Dental/Vision/Hearing Insurance Resources

Why are Dental/Vision/Hearing plans important?

Dental/Vision/Hearing (DVH) plans provide coverage for various dental procedures and treatments, and promote regular oral care helping to preserve a healthy smile; affordable access to eye exams, corrective eyewear and maintaining clear vision and eye health; and support for hearing exams, aids and treatments, enhancing auditory well-being and communication capabilities. 

What is Dental Insurance?

Dental insurance is a specialized form of health coverage that focuses on maintaining and improving your oral health. It helps alleviate the financial burden associated with various dental procedures, treatments, and services. Dental insurance typically covers a range of services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more complex procedures such as root canals, crowns, and orthodontic work. This insurance provides peace of mind by ensuring that you have access to necessary dental care without having to bear the full cost out of pocket. By promoting regular dental visits and preventive care, dental insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding your overall health and preserving your bright smile.

What is Vision Insurance?

Vision insurance is a specialized type of coverage that caters to your eye health and vision needs. It assists in managing the expenses associated with eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and sometimes even corrective eye surgeries like LASIK. Vision insurance aims to ensure that you can maintain clear and comfortable vision by making routine eye care more affordable. Whether you have myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or other visual conditions, vision insurance helps you access the necessary eye care services to keep your eyesight in optimal condition. By encouraging regular eye check-ups and offering discounts on corrective eyewear, vision insurance contributes to your overall well-being and quality of life.

What is Hearing Insurance?

Hearing insurance is a specialized coverage designed to address your auditory health needs. It provides assistance in managing the costs associated with hearing exams, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other hearing-related treatments. This type of insurance recognizes the importance of maintaining clear and effective communication by ensuring you have access to the latest advancements in hearing technology. Hearing insurance plays a crucial role in helping you address hearing loss, enhance your quality of life, and stay connected to the world around you. By offering financial support for diagnostic assessments and hearing devices, this insurance contributes to preserving your auditory well-being and ensuring you can engage fully in your daily activities.

How insurance works

As with most types of health insurance, your DVH insurancse typically includes a deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, and a maximum annual benefit. Here’s a quick breakdown of how these features apply to your dental care.

  • Deductible: This is the amount you’re required to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
  • Co-pay: A co-pay is a set dollar amount your insurance carrier requires you to pay for certain services and procedures. Depending on the insurer or policy, your co-pay may count towards your deductible.
  • Co-insurance: This determines what percentage of your care you’ll pay for after you meet your deductible. So, if you have 30% co-insurance, you’ll pay 30% of your dental costs, while your insurance pays 70%.
  • Maximum annual benefit: This is the maximum amount your insurance pays out for each person on your policy during the calendar year.

Your deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, and maximum annual benefit vary based on the individual policy and type of plan you select. There are four plan types offered each with a varying degree of choice and out-of-pocket cost.

  • DPPO: You can go to most dentists, though in-network dentists are less expensive. You have a co-pay for procedures, with a deductible and maximum annual benefit.
  • DHMO: You must choose one in-network dentist or facility; out-of-network dentists are not covered. You pay a co-pay, but no deductible or maximum annual benefit.
  • Fee-for-service: You can visit almost any provider, though you pay a fee in addition to a co-pay with each visit.
  • Discount plans: You have no limitations on your choice of provider. With each visit, you pay a discounted fee and pay the rest of your care out of pocket.

When choosing an insurance plan, make sure you’re comfortable with any network limits and out-of-pocket costs associated with your plan before applying.