Dental Insurance

[Cali]

Is anyone familiar with a dental plan (traditional or PPO) that can help to lower the costs of my office visits and cleanings?

Do I need to get a whole new medical plan in order to do this? Right now I have an HMO w/no dental. Thanks. :)

[Brandi]

I just got my new dental card today. :p We have a PPO.

[Jen Hamilton]

go with PPO.

no need for new medical plan. most are seperate.
What ins. co. are you considering?

[Cali]

Originally posted by atherjen@Jun 7 2006, 01:40 PM
go with PPO.

no need for new medical plan. most are seperate.
What ins. co. are you considering?
Thanks for the suggestion.

I have Carefirst BlueChoice, but I have an HMO. :sad: I found out that I have a "Discount Dental Plan" that gives me 20-40% off, but I have to go to a provider in the Network (my dentist isn't, but it seems that I'm going to have to switch regardless...).

Anyways, I called them up and they are mailing me info so I can add an HMO Dental Plan for $120 a year, which would end up giving me more of a discount (like 60-80%). I just want to make sure it's worth it. I need 3 wisdom teeth out, I have a baby tooth that needs to be pulled and replaced with an implant (ouch!!!), and some cavities that I just found out about today. :oops:

My employer would have to offer the PPO medical for me to even have the option of a PPO for dental. I had no idea this stuff was so complicated until today. :blink:

[drlinda]

If you go with an HMO, you will have to choose a dentist under the plan. HMO plans will not pay out of network. Implants are not generally covered under an HMO. As far as cost, you do have less out of pocket expenses. Try to check out the dentist, office and staff before signing on with the dentist. Some of the providers unfortunately do not provide the best treatment. I speak form experience. (especially if you are having extractions) I hope this helps.

[Cali]

Originally posted by drlinda@Jun 7 2006, 08:49 PM
If you go with an HMO, you will have to choose a dentist under the plan. HMO plans will not pay out of network. Implants are not generally covered under an HMO. As far as cost, you do have less out of pocket expenses. Try to check out the dentist, office and staff before signing on with the dentist. Some of the providers unfortunately do not provide the best treatment. I speak form experience. (especially if you are having extractions) I hope this helps.
Thank you so much for the advice. I really appreciate it. :o I'll most likely go with the HMO once I receive the info they're mailing to me. I've had some really bad experiences myself, which is why I'm so hesitant to change dentists. But $952 to fix all my fillings and sealants (minus the wisdom tooth and implant) just pushed me over the edge today. I will definitely visit the dentists before signing on. Do you have advice regarding any questions I should ask before making my decision?

[drlinda]

Take a look at the cleanliness of the office. Find out what year the dentists graduated form dental school. Ask what type of fillings they use--amalgam versus composites. Composites are the white fillings. Under a dmo plan they may charge you extra for the white fillings. Ask how they handle emergencies. Good luck.