Ameritas

Ameritas Dental Insurance: Comprehensive Coverage and Flexibility

Ameritas is a respected name in the insurance industry, offering a range of products that cater to the dental, vision, and life insurance needs of individuals, families, and businesses. Their dental insurance plans, in particular, are popular for providing comprehensive coverage, flexibility, and a strong network of providers. Among their offerings, Ameritas PPO dental plans stand out as a preferred choice for those looking for affordable, high-quality dental care with the freedom to choose providers. In this write-up, we will explore the features, benefits, and considerations of Ameritas dental insurance.

What is Ameritas Dental Insurance?

Ameritas dental insurance is designed to provide coverage for a wide range of dental care needs, from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex restorative procedures like crowns, fillings, and root canals. Ameritas offers both PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) plans, but in this article, we’ll focus on the PPO option, which offers the most flexibility and broadest access to dental providers.

A PPO plan allows members to choose any dentist, with the benefit of lower out-of-pocket costs when visiting in-network providers. Ameritas’ PPO plans are known for their extensive network, competitive premiums, and comprehensive coverage.

Key Features of Ameritas PPO Dental Plans

1. Wide Network of Providers:

One of the primary advantages of Ameritas PPO dental insurance is its large network of participating dentists. Members can access a broad network of dental professionals, from general practitioners to specialists like orthodontists and periodontists. With Ameritas’ Dental Network of America (DNOA), members have access to thousands of dentists across the country, making it easy to find a provider close to home.

2. Flexibility to See Any Dentist:

Ameritas PPO dental plans offer significant flexibility, allowing members to visit any dentist they choose. If a member prefers to see an out-of-network dentist, they can still receive coverage, though at a lower reimbursement rate. This flexibility is ideal for patients who may have a preferred dentist or who live in areas where in-network options are limited.

3. Comprehensive Coverage:

Ameritas PPO plans typically cover a wide range of dental services, including:

- Preventive care: Routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays are usually covered at 100% when using in-network providers.

- Basic services: These include fillings, extractions, and periodontal treatment, typically covered at 80% for in-network care.

- Major services: More extensive procedures like crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals are also covered, usually at 50% or higher for in-network care.

The plans often have varying levels of coverage for out-of-network care, but members will typically pay more if they choose to visit a dentist who is not part of the Ameritas network.

4. Preventive Care Emphasis:

Ameritas places a strong emphasis on preventive care to help members maintain good oral health and avoid more costly treatments later on. Preventive services like cleanings and exams are often covered in full, which encourages patients to get regular checkups and screenings to prevent dental issues from escalating.

5. Affordable Premiums and Cost-sharing:

Ameritas PPO dental plans are known for offering competitive premiums that make dental insurance more affordable for individuals and families. Additionally, the cost-sharing structure is designed to be straightforward, with clear copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance percentages. This transparency helps members understand what they will pay out-of-pocket for various services.

6. Additional Member Benefits:

Ameritas also offers several added benefits, including discounts on orthodontics and other specialized dental services, as well as access to online tools for managing benefits, finding providers, and tracking claims. Their customer service team is highly regarded, providing members with support when needed.

Considerations When Choosing Ameritas Dental Insurance

While Ameritas offers many benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Out-of-Network Care: Although out-of-network care is covered, members will generally pay more if they choose to see a dentist outside of the Ameritas network.
• Plan Variability: Ameritas offers a variety of PPO plans with different coverage levels, so it's important for potential members to review the specific plan details to find the best fit for their needs and budget.
• Deductibles and Waiting Periods: Like most dental plans, Ameritas PPO plans may have deductibles and waiting periods for certain services, especially major treatments. It's important to carefully review the terms to understand when coverage begins for specific services.

Ameritas Dental Insurance provides comprehensive, flexible coverage for individuals and families seeking reliable dental care. With a strong emphasis on preventive services, access to a large network of dental professionals, and the ability to see out-of-network providers, Ameritas PPO dental plans offer members both flexibility and affordability. Whether you need routine care or more extensive dental work, Ameritas offers a variety of coverage options designed to help you maintain good oral health without breaking the bank.