Who doesn’t need need dental and vision coverage? Below are some links to shop for your individual dental and vision needs. You can, also, enroll directly through each link for the plan you choose.
PPO Dental
Most of the dental and vision plans are PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans which basically means you can go out of the network of providers. In other words, if the provider is not in-network, he or she may still take the plan. You will need to check first.
HMO Dental
Included, is an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). The HMO has a lower premium but you have access only to providers that are in-network. If you go out of network, you have no coverage. With the HMO there is a fee schedule but it up to you to make sure the provider follows the fee schedule. The HMO Dental plan can be a wonderful choice but you must be pro-active in your care.
Apply Online
Know what you are paying for
As with any dental and vision plan, some services are not covered. Some plans have waiting periods before certain services are covered. Implants and oral surgery are not available on all plans. Other services such as antibacterial irrigation and bacterial laser irradiation are not covered by all dental plans.
These are just examples and you should always compare plan options to make sure you are applying for the plan that provides the services you need. Additionally, you should always request a treatment plan from your dentist. The treatment plan should include dental billing codes for each procedure as well as what you can expect to pay.
Be Proactive
If the treatment plan seems excessive or you do not understand a charge, ask! Your dentist should openly discuss whether or not a treatment is required or just recommended.