Many families are concerned about the cost of dentistry. Dentists understand that, which is why they may offer a range of provisions to help patients afford the care they need to maintain a healthy, pain-free smile. For example, they may be happy to accept dental insurance. They might even offer an in-house dental savings plan. In this blog post, we’ll consider some of the key differences between these two types of resources.
Dental Insurance
There are several different types of insurance plans, but PPO plans are among the most popular. Some key points of how PPO insurance usually works include:
- You can get most preventive care for little to nothing out of pocket
- Restorative services may be covered at 50% – 80%
- You can visit any dentist or specialist without a referral, but your savings may be greater at in-network dentists
- There may be a waiting period before you are eligible to receive certain services
- You may have to pay a deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in
- There is an annual dollar limit on how much your insurance will pay out for approved services
The team at Gruene Family Dental will be happy to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits. We accept payment from most PPO plans and are in-network with several major providers, including Cigna, Humana, and others.
Dental Savings Plan
An in-house dental savings plan is specific to a particular dental practice. Usually, they require you to pay a flat annual or monthly fee. Then, you can enjoy preventive care and an emergency exam each year for no additional cost. You may also be able to reap significant savings on other dental services.
Here are some highlights of Gruene Family Dental’s savings plan:
- You pay a monthly fee that costs less than most insurance plans
- You get 20% off most non-preventive services performed in our office
- There is no annual maximum, waiting period, deductible, or possible denial of claims
- The savings plan applies to some services that dental insurance does not always cover, such as implant dentistry and orthodontics
Is One Better Than the Other?
Both dental insurance and dental savings plan offer appealing benefits. If you have dental insurance through work, should certainly consider ways in which you can use your policy to the full. On the other hand, if you are a budget-conscious individual who is interested primarily in preventive care, an in-house savings plan might be the better option.
Thanks to dental insurance or a dental savings plan, your oral healthcare may be more affordable than you think! The team at your local dentist’s office will be happy to help you learn more about how you can save on services for your smile.
About
Dr. Kim Turnbow is the leader of our team at Gruene Family Dental. More than 10 years have passed since she graduated from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and began serving as a dentist in New Braunfels. She has won awards for her leadership skills and superior performance in general dentistry. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Turnbow or how our team can help you save money on your dental care, contact us at 830-626-1111.