Dental Insurance Plans

Webmaster — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 13:12:36 -0700

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a "Reduced Fee" or "Discount" Dental Plan?
Discount dental plans are designed for individuals and families looking to save money on dental care services. All general dentists participating in a discount dental plan have agreed to accept a discounted fee as payment in full for each service performed.

Once enrolled in any discount plan, you may visit any participating dentist and receive treatment at a reduced fee. When visiting a general dentist, this reduced fee is usually 10% to 60% off dentists' regular fees. Simply show your membership card when visiting any participating plan dentist to receive dental services at discounted rates. No claim forms. No background checks. No hassles.

Are the reduced fee dental plans offered by DentalPlans.com considered insurance?
Reduced fee plans offered by DentalPlans.com are not insurance. Most "dental insurance" is designed for groups and businesses. Discount dental plans are an innovative alternative to dental insurance, designed for the needs of individuals and families.

How are reduced fee or discount plans different from traditional insurance?
A reduced fee plan is different in several ways from traditional insurance. Reduced fee plans remove much of the hassle and waiting that goes into enrolling in traditional insurance. Unlike traditional insurance, we do not check for preexisting conditions. There are no complicated forms to fill out and send back and forth to any insurance company. There are no deductibles to worry about and enrollment is available to anyone at any age, regardless of your current health. Most importantly there is no annual maximum benefit. You can use the plan as much and as often as needed.

How are reduced fee plans similar to traditional insurance?
The network of participating doctors, dentists, optometrists, and pharmacists that participate in the plans DentalPlans.com offers are licensed professionals just like you would find in any of the most popular insurance plans today.

Can I use it along with my current insurance plan?
Yes, but it is best to check with the participating dentist office directly to maximize and coordinate all your dental benefits.

What do I pay?
Your TOTAL out of pocket expenses include your dental plan membership fee plus the discounted fees you will be charged for dental services. That's it!

When do I become an active member. Is there a waiting period?
Your membership is activated within days after your payment is received and processed. On the plan detail pages, you will find an "Activation Date" - this is the first day that you may begin using your benefits. Unlike dental insurance, there is no 30-day or 90-day waiting period or background checks.

What dentists are available in my area?
Use our powerful searches to find out if dentists are in your area. DentalPlans.com offers the largest combined network of dentists anywhere, with a network presence in all 50 states.

What is a participating provider?
A participating provider is a dentist who has agreed to participate and provide dental services to plan members at a lower, preferred schedule of fees.

Am I stuck using a specific dentist or participating provider with this plan?
No. With the discount dental plans we offer you are not obligated to use a specific participating provider. You are free to use any dentist listed in the plan's network, regardless of the ZIP code, town, city or state.

What steps are taken to ensure that the participating dentists are quality providers?
All of our participating providers are subject to a selective screening process to ensure that all are licensed practitioners and his or her qualifications meet our standards. The following steps are taken by our network providers to ensure that you receive top-notch care.
� An initial application to collect general office and provider data
� A requirement that each dentist complies with OSHA and CDC standards
� A requirement that up-to-date current malpractice insurance and state license information is kept on file for each provider

How do I contact you? What is your toll free number?
Our toll free customer service number is 888-632-5353. Click here for other contact information.

Where and when do I receive my fulfillment package?
Instantly online in the DentalPlans.com members area. Your complete benefit package will be provided to you right on your home or office PC. You can print your membership cards and complete fulfillment materials anywhere! If you do not have access to a printer, we will be happy to print the package and mail it to you. Please call our toll free number, 888-632-5353 for assistance.

What benefits/savings are offered for orthodontic work?
In general, MOST of the orthodontic procedures, services and treatment, when performed by an orthodontic specialist are offered at a 20% discount off the usual and customary dental specialist�s fee. (NOTE: this specialist discount may be 15 or 25% on certain plans)

What benefits/savings are offered for cosmetic dentistry?
In general, MOST of the cosmetic dental procedures, services and treatments, when performed, are offered at a 25% discount off the dentist's usual and customary dental fee.

Do you have plans available in Canada and elsewhere outside the US?
No. Unfortunately the current dental plans we offer are not available outside the United States yet. We are working diligently to expand our network. Please feel free to periodically check the website for updates.

Can I make monthly payments on my enrollment fee?
No. The enrollment fee is an annual fee which must be paid in full at once to become an active member. DentalPlans.com hopes to bring the consumer a quality product at the lowest cost possible. Accepting payments on a monthly basis increases the cost of processing, thus making the plans more expensive.