As open enrollment approaches, millions of Americans face a choice regarding their dental insurance plans. Plan Forward, a prominent dental software company, is urging individuals to consider an alternative: opting out of traditional insurance in favor of dental membership plans.
Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, making it essential for patients to select coverage that facilitates access to dental care.
Many dental insurance plans present challenges, including unclear costs, confusing coverage details, and long waiting periods. These issues can result in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for routine visits and inadequate care. Therefore, it is vital for individuals to carefully examine their employer’s dental offerings to understand both the known and hidden costs before making a decision.
A significant number of people are unaware that they can seek dental care without insurance. Increasingly, dental practices are reassessing their participation in insurance networks, which can lead even those with comprehensive plans to incur out-of-pocket expenses. To provide more options, many practices are now offering membership plans alongside traditional insurance.
A dental membership plan establishes a direct relationship between the dental practice and the patient. For a monthly fee, patients receive a defined set of services over a 12-month period and may also benefit from discounts on additional treatments, such as crowns and dentures. By eliminating the insurance intermediary, patients gain clarity on costs and services, often resulting in lower overall expenses compared to traditional insurance.
Megan Lohman, Founder and Co-CEO of Plan Forward, emphasizes the financial benefits of membership plans. “If someone pays a monthly insurance premium but still faces $400 out-of-pocket costs for routine cleanings and x-rays, it’s time to reconsider,” Lohman stated. “With a membership plan, patients know from the start what services they will receive, including hygiene visits and fluoride treatments.”
Now is the time for individuals to reassess their dental insurance options. Lohman advises contacting dental providers to inquire about membership plans before the open enrollment period. “It’s crucial for individuals to be aware of their choices.
Each year, you can accept, change, or decline dental coverage without penalty,” she added.