Dental Discount Plans have assumed a great deal of significance from the perspective of ensuring cost effective treatment without the usual hassles that are associated with dental insurance. These plans are an alternative to insurance. The plan works by allowing members to save up to 60 percent on various procedures like cleanings, fillings, braces, checkups and more. Some of the advantages of dental discount plans include:
No Waiting Period: People have to pay an annual or a monthly fee in order to become members. The membership card generally arrives within 7 to 10 days of joining the plan. The procedure for becoming a member does not require extensive paperwork. Moreover, there is no waiting period clause unlike Traditional dental insurance and Managed Care plans. Direct Reimbursement plan is the only insurance plan that does not have any waiting period requirement but costs more and is typically employment based.
Cost Effective: The annual membership fee is generally around $100. The members have the option of visiting participating dentists nationwide and availing discounts by showing the membership card. Members receive a discounted fee schedule for almost all procedures and the least savings may be to the tune of 10 percent. The maximum savings, as mentioned earlier, is around 60 percent for certain procedures. Amongst dental insurance plans, managed care plans are the cheapest, but force people to choose from a narrow network of dentists. In addition to discounts on dental procedures, people may receive discounts related to vision, hearing and chiropractic care as well.
Less Encumbrances: These plans have less encumbrances as compared to other dental insurance plans, since they do not involve filing claims and other forms for pre-determining benefits. In most cases, there are no plan deductibles or limitation on benefits. Unlike insurance, that does not cover cosmetic dental procedures, dental discount plans may provide discounts on procedures such as bonding or veneer.
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