When choosing a dentist in Franklin Park, families need to figure out the best strategy for minimizing out-of-pocket costs for oral healthcare. A good first step is to look for a practice that accepts many different insurance policies while also offering their own in-house discount plan. This gives patients options for reducing out-of-pocket costs for necessary preventive and restorative services. To make optimal financial decisions, it is necessary to take the time to fully understand how dental insurance and in-house discount plans work as well as the advantages one might have over the other.
Dental Insurance
Most people either have dental insurance in Franklin Park through an employer, or they have a plan that they personally pay premiums for. In either case, a typical dental insurance plan can be expected to cover most or all of the cost of preventive treatments such as biannual dental cleanings. It will also provide at least partial coverage for restorations such as fillings and crowns; simpler treatments usually receive higher coverage. The idea behind dental insurance benefits is to encourage patients to seek care as early as possible, as minor dental problems tend to be less expensive to deal with.
A dentist that is in-network with an insurance provider can provide patients who use that provider with greater savings. It is therefore best to find a practice that works with a variety of insurance companies. For example, Grand Dental – Franklin Park accepts Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental Premier, United Healthcare, and other common plans.
In-House Discount Plan
Many practices have some sort of savings plan available for patients who do not have dental insurance. Instead of premiums, patients pay a set enrollment fee that entitles them to dental discounts for a year. Most plans will include at least one dental examination and teeth cleaning as well as X-rays and other preventive treatments; patients can also usually expect to see reduced prices on all other services. Grand Dental – Franklin Park has the Grand Advantage plan: in addition to covering preventive care, it also offers a 20% discount on all procedures, including dental implants, dentures, and orthodontic care.
Choosing Between Insurance and a Discount Plan
Dental insurance and in-house discount plans have their own advantages and disadvantages. Dental insurance can typically be used at multiple practices and often offers better savings, but at the same time there are annual maximums, waiting periods, deductibles, and other variables that can complicate the process. On the other hand, while in-house discount plans only apply to a single practice, they are generally much easier to understand, and they can lower the cost of services that are not usually covered by insurance, such as implants or cosmetic dentistry. In most cases, the best option is going to depend heavily on the individual’s dental needs and financial situation.
Both dental insurance and in-house discount plans can reduce the stress of paying for dental care. A dentist can help patients decide which option is best for their particular situation.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, we have a team of three general dentists, an orthodontist, and a periodontist who all combine their experiences and skills to provide comprehensive dentistry in one location. We work hard to maintain a warm, comfortable environment where patients can relax and look forward to receiving high quality care. If you have any questions about insurance or the Grand Advantage Plan offered at Grand Dental locations, visit our website or call (847) 455-8383.