Which is better and why?
Dental insurance vs. dental plans?
Started by
jagermonster
, Jan 24 2012 08:36 PM
18 replies to this topic
#5
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- VibeTribe
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- LocationWhisky a Go Go
Posted 24 January 2012 - 09:22 PM
I think insurance probably covers more, but also costs more.
For example, my insurance covers a cleaning once every 6 months (no co-pay or anything) but a plan would just discount the service.
However, insurance doesn't cover everything (unless you have really expensive insurance). The only thing "free" is the cleanings. Everything else is just discounted.
For example, my insurance covers a cleaning once every 6 months (no co-pay or anything) but a plan would just discount the service.
However, insurance doesn't cover everything (unless you have really expensive insurance). The only thing "free" is the cleanings. Everything else is just discounted.
#6
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- VibeTribe
- 2,723 posts
Posted 24 January 2012 - 09:48 PM
Hmm.. I don't know what happened to my response...
So, that's the problem I am having, they seem like basically the same thing, so why the major difference in costs? Do you think one is better than the other for short term/long term? Why is this so confusing?
So, that's the problem I am having, they seem like basically the same thing, so why the major difference in costs? Do you think one is better than the other for short term/long term? Why is this so confusing?
#8
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Posted 24 January 2012 - 10:07 PM
well what plan are you comparing to what insurance?
They both are similar, but insurance costs a lot more because it's probably covers a lot more... ok for example if you need implants, or dentures or something, the insurance would probably cover it, but the plan probably wouldn't.
It's kind of a gamble, really. If you can't afford insurance, you just get a plan instead. If your tooth gets chipped or knocked out, you go around with a chipped or knocked out tooth.
They both are similar, but insurance costs a lot more because it's probably covers a lot more... ok for example if you need implants, or dentures or something, the insurance would probably cover it, but the plan probably wouldn't.
It's kind of a gamble, really. If you can't afford insurance, you just get a plan instead. If your tooth gets chipped or knocked out, you go around with a chipped or knocked out tooth.
#10
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- VibeTribe
- 435 posts
Posted 24 January 2012 - 10:20 PM
insurance lets you go to whatever Dentist you want within their network (a PPO). Plans tall you were to go (HMO). If you get the HMO it will still only cover part of the cost, you pay the difference. PPO's have a contract with the dentist which includes a fee sheet the Dentist agrees to. The rest has to do with what your insurance covers and how much.
for instance: if you get a filling that costs $300 at that office. Insurance co. xyz and dentists agree that they will bill $250 for that filling. Then your XYZ plan says it will pay 80%, you pay 20%. they pay$200. then you pay $50 (20%)
I work for a Dentist
for instance: if you get a filling that costs $300 at that office. Insurance co. xyz and dentists agree that they will bill $250 for that filling. Then your XYZ plan says it will pay 80%, you pay 20%. they pay$200. then you pay $50 (20%)
I work for a Dentist
#11
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- VibeTribe
- 2,723 posts
Posted 24 January 2012 - 10:25 PM
funny I'm in the middle of this conversation as well.
I don't think either is worth the aggravation of understanding them enough to make the right decision.
It's extremely aggravating isn't it?
well what plan are you comparing to what insurance?
They both are similar, but insurance costs a lot more because it's probably covers a lot more... ok for example if you need implants, or dentures or something, the insurance would probably cover it, but the plan probably wouldn't.
It's kind of a gamble, really. If you can't afford insurance, you just get a plan instead. If your tooth gets chipped or knocked out, you go around with a chipped or knocked out tooth.
The two options I seem to have in my area are Aetna Dental Access as a plan, and Blue Cross as insurance.
Dental Plan, Lisa needs braces, Dental Plan, Lisa needs braces, Dental Plan, Lisa needs braces
insurance lets you go to whatever Dentist you want within their network (a PPO). Plans tall you were to go (HMO). If you get the HMO it will still only cover part of the cost, you pay the difference. PPO's have a contract with the dentist which includes a fee sheet the Dentist agrees to. The rest has to do with what your insurance covers and how much.
for instance: if you get a filling that costs $300 at that office. Insurance co. xyz and dentists agree that they will bill $250 for that filling. Then your XYZ plan says it will pay 80%, you pay 20%. they pay$200. then you pay $50 (20%)
I work for a Dentist
So overall would you say insurance covers far more of the percentage cost than a plan would?
#12
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- VibeTribe
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Posted 24 January 2012 - 11:37 PM
Aetna - 159.95/ year per family
Program Features and Highlights
Save 15 to 50 percent* on everything from general dentistry and cleanings to root canals, crowns and orthodontia.
Save on specialty care such as orthodontics and periodontics where available.
All dentists are credentialed and participate in a quality management program.
THIS IS NOT INSURANCE
Over 66,000** dental practice locations nationwide
Save on routine dental services such as x-rays and fillings.
No health restrictions
Easy to use
Present your card and save
No paperwork, you pay the discounted amount at the time of your visit
Use the card as many times as needed
No predetermination of benefits required
No referral required to see a Specialist
Group rates available
Blue Cross - does not give the monthly fee online... probably very expensive and varies by location but...
they cover the following 100%: oral exam, x-ray, routine cleaning, fluoride, sealant, and fillings. it seems the rest of everything else is just 50% off.
Program Features and Highlights
Save 15 to 50 percent* on everything from general dentistry and cleanings to root canals, crowns and orthodontia.
Save on specialty care such as orthodontics and periodontics where available.
All dentists are credentialed and participate in a quality management program.
THIS IS NOT INSURANCE
Over 66,000** dental practice locations nationwide
Save on routine dental services such as x-rays and fillings.
No health restrictions
Easy to use
Present your card and save
No paperwork, you pay the discounted amount at the time of your visit
Use the card as many times as needed
No predetermination of benefits required
No referral required to see a Specialist
Group rates available
Blue Cross - does not give the monthly fee online... probably very expensive and varies by location but...
they cover the following 100%: oral exam, x-ray, routine cleaning, fluoride, sealant, and fillings. it seems the rest of everything else is just 50% off.
#13
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- VibeTribe
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Posted 24 January 2012 - 11:40 PM
if you go for cleanings every 6 months it would probably cost a couple hundred per year anyway.
did you find out how much it is per month for blue cross? that would be the determining factor for me. If it's more than a couple hundred per year, I'd just get the plan.
did you find out how much it is per month for blue cross? that would be the determining factor for me. If it's more than a couple hundred per year, I'd just get the plan.
#14
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- VibeTribe
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Posted 25 January 2012 - 12:01 AM
The Blue Cross plan I was looking at ranges from 140 a month to 160, with their lowest plan ranging from 120-140, and their highest plan at 160-180.
I guess it seems to me like if you need a shit ton of work done over a long period maybe the insurance is worth it... but maybe not.
Something just doesn't seem right..
I guess it seems to me like if you need a shit ton of work done over a long period maybe the insurance is worth it... but maybe not.
Something just doesn't seem right..
#16
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- VibeTribe
- 6,192 posts
Posted 25 January 2012 - 03:42 AM
I had no idea there was a difference between a plan and insurance. They aren't just two words that mean the same thing? Obviously certain plans are more robust than others but I thought it's all considered to be "insurance"... ??? I'm in HR and I'm rather disturbed that I didn't know that this distinction is more than just semantics!
#18
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- VibeTribe
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Posted 25 January 2012 - 04:25 AM
do you really think you're going to get your money's worth paying 140-160 per month?
I doubt it. a single teeth cleaning costs less than that, and unless you don't brush your teeth and miss cleanings, you should be fine... unless you get your teeth knocked out by smashing them into something. Or, if you need orthodontics there might be a difference.
Seems like the money you save with the plan would be quite a bit...
I doubt it. a single teeth cleaning costs less than that, and unless you don't brush your teeth and miss cleanings, you should be fine... unless you get your teeth knocked out by smashing them into something. Or, if you need orthodontics there might be a difference.
Seems like the money you save with the plan would be quite a bit...
