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Sunday, August 31, 2008

What is the difference between Dental Insurance and Discount Dental cards/programs?

Dental Insurance
Who pays for services:
You pay monthly premiums, deductible and co-pay/coinsurance (see below); the insurance company pays dentist directly for remainder of charges.
Discounted Rates at Selected Providers:
PPO plans have pre-negotiated discounted rates with selected providers.
Indemnity plans allow you to see any dentist, and, as such, do not have discounted rates at selected providers.
Deductible:
Typically has a deductible, i.e., insurance company may not start paying for services until your dental expenses reach a certain dollar amount.
Co-Pay/Coinsurance:
After deductible is met, you may need to pay a nominal amount (e.g., $10) per office visit or a percentage (e.g. 20%) of the cost of a larger procedure. Insurance company typically pays for remainder of charges.
Waiting Period:
Many dental insurance plans require you to be a policyholder for 6 to 18 months before paying for major dental services.
Annual Maximum Benefit:
Most dental insurance plans will only cover up to certain amount per member per year (e.g., $1,000). After that cap is reached, you are responsible for all dental expenses.

Discount Cards with Dental Discounts
Who pays for services:
You must pay the dentist directly at the time dental services are rendered. The Discount Card does not pay any money to the provider. You also pay a monthly membership fee to the discount program in exchange for discounted rates at participating dental providers.
Discounted Rates at Selected Providers:
Offers discounted rates at participating dental providers.
Note: Can be used in conjunction with Dental Insurance Indemnity plans.
Deductible:
No deductible - Discounts are available at first visit to dentist.
Co-Pay/Coinsurance:
Not applicable - For a given service, participating dentists will charge you the contracted discounted rate that has been pre-negotiated.
Waiting Period:
Not applicable - Since no waiting periods apply.
Annual Maximum Benefit:
Not applicable - You and your family members can use your discount program membership as often as you need.

For more information on Discount cards visit www.aDentalplan.net

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