The end of the year is a busy time for us all. And, of course, it's the time of year we review our health benefits and make sure that our family has the coverage that it needs. But do you know the difference between your options?
Carolina Kids Dentistry often receives calls from new parents or families who are beginning to plan for ongoing dental care for their kiddos. And we've SEEN. IT. ALL. Our patient care administrators know the ins and outs of all different kinds of benefit plans and how to make sure that your family has the coverage its needs!
According to the National Association of Dental Plans, there are four different kinds of dental benefits: dental HMOs, dental PPOs, dental Indemnity plans, and discount dental plans.
- Dental HMOs --refers to dental benefit plans that provide comprehensive dental benefits to a defined population of enrollees in exchange for a fixed monthly premium and pays for general dentistry services primarily under capitation arrangements with a contracted network of dentists.
- Dental PPOs --refers to dental benefit plans that have contracts with providers for the express purpose of obtaining a discount from overall fees.
- Dental Indemnity Plans--refers to benefit plans where the risk for claims incurred is transferred from employer to a third-party and are reimbursed on a fee-for-service basis; there are no discounted provider contract arrangements whereby the provider agrees to accept a fee below their customary fee.
- Discount Dental or Dental Savings Plans –refers to non-insured programs in which a panel of dentists agrees to perform services for enrollees at a specified discounted price, or discount off their usual charge.
Please call us if you are unsure of which plan to enroll your family before your benefit period ends. We highly encourage you use the first of the year to schedule your child's dental exams - and children under 18 months are FREE! And if you are curious about what to expect at your first visit, check out this article or call our office!
Carolina Kids Dentistry has two locations - one in Mint Hill and one in Waxhaw - and offers a free first visit for children before the age of 18 months. Let them check out your kiddo and make sure you are on-track and healthy.
Waxhaw Location: 9817 Suzanne Ct., Waxhaw NC 28173 | (980) 339-8720
Mint Hill Location: 5829 Phyliss Ln., Mint Hill, NC 28227 | (704) 790-0590
