Dental Discount Plans are Gaining in Popularity, and
Dentists Love it!
There are millions
of Americans with some type of discount health plan cards. The plans are rapidly increasing in popularity. There are also health discount cards that can
save people money on many of their health care needs. In this particular post,
I am addressing only the Discount Dental Plan Cards.
There are many
companies that offer Discount Dental Plans today at varying costs and with
different discounts. My company, Xpress
Healthcare is growing their membership dramatically. (We only operate in the USA.) Xpress’ Dental Plan is only $19.95 per
month/per FAMILY! Several other
discount benefits are included in the Dental Plan, but as I mentioned, I am
writing only about Dental Plans right now.
More dentists
are contracting with Discount Dental Plan companies every day. There are two great benefits to the dentists
if they accept discount cards. 1) They
likely will gain more new patients; and 2) They are paid on the day of
service. Unlike with dental insurance,
there are no claim forms to file, and it doesn’t take weeks for the dentist to
get paid since plan members pay at the time of service.
Dental plans
appeal to individuals, families and businesses, because they offer discounts on
nearly all dental services, including cosmetic procedures, which are usually
not covered by traditional dental insurance plans or Medicare. Procedures such
as crowns, caps and veneers are often not covered at all by dental insurance,
but if they are, the patient will still have to pay a large percentage of the
cost out of pocket.
My husband and
I both had dental procedures done last year.
With our Dental Discount Card, we saved about $1000 in 2013. The public
is beginning to realize that the low monthly fee could easily be covered by
their dental discounts even if they need only one procedure during the year. If they have a family plan – at no additional
fee with Xpress Healthcare – just getting their X-rays, cleaning and exams can
pay for the cost of the membership – sometimes many times over.
Using Discount
Dental Cards is simple. Once a member
joins (no one can be turned down),
they will locate a dental provider in their area using an online list. The member enters their zip code, and a list
of dentists in that area will appear. They
decide upon a dentist, schedule an appointment and show their membership card
at the dentist’s office to receive an immediate discount. Xpress Healthcare and some other companies
use the Aetna Dental provider network, so you know there are plenty from which
to choose.
The percentage
of discounts may vary based upon the member’s location and what treatment they receive. In general, discounts range from 15% to 50%
of the dentist’s usual and customary rate
(UCR).
Over the years,
those using the discount plans have grown from only individuals and families to
small businesses, large organizations, labor unions, colleges and more to
reduce the ever-increasing costs and to maintain satisfied employees.
The Affordable
Care Act (and Medicare) does not require adult dental care, so “Obamacare” does
not change anything when it comes to adult dental treatment for most people. In some States adult dental care is included
in their insurance, but not for the vast majority.
Uninsured
adults can, of course, choose to purchase a dental insurance policy;
however, dental insurance is expensive and has many limitations as to what it
covers.
Any dentist
will tell you that dental health care is vital to good overall health. In fact, tooth decay is one of the most
widespread diseases in the country. Using Discount Dental Plans, patients who have
neglected their teeth can receive treatment and learn good dental habits.
I’m sure you
can see that it is a win-win situation for both plan members and dentists who
accept Discount Dental Plans.
Discount
Plans are NOT insurance. They provide discounts at providers within their
contracted network. The plans make no
payments to providers.
========================
No comments:
Post a Comment