What is the difference between dental PPO and DHMO?

PPO plans offer more provider choice with in-network discounts but higher premiums. DHMO plans require choosing a primary dentist, have lower premiums, but limited networks. PPO is better for flexibility, DHMO for cost savings.

What should I compare in dental plans?

Key comparison points: Annual maximum ($1,000-$2,500 typical), deductibles (individual/family), coverage percentages (preventive/basic/major), orthodontia coverage, waiting periods, and network size in your area.

Are vision plans worth offering?

Vision plans are low-cost, high-value benefits. They typically cost $5-15/month but provide significant savings on exams, glasses, and contacts. Employees consistently rank vision highly in benefit surveys.

BART

🦷👁️ Ancillary Benefits

Dental & Vision Comparison Tool

Compare dental and vision plans side-by-side across carriers. Analyze coverage levels, networks, and costs to find the best ancillary package for your clients.

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Dental Plan Comparison

Feature	Description	Typical Range
Annual Maximum	Max the plan pays per year	$1,000 - $2,500
Deductible	Amount before coverage starts	$25 - $100 individual
Preventive Care	Cleanings, exams, x-rays	100% (no deductible)
Basic Services	Fillings, extractions	70-80% after deductible
Major Services	Crowns, bridges, dentures	50% after deductible
Orthodontia	Braces, aligners	50% up to $1,500 lifetime
Waiting Periods	Time before coverage starts	0-12 months for major

Dental Plan Types

Dental PPO

Pros

+Freedom to see any dentist
+No referrals needed
+Out-of-network coverage available
+Large networks

Cons

-Higher premiums
-Higher out-of-pocket if out-of-network
-Annual maximums apply

Best For

Employees who want flexibility and have established dentists

Dental HMO (DHMO)

Pros

+Lower premiums
+No annual maximum
+No deductibles typically
+Predictable copays

Cons

-Must use assigned dentist
-Smaller networks
-Referrals for specialists
-Geographic limitations

Best For

Cost-conscious groups, areas with good DHMO networks

Dental Indemnity

Pros

+Any dentist, anywhere
+No network restrictions
+Simple reimbursement

Cons

-Highest premiums
-Upfront payment required
-UCR limitations may apply

Best For

Rural areas, employees who travel frequently

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Vision Plan Comparison

Feature	Description	Typical Coverage
Exam Coverage	Annual eye exam	$10-20 copay or 100%
Exam Frequency	How often covered	Every 12 months
Frames Allowance	Amount toward frames	$100 - $200
Lenses Coverage	Single, bifocal, progressive	$25 copay or 100%
Contact Lens Allowance	Amount toward contacts	$100 - $200
Lens Frequency	How often lenses covered	Every 12-24 months
Discounts	Additional savings	20-40% off additional pairs

Why Vision Benefits Matter

75%

of adults need vision correction

$5-15

typical monthly premium

$200+

average annual savings

ranked benefit by employees

Bundling Strategies

Bundle with Medical

●Many carriers offer discounts for bundling
●Single billing and administration
●Coordinated ID cards and portals
●Typical savings: 5-15% on ancillary

Carve-Out Strategy

●Best-in-class specialty carriers
●Larger networks for dental/vision
●More competitive standalone pricing
●Flexibility at renewal to shop separately

Compare All Benefit Types in One Place

BART handles medical, dental, vision, life, and disability comparisons—all in a single, unified platform.