Compare the Best Health and Dental Insurance Plans in Florida

If you’re looking to compare the best health and dental insurance plans in Florida, you’re probably wondering which option will truly safeguard your health (and wallet). Whether you need basic coverage or something more comprehensive, Florida’s insurance marketplace is full of choices. In this post, you’ll explore the key plan types, discover how dental coverage fits in, and learn a few cost-saving tricks along the way.

The goal is to help you feel confident about choosing coverage that meets your needs. Once you understand the main differences between plans like HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POS plans, you’ll see how each option can fit within your budget. Let’s dig in and figure out which health and dental insurance plan is best for you.

Explore health coverage

In Florida, you’ve got several ways to sign up for a health plan. Some people buy through the Health Insurance Marketplace, while others might get coverage through an employer or professional group. 

Regardless, it helps to know the basics about:

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Requires you to choose an in-network primary care doctor, and you get referrals for specialists as needed. These plans often have lower premiums, but you have less flexibility in choosing providers.

• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers a larger provider network, no need for a primary care doctor or specialist referrals, and you can see out-of-network doctors at a higher cost.

• EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Combines elements of HMO and PPO plans. You typically won’t need a referral for specialists, but you’ll see higher out-of-pocket costs if you go out of the network.

• POS (Point of Service): Works similarly to an HMO because you’ll have a primary care doctor for referrals. However, you can also visit out-of-network specialists for a higher fee.

Compare dental coverage

Dental care is often separate from standard health insurance, but many full coverage health plans may offer at least some dental benefits. 

If you want more comprehensive dental coverage, check out:

• DPPO (Dental Preferred Provider Organization): Similar to a medical PPO, you have a network with discounted rates, but you can also go out-of-network for a higher fee.

• DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization): More restrictive network, often no annual limits, and usually no waiting periods. Your out-of-pocket costs can be lower, but you must see in-network providers.

• DEPO (Dental Exclusive Provider Organization) and DPOS (Dental Point of Service): These are similar to DHMO and DPPO, respectively, but exact coverage details vary between carriers.

When reviewing dental plans, pay particular attention to whether they cover major procedures like implants. Some plans only cover a percentage of implant costs or require waiting periods. That’s why it’s essential to read the fine print.

Price factors you should know

Plan costs in Florida vary based on services offered, coverage levels, and whether you qualify for any cost-saving programs. You’ll typically pay:

1. Monthly premium: The amount you pay to maintain coverage.

2. Deductible: The amount you pay first before insurance benefits kick in.

3. Copay or coinsurance: Your share of the cost whenever you get a service, after meeting your deductible.

4. Out-of-pocket maximum: The cap on how much you’ll pay for covered services in a policy period.

If you’re primarily concerned with budget, you might lean toward an HMO or DHMO. If freedom of choice matters more, a PPO or DPPO may be worth the extra expense. For temporary coverage (like between jobs), you can explore a short-term health plan, although benefits can be more limited.

Pinpoint your perfect plan

Finding the right plan comes down to your priorities:

• Do you want a low monthly cost, or do you prefer high flexibility when picking providers?

• Are you more likely to need preventive care, or do you anticipate major procedures, like implants or surgical treatments?

• Is it important to see a broad range of specialists without referrals?

If you have a family, consider a plan that covers everyone under one policy with robust preventive care. Full coverage plans often include routine checkups, emergency procedures, and sometimes orthodontics for kids. 

Be sure to check any waiting periods for major procedures, which can range from a few months to a year.

Conclusion

When you compare the best health and dental insurance plans in Florida, it pays to look carefully at provider networks, coverage limits, and out-of-pocket costs. You’ll want a plan that balances affordability with access to the care you need. 

If you’d like personalized advice on choosing your health or dental insurance plan, contact Elliot Glass Insurance today. We can help you tailor coverage for you and your family’s unique needs. You can get in touch with us at our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

How are HMOs different from PPOs?

With an HMO, you generally must choose a primary care doctor in-network, while a PPO offers more freedom to see providers without referrals, including some coverage for out-of-network doctors.

Does full coverage dental insurance pay for everything?

“Full coverage” doesn’t mean the plan will cover 100% of costs. Rather, it indicates coverage for a wide range of preventive, basic, and major services. You may still have copays or coinsurance.

Which dental plans include implant coverage?

Implant coverage isn’t standard in many dental plans. When it is offered, plans typically pay a portion of the procedure’s cost, and there may be waiting periods or annual limits.

What if I only need coverage for a short time?

Short-term health plans can bridge gaps between jobs or other transitions. These plans typically last 30 to 90 days, but they may come with limited benefits compared to standard Marketplace plans.