Dental Options (Group, Dental Policy, Discount Plan)

There are a number of benefits that need to be addressed when deciding on Group, a Dental policy, discount rider plan, or a combo of two.

Three plan options available to an Individual, couple, single parent, or family used to minimize and share dental healthcare are:

• Group Dental
• Policy Plans
• Discount Plans

In many cases, the ideal risk management may very well be a combination of two or more.

Group Dental

This is a shared risk between you and your employer or group. It may be the best option and it really depends on a number of things to see if this is the best option. If a dentist is in a group plan, then all dentists in that plan must accept the costs, deductibles, and co-shares agreed upon within that group.

Dental Policy

Provides the insured with some extra flexibility options that may or may not be available in other options. Based on carrier, these options differ.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Single? Married? One Parent? or Family?
• Do you want to be in a contract dental agreement?
• Or would you prefer to have the flexibility to cancel, add, or change the policy with no contract restrictions?
• Do you want to have a plan that is in a network?
• Or would you like to go to any dentist without network restrictions?
• Do you want waiting periods needed to be met with no contract agreement (month to month)?
• Or would you prefer to have no waiting periods but require a contract to be entered.(minimum of 1 yr or more depending on carrier)?
• Are there Lifetime and annual maximums for the amount service that can be performed
• Or do you want no annual or lifetime maximum?
• Premium?  Clearly, premium has a huge role in deciding your dental plans.
• Does the plan you choose have co­pays, deductibles, or not?

What are Discount Dental Plans?

Discount dental plans are an easy and reliable way to help you save money at the dentist.  This is not insurance and provides you with immediate discount for service. Depending on the dentist, cost would determine the discount % the plans have to offer (save anywhere from 15% to 60% per visit).

These plans give members access to significant discounts at in-network dental offices for a wide range of procedures. These are great plans that can help save money, while offering you the quality dental care you need. Discount dental plan members save on preventive treatments like cleanings and xrays, and on major treatments like root canals and bridges.

Additionally, the dentists in our network have agreed to treat our members with the same quality care, but at significantly discounted rates. When you become a member of a discount dental plan, you'll pay the dentist when you go into your appointment, but at a discounted rate. You don't need to worry about filling out complex paperwork or waiting for reimbursements.

These plans are a great option for people who:

• Carry a Dental Policy but seek further risk management for their dental coverage needs
• Do not belong to an exclusive organization
• Do not have dental coverage through an employer
• Have immediate dental needs
• Have reached the annual limit for another dental program
• Have prior dental conditions
• Want to save on dental work

All of these benefits mentioned are necessary in properly determining the best dental management option for you and your family's needs. The Marsh Assurance Group will help guide and educate you with the options available to assure you are satisfying your dental needs.

These are a few of many topics that you need to consider to determining what type of dental plan is best fit for you and your family as lifestyles and dental healthcare needs differ from one family to another.