Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

If you're an employee working for a company of good standing, you've probably heard of the term “PPO” that's usually discussed along with the many health benefits provided by your employer. PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization, which is actually a health plan contracting a network of medical service providers available in case you need some tuning up. Referrals and primary care physicians are no longer required to approach PPOs.

Depending on your customized health plan, you might have to shoulder annual deductibles and co-payments upon visiting a member of your company's PPO. However, opting to stick to your family doctor or a medical specialist not in the preferred network will mean more deductions to your health privileges. Going out-of-network means you'll have to pay the doctor directly and file a claim with the PPO for reimbursements.

Health insurances also come in the form of HMOs. You shouldn't confuse PPO with HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization. Unlike PPOs, HMOs do not give reimbursements to employees who consult with doctors outside of the network. HMOs also require a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist and have your medical expenses covered. Filing a claim with the HMO beforehand is also necessary to receive payment from your company.

PPO is just one of the many words you'll encounter concerning health benefits. Don't just sign agreements without reviewing their terms.

All About Dental Reimbursement and How it Works

A dental treatment can be an expensive service. Its cost may vary depending on the level of difficulty or the expected effect of the method used. Basic treatments like extraction and filling are among the least expensive, next to preventive dental exams. Unfortunately, many still find the prices steep and thus refuse to get professional treatment.

Fortunately, there is such a thing as direct dental reimbursement. This is an innovative solution to helping employees get discounts or reimburse cash when they get certain dental treatments as a form of self-funding benefit. It gives the employees the freedom to choose the dentist they want, especially if these dentists aren't among those authorized to provide services through their company-funded dental benefits.

Direct dental reimbursement is popular for its simplicity. It comes with a set of dental plans allowing clients to choose their dentists, pay their bills, and get their reimbursements. Usually, the payment for the benefits are assigned directly to the client's chosen dental office, making it easier to receive.

Unlike traditional dental plans that are based on the type of treatment received, direct dental reimbursement is based on dollar expenditures. Meaning, the client doesn't have to look for dental offices that provide the treatment he needs least or more expensively to get a favorable reimbursement. Clients can also expect very few limitations on the benefits they will receive.