Best Dental Plans, HMOs in California
These insurance plans, also known as “capitation plans,” operate like their medical HMO cousins. This type of dental plan provides a comprehensive dental care to enrolled patients through designated provider office. A Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) is a common example of a capitation plan. The dentistry provider is paid on a per capita (per person) basis rather than for actual treatment provided. Participating individual and family dentists receive a fixed monthly fee based on the number of patients assigned to the office. In addition to premiums, client co-payments may be required for each visit. Some typical features of these plans: Monthly premiums (some require you to prepay a year’s worth) Co-payments for office visits Free preventive or routine care You must select from an approved network of that family or individual dental insurance dentists May have an initial enrollment fee Annual dollar cap Your average monthly cost: $10 to $25 Companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments.