Dental insurance plans vary in their coverage parameters. Choosing a carrier with a diverse set of plan options and guaranteed rates for enterprises of all sizes is important. In addition to a robust network, look for a page that offers self-service website resources and a user-friendly provider search tool. And look for a customer service team that is friendly and knowledgeable.

Cost

When selecting dental insurance for small businesses, it’s important to consider the cost. Monthly premiums are the first thing to consider: how much will the project charge each month to provide coverage? Then there are the deductible and coinsurance costs to factor in as well.

Deductibles are the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your plan starts covering basic services (though preventive care is typically covered before you reach a deductible). Coinsurance is a percentage you’ll pay for each procedure after the deductible is met.

Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, like health insurance HMOs, typically have a network of dentists who provide service for a set copay or no fee. However, employees can still visit out-of-network providers, but the out-of-pocket costs will be higher. Also, PPOs usually have a maximum they will reimburse each year.

Coverage

Depending on the plan, dental insurance helps pay a percentage of associated costs for covered procedures. Most dental plans offer preventive care (like cleanings and exams) with low or no out-of-pocket costs and basic coverage for services like fillings, tooth extractions, root canals and crowns.

Dental coverage works much like health insurance; most plans have a monthly premium and an annual maximum. A deductible is the amount you must pay toward covered procedures before your dental insurance company starts to contribute. Some plans may require a deductible for only preventive care, and many have an annual deductible of $100 or less. Various dental insurance plans are available, including PPOs, EPOs and DHMOs.

An employer or benefits provider can help you select a plan. Some programs have restrictions on where you can receive care, such as a preferred provider organization, and others do not, like traditional or indemnity plans that allow you to choose any dentist but must pay up to a set schedule amount. eHealth offers a wide selection of stand-alone dental insurance options and provides clear descriptions of coverage and limits to make it easy to compare options and choose the best policy for your needs.

Flexibility

When it comes to dental insurance plans, there are several different options to choose from. Many group policies have a designated provider network, but some don’t, and this can impact coverage. Individual policies typically require a copay or deductible and may also have a limit on the amount they’ll pay for procedures.

Find a company that offers flexible plan designs to meet the needs of your employees and business. For example, a company that provides dental coverage as part of a QSEHRA (Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Account) will allow you to provide dental coverage to employees even if they leave the company or are no longer employed by your organization.

Look for a dental insurance company with access to a large network of dentists and other providers in your area. This will make it easier for your employees to access the care they need. You also want to ensure the dental insurance company’s plan design considers the latest treatments and trends. For example, a company that only covers silver fillings when white ones are now standard wouldn’t be good for your employees or your bottom line.

Network

Choosing a dental insurance plan backed by a great network will be an important consideration for many small business owners. Networks are groups of dentists that have signed contracts with an insurance company to provide care at discounted rates. This offers cost protections to plan members while allowing them access to many dental practitioners.

There are different types of networks, with some offering better discounts than others. For instance, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans typically have a larger network than HMOs. HMOs tend to offer lower premiums but limit employees by requiring them to visit in-network providers to receive coverage.

If you are considering accepting an insurance plan with a smaller network, be sure to find out how much it will save your business regarding staff time and expense. This will help you determine if the additional write-off will be worth it in terms of new patient growth and overall practice health.

Convenience

Dental insurance is meant to reduce the cost of expensive procedures. However, it only partially covers some methods. Most plans come with copays, deductibles and annual limits. Moreover, premiums for dental coverage may be a significant expense for small businesses.

The best way to determine if a dental plan is worth it for your employees is by studying the benefits and costs involved. Insurance providers offer various dental insurance options, including Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) and indemnity plans.

PPOs typically have broader networks than other types of dental insurance and usually don’t require a referral from a primary care physician. Providing dental coverage to your employees is a smart way to show that you value their well-being. It also helps you attract and retain top talent. With today’s competitive workforce, offering affordable dental coverage can make or break your recruitment efforts.

Jane