What Are the Types of Dental Insurance Cigna Offers?
Dental insurance is an essential part of healthcare, helping to reduce the financial burden of dental care, which can sometimes be expensive. Whether you're looking for a basic plan that covers routine care or a more comprehensive plan for extensive procedures, Cigna offers several options to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of dental insurance Cigna offers.
Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO)
Cigna’s Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO) plan is one of the most flexible options available. Under this plan, you have the freedom to visit any dentist, but the plan incentivizes you to use dentists within Cigna’s extensive network by offering lower out-of-pocket costs. While you can see an out-of-network dentist, you may pay higher copayments and coinsurance rates. The DPPO plan typically covers preventive services such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays at 100%, and offers varying coverage levels for other dental procedures like fillings, crowns, and root canals. This type of plan is ideal for individuals who want flexibility in choosing their healthcare providers but still want to benefit from a network of affordable and high-quality dentists.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)
Cigna's Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plan is a more affordable option that provides lower premiums compared to DPPO plans. However, it comes with more restrictions. Under a DHMO plan, you are required to select a primary care dentist from Cigna's network of providers. This dentist will be responsible for coordinating your care and providing referrals to specialists if needed. While the DHMO plan typically has no deductible and lower out-of-pocket costs for most services, all your care must be provided by dentists within the network. This plan is suitable for individuals who prefer lower premiums and are comfortable with the network restrictions.
Dental Indemnity
The Dental Indemnity plan is a more traditional form of dental insurance and offers great flexibility. You can visit any dentist, and there is no requirement for a primary care dentist or referrals. You pay for dental services up front, then submit claims for reimbursement. Cigna will cover a percentage of the cost based on the services you received and your plan’s coverage rules. This plan is best suited for individuals who want the freedom to choose their dentist without network limitations and are willing to manage higher upfront costs.
Dental Exclusive Provider Organization (DEPO)
The Dental Exclusive Provider Organization (DEPO) plan is similar to the DPPO plan, but it has more stringent restrictions. With this plan, you must use a dentist within Cigna’s network to receive coverage. Unlike the DPPO plan, there are no out-of-network benefits with a DEPO plan, meaning that if you visit a dentist outside of the network, you will have to pay the full cost of the services. This plan is ideal for individuals who are willing to trade off flexibility for lower premiums and more predictable costs.
Dental Point of Service (DPOS)
Under Cigna’s Dental Point of Service (DPOS) plan, you can choose to receive care from in-network providers, or you can visit out-of-network providers for higher out-of-pocket costs. If you choose an out-of-network dentist, you may need to meet a higher deductible and pay a larger share of the costs. The DPOS plan requires you to select a primary care dentist, but you can still visit specialists without needing a referral if you go out of network. This plan is perfect for those who want some flexibility to see out-of-network providers without entirely giving up the lower costs of an in-network plan.
If you are a new patient and/or have questions about insurance coverage reach out.