When searching for medical dental and vision insurance you will find they are typically offered in these different formats:

Indemnity insurance: this is what we think of as traditional insurance where the insured pays a premium and then chooses the medical providers he or she prefers.

HMO stands for Health Management Organization which is a group of doctors, laboratories, hospitals, clinics, etc that form a group to lower health care costs.  You can only use the HMO group providers when you belong to an HMO.

A PPO is a network of providers who have come together to offer their serviced at a fixed (lower) rate to members who buy into the plan.  You can chose to use providers outside of the PPO, but you may have to pay some out of pocket for their services.

What does Vision Insurance Cover?

A wide array of benefits are offered under the various vision insurance plans, but typically, you will be covered for a yearly eye exam, prescription glasses and contacts, glaucoma screening, and sometimes, lasik or PRK at a reduced rate.  Please make note that it is your health insurance that pays for eye trauma or injury and disease, not a vision plan.

Things to look for in a vision plan:

As you compare vision plans, make sure you understand the coverage offered as well as the payments you will be responsible for such as:

• Can I use my own doctor?
• What is the annual cost or premium?
• Is there a deductible?
• How much is my co-pay?
• How much will I pay for corrective lenses, either glasses or contacts or both?
• Can my doctor bill the insurance or will I be expected to pay upfront and then wait for the insurance company to reimburse me?

What does Dental Insurance Cover?

Like vision insurance, dental insurance plans vary widely in the coverage they offer.  Some bare bones plans will only cover semi-annual cleanings and x-rays, some will also cover fillings and crowns, while others, the expensive ones, will cover any procedure you need.

Things to look for in a dental insurance plan:

• Can I choose my own dentist?
• Are there annual coverage limits or maximum payouts?
• Are you limited to UCR (Usual, Customary and Reasonable) payments?  If so, you may have to pay the difference out of pocket.
  How much is my co-pay?
• Is there a deductible?
• What is the annual cost or premium?