Common Questions About Ppo Dental Insurance
Last Updated on Thursday, 17 March 2011 20:37
Shopping for dental insurance can be very overwhelming. There are so many options out there, it can be hard to tell which one is best for you and your family. Here are some concerns people have about PPO dental insurance. Hopefully the answers to these questions will help you decide.
Q: What does PPO really mean?
A: The letters PPO stand for Preferred Provider Organization. It's a type of plan usually offered by your employer or insurance company. A PPO allows you to see any doctor within the network, in addition to getting a limited amount of coverage if you decide to see a doctor outside the preferred provider network.
Q: How is a PPO different from an HMO?
A: The basic difference is the dependence on a network. An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) requires you visit dentists on their list. If you choose a dentist not on that list, you will get no coverage.
Q: How does an insurance plan work exactly?
A: A health plan system can provide inexpensive care because the insurance companies make arrangements with the doctors. The provider (doctor, specialist, dentist...) agrees to give the insurance company a deal on services in exchange for more business. This is where the network comes from. You get lower-cost care, the provider gets more business, and the insurance company pays out less.
Q: Will I be getting good care?
A: It's a subject of much debate. The difference between HMO and PPO dental plans is in how the dentists paid. This can indeed mean a difference in the quality of care.
With an HMO, there is a set fee for each patient the dentist sees. They get this fee regardless of the services they provide. This can mean that the dentist may not be motivated to give you the care you need. It's actually in the dentist's best interests to keep his or her time and expenses to a minimum. You, as the patient, pay less with an HMO, but there may be a trade-off in the quality of care.
A PPO plan works differently. The dentist gives the insurance company a reduced rate on services, but the company pays for all services the doctor performs. While you, the patient, do end up paying more than you would with an HMO, there's no reason your dentist should be hesitant to give best care he or she can.
Q: Are PPO dental insurance plans affordable?
A: Well, they are definitely more affordable than paying out of pocket! However, PPO plans are not generally more affordable than HMO plans. There is usually a deductible with a PPO that is higher than the co-pay you would make on an HMO plan. The amount of the deductible depends on your plan.
Hopefully this give you the information you need to decide. As always, check your individual plan options and compare the costs and benefits. Assess your health needs, your financial situation, and choose accordingly!