Dental PPOs and Indemnity plans allow you to choose your dentist, and for many people, that can be a deciding factor in buying those types of dental insurance plans. Dental PPO plans to give you access to a network of dentists who have agreed to accept a reduced fee for their services. You will generally pay less for dental care if you see a dentist within the network. However, if you see a dentist outside of the network, you may have to pay more out of pocket, yet you still have coverage to see any dentist you want in or out of the plan network of providers.

On the other hand, Indemnity plans allow you to see any dentist you choose, regardless of whether they are in-network or out-of-network. However, the amount that the plan pays for your dental care may be limited to a certain percentage of the dentist’s usual and customary charges. If you see a dentist who charges more than the plan considers usual and customary, you may have to pay the difference out of pocket. Note: usual and customary charges can happen in a PPO plan when going outside the plan network of providers.

Are dental PPOs and Indemnity insurance plans worth the cost?

The answer is yes. If you know your dental needs and understand the terms and conditions of the insurance plan, many people are happy with their PPO plans. Trouble comes when you do not fully understand the limitations of dental insurance plans.

Under a dental discount plan, even though you are not assigned to a dental provider, you must go to a dentist who provides the plan. Make sure there are more than one or two providers available so you can change to go to a different dental office if you choose to. Also, call the dentist and confirm they are still accepting the plan before buying it. One of the biggest mistakes made with discount plans is purchasing the plan without making sure there are dental offices locally in your area.

When choosing a dental provider under a dental discount plan, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Make sure there are multiple providers within the plan that you are willing to go to. This will allow you to switch providers if you are unhappy with the one you initially chose. It’s also essential to verify that the dental provider is still accepting the plan before making any commitments.
2. Consider the dental provider’s location and office hours to ensure they are convenient for you.
3. Read reviews and check the provider’s credentials to ensure they are qualified and reputable.

By following these tips, you can select a dental provider that meets your needs and provides quality care at an affordable price. Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, as we will be happy to help.

Question: I have a family of five looking for a PPO dental insurance plan under $100.00 a month. I live in California.

Reply: Since PPO plans are typically zip code rated, without knowing your zip code, I could only say generally, our Dental PPO plans range from $120 – $230 a month, on the low side for a family plan running $120.00 a month which is over your desired cost, but when you brake it down it around $25.00 a month per member for a family of five.   

However, that is on the lower side, with a low maximum limitation of $1000.00 per person per year. We have plans with maximum limitations as high as $3000.00 per person per year. Notably, they do cost more. 

PPO plans also generally come with waiting periods. Though we provide two PPO plans without waiting periods, those would be more costly than one with waiting periods. 

You can see how, depending on the benefits you want, cost will vary. This gives you a general idea of cost as there are missing rating factors to provide a more accurate cost range. 

• Rating factors that may affect the cost of a PPO dental plan include the geographic location of the insured, the age of the insured, the number of individuals being covered, and the level of benefits chosen, such as the annual maximum, deductible, and coinsurance. 

• A maximum limitation is the maximum amount of money that an insurance plan will pay during a specific period, usually a year or a lifetime, for a particular covered benefit or service. In dental insurance, it is the maximum dollar amount an insurance plan will pay for covered dental services per person per year. Once the maximum limitation is reached, the insured is responsible for paying for additional dental services received during that period. 

• A waiting period is the time period during which an insured person must wait before certain dental services or benefits become available under their dental insurance plan. Waiting periods are typically applied to services that are more expensive or complex, such as major dental procedures like root canals, bridges, and crowns. The length of the waiting period varies depending on the dental insurance plan and the specific service or benefit. For example, some plans may have a six-month waiting period for basic services and a 12-month waiting period for major services. Waiting periods are designed to prevent people from signing up for insurance only when they need expensive dental procedures.

Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, as we will be happy to help.

Your family’s dental care is essential. Their oral health has direct links to their overall health care, according to several studies. Having good family dental insurance is a necessary part of your family’s oral health since people who have dental insurance are much more likely to make and keep regular dental visits. Coarse dental insurance also helps to make your family’s dental care cost more affordable.

What are the Benefits of Having a Family Dental Insurance Plan?

Having a family dental insurance plan can provide several benefits:

1. It can help to ensure that all members of your family receive regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which can help to prevent serious dental problems from developing.
2. Having dental insurance can reduce the cost of more extensive dental procedures, such as fillings, root canals, and orthodontic treatments. This can be particularly important for families with children requiring braces or other orthodontic work.
3. A family dental insurance plan can provide peace of mind, knowing that your family’s dental health is covered and that you won’t have to worry about unexpected dental expenses.

 Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, as we will be happy to help.