Lets take a close look at the differences between the types of dental plans that are available. Once you see the coverage you receive, there will be no question that Gateway provides you and your family the best dental plans for the money.
Dental Indemnity Insurance Plans
Indemnity plans are the old guard of the insurance industry. Members of such plans have the luxury of visiting any dentist or dental specialist they wish. This luxury comes at a price. These plans are very expensive with premiums that may run up to $400/year for individuals to $1200/year for families. These plans are usually offered to upper management types at large companies, and are almost never available to individuals. Despite the freedom of choice these plans provide; the high premiums, deductibles, maximum benefits, limitations and exclusions, and claim procedures make indemnity plans rather unattractive. The maximum benefit for most indemnity plans has remained steady for decades at $1000/year. Premiums for these plans have increased dramatically over the same period. The actual benefit with indemnity plans is extremely limited.
PPO Dental Insurance Plans
PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. These plans offer members more options. Members have the flexibility to choose any dentist they wish, but receive a better benefit if they choose a dentist who is contracted to treat patients who are members of the PPO. Dentists are often asked to take moderate discounts off their normal fees. In exchange, the dentists are placed on a preferred list of providers. This gives the dentist access to a large group of potential patients. Most PPO members are employees of medium to large businesses. A few PPO plans are available to individuals, but these plans can still be very expensive compared to the benefit. PPO’s have the same high premiums and limitations the indemnity plans have. Although more flexible, the PPO plans are still flawed and limiting.
HMO Dental Insurance Plans
HMOs are the new kid on the dental insurance block. Also known as Dental Health Maintenance Organizations, these plans are much cheaper than the Indemnity and PPO plans. Buyer Beware!! These low premiums come with strict limitations. You must choose a dentist from a relatively short list of contracted providers. These providers have agreed to very steep discounts off their usual fees. Specialty care requires a tedious referral process. Regrettably, some dentists have been known to cut corners on treatment, rush through procedures on HMO patients, and perform procedures on HMO patients they would normally refer to the specialist. Despite these issues, HMO’s are a feasible option for many people seeking dental coverage because of the low cost.
GATEWAY DENTAL PLANS
Gateway is not dental insurance…it’s better!! Gateway provides individuals, families, and small businesses with invaluable dental plans. Plan members receive a discount on almost all dental procedures with a major emphasis on preventive care. Membership fees to join Gateway are extremely low starting at $95/year individuals to $190/year for families. The great discounts range from 15% to 50%. Many individuals and families that do not receive a dental benefit from their employer, turn to Gateway to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses on dental care. More businesses are looking to Gateway as an affordable and easy way to provide their employees with a much needed dental plan. With Gateway Dental Plans, there are no maximum benefits, no limitations or exclusions, no deductibles, no waiting periods, no claim forms, and no one is denied membership.
How does the difference between dental insurance and Gateway affect YOU?
You may ask, “How does all the information above affect me and my family?” The answer is simple: Maintaining ones oral health is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Many people are ready to commit to dental health, but have a difficult time deciding what type of dental coverage to pursue. Let’s take an in depth look at the differences between insurance and Gateway Dental Plans. Dental Insurance is extremely expensive with premiums for individuals that run up to $400/year and $1200/year for families. Gateway plans start at $95/year for individuals and $190/year for families. Most insurance plans have a maximum benefit of $1000/year. This affects the amount and timeliness of the treatment you receive. There are no limits to the amount of money you can save on dental care with Gateway. This allows you to receive treatment in a timely manner without potential unhealthy delays. With insurance there are pre-existing condition clauses and other limitations and exclusions. All these limitations actually reduce your maximum benefit. Your maximum benefit is not really $1000 if your insurance refuses to pay for certain procedures. With Gateway there are no pre-existing condition clauses or limitations or exclusions. The way we see it at Gateway; if you need dental care, and you want dental care; then you get dental care.
Look at the big picture. With insurance you are paying higher and higher premiums with a stagnant maximum benefit, and the ever increasing limitations and exclusions. Insurance doesn’t make much sense. Save the money you would spend on insurance premiums, invest in a Gateway Dental Plan, and use the savings on dental care for you and your family. That’s why at Gateway Dental Plans we believe that Gateway is not insurance…It’s better!!
GATEWAY DENTAL PLANS CHARACTERISTICS
- NO LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS
- NO MAXIMUMS
- NO WAITING PERIODS
- NO PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS CLAUSES
- NO CLAIM FORMS
- AFFORDABLE MEMBERSHIP FEES
- AVAILABLE DIRECTLY TO INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND BUSINESSES
- NO ONE IS DENIED MEMBERSHIP
DENTAL INSURANCE CHARACTERISTICS
- LIMITATIONS, EXCLUSIONS, AND ANNUAL MAXIMUMS
- WAITING PERIODS FOR MAJOR DENTAL PROCEDURES
- TEDIOUS AND TIME-CONSUMING WRITTEN CLAIMS PROCESS
- PRE-EXISTING CONDITION CLAUSES
- EXPENSIVE ANNUAL PREMIUMS
- TYPICALLY INACCCESSIBLE TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES UNLESS PROVIDED BY THEIR EMPLOYER