Most people understand the importance of comprehensive health coverage, and work hard to find a plan that balances both their healthcare needs and their budgetary restrictions. If you have health concerns, you want to make sure to choose a plan that addresses them.
Do you take the same care when selecting dental insurance? You should. Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health, so you can’t afford to neglect your teeth and gums. The right dental insurance can ensure a healthier mouth, and potentially improve overall health in the process.
How can you make the most of your dental insurance? Here are a few things you should focus on when it comes to choosing and using your dental insurance plan.
Choose a Plan that Suits Your Needs
You might not even know that there are different types of dental plans available to you, specifically, HMO and PPO options. Which one is right for you? In order to decide, you need to weigh the pros and cons.
PPOs are often more desirable because they cover a much wider network of providers, allowing patients greater choice of dental professionals. In addition, preventive services like biannual cleanings are generally fully covered. However, PPOs have limits on coverage annually, they often require copays, they come with deductibles, and for anything that’s not preventive service, you’ll probably have to pay at least a percentage of the cost.
PPOs also tend to be more expensive than HMOs in terms of premiums, and HMOs have the added benefit of fewer restrictions. Often, there are no deductibles or maximum annual payouts for claims, and there are fixed co-pays for treatment. However, a much smaller percentage of dentists participate in HMO networks, which could significantly limit your options for care.
Understand What’s Covered
Once you’ve selected an HMO or PPO plan, you need to know exactly what’s covered. Whether you’re just going for regular cleaning, checkup, and x-rays or you’re dealing with fillings, crowns, or dental implants, you need to understand what your out-of-pocket costs will be. This can help you to select a plan that is most likely to deliver suitable and affordable care.
Take Advantage of Preventive Care
If you want to get the most out of your dental insurance, you need to use it appropriately, and this means taking advantage of covered preventive care services. When you visit your dentist for regular cleaning and checkup, you have the best opportunity to catch and correct oral health issues early, avoiding costly procedures that may not be fully covered, and sparing yourself out-of-pocket expense.