual, depending
on the policy. The cost of deductibles should be considered when calculating the
overall costs associated with dental insurance. While you are able to use any
dentist, the monthly premiums for dental insurance may be as much as $30 per
month for individuals and over $100 per month for family plans.
Discount
dental plans, on the other hand, are available for the millions of Americans
that do not receive dental benefits through their work or business. Discount
dental plans are designed to provide consumers access to dental networks at
reduced rates. These plans, are commonly known as “referral” or “reduced fee”
plans, and are not considered an insured dental plan. Discount dental plans are
affordable to join and are the most widely available dental programs for
individuals and families. These discount plans work differently than dental
insurance plans, yet provide consumers with real and substantial savings on most
dental procedures. Discount dental plans are membership-based programs that
usually provide coverage on an annual basis. Consumers pay 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.
Visit our site today to discover a dental plan that serves you
best.
www.dentalplans.com/afftracker.asp?affid=9845
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/prweb249167.htm