Dental insurance, HMO dental insurance plans
Dental HMOs
These HMOs 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 (dentist). A Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) is a common example of a capitation plan. The dentist is paid on a per capita (per person) basis rather than for actual treatment provided.
Participating dentists receive a fixes 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 dentists
May have an initial enrollment fee
Annual dollar cap
Your average monthly cost: $5 to $20
Companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments
