Dental Insurance in Illinois: Understanding Your Options

If you’re a resident of Illinois, dental insurance can help you receive affordable dental care. However, it can be difficult to navigate the multitude of options available to you. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of dental insurance in Illinois and help you understand your options.

Types of Dental Insurance Plans in Illinois

There are several types of dental insurance plans available in Illinois. These include:

Some dental insurance plans also include orthodontic coverage, which can be important if you have children who need braces.

PPO Plans

PPO plans are a popular type of dental insurance plan in Illinois. They offer a network of dentists who have agreed to provide services at discounted rates. However, you can still see a dentist who is outside the network, though you may have to pay more for the services.

One of the benefits of PPO plans is that they typically offer a high level of coverage for preventive care, such as cleanings and exams. However, coverage for restorative care, such as fillings and crowns, may be limited.

When choosing a PPO plan, it’s important to check the network of dentists to ensure that there are providers in your area. You should also review the plan’s coverage and cost-sharing requirements to ensure that it meets your needs.

DHMO Plans

DHMO plans are another type of dental insurance plan in Illinois. Unlike PPO plans, they require you to choose a primary care dentist who will coordinate all your dental care.

One of the benefits of DHMO plans is that they often have lower premiums than PPO plans. However, you may have to pay more out of pocket for services that are not covered by the plan.

Another important consideration when choosing a DHMO plan is the network of dentists. You should ensure that there are providers in your area and that you are comfortable with the dentist who will be coordinating your care.

Indemnity Plans

Indemnity plans are a less common type of dental insurance plan in Illinois. They allow you to see any dentist you choose, but may require you to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.

One of the benefits of indemnity plans is that they offer a high level of flexibility, as you can see any dentist you choose. However, they may have higher premiums and may require more paperwork than other types of plans.

When choosing an indemnity plan, it’s important to review the plan’s coverage and cost-sharing requirements. You should also ensure that you are comfortable with the amount of paperwork required and that you are able to pay upfront for services if required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does dental insurance cost in Illinois?

The cost of dental insurance in Illinois varies depending on the type of plan you choose and the level of coverage you need. PPO plans typically have higher premiums than DHMO plans, but may offer more coverage for restorative care. Indemnity plans may have the highest premiums, but offer the most flexibility in terms of choosing a dentist.

What does dental insurance in Illinois cover?

Dental insurance in Illinois typically covers preventive care, such as cleanings and exams, as well as restorative care, such as fillings and crowns. Some plans also offer orthodontic coverage for children who need braces.

Can I purchase dental insurance outside of my employer?

Yes, you can purchase dental insurance outside of your employer. There are several companies that offer dental insurance in Illinois, including Delta Dental, Cigna, and MetLife.

Do I need to choose a dentist who is in the network?

It depends on the type of plan you choose. PPO plans allow you to see a dentist who is outside the network, but you may have to pay more for the services. DHMO plans require you to choose a primary care dentist who is in the network. Indemnity plans allow you to see any dentist you choose, but may require you to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.

Do I have to wait to use my dental insurance?

Most dental insurance plans in Illinois have a waiting period for restorative care, such as fillings and crowns. This waiting period can vary depending on the plan, so it’s important to review the plan’s coverage and waiting period requirements.

Conclusion

If you’re a resident of Illinois, dental insurance can help you receive affordable dental care. There are several types of plans available, including PPO plans, DHMO plans, and indemnity plans. When choosing a plan, it’s important to review the plan’s coverage, network of dentists, and cost-sharing requirements to ensure that it meets your needs.