MetLife Dental Insurance

A Quick Introduction to MetLife

MetLife is one of the largest providers of insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs. Founded in1868, the company is dedicated to providing working-class Americans with financial protection. Over the years, MetLife has helped generations of customers around the world protect their property, finances, family, and future. The largest commercial dental insurance carrier in the U.S., MetLife proudly offers both dental and vision benefits on DentalInsurance.com. Their range across the U.S. spans from New York to California, as far south as Florida and as far north as Alaska.

You deserve the best care to keep you and your family healthy, and costs should never prevent you from getting the care you need. Whether you need routine cleanings, braces, or a dental filling, having a solid dental plan helps makes it easier to protect your smile and your budget. MetLife's plans, service, and discounts make it easier for you to save and protect your family's health.

When you choose MetLife, you get an insurer who will help you save in ways you've never imagined. It's more than discounts. You'll see it in the way MetLife manages claims and the selection of providers in its networks. MetLife is your total solution for healthier smiles, brighter eyes, lower costs, and award-winning service.

Why Enroll in a MetLife Dental Plan?

The advantages of MetLife dental coverage include:

• MetLife's large network and flexible coverage options help keep your out-of-pocket costs down
• Finding the right dentist is easy with the MetLife dental network, which includes over 146,000 providers
• Visit providers in or out of network with our flexible plans
• Members benefit from our negotiated fees, which are typically 30-45% less than average

Some Quick Facts About MetLife

• Recognized and trusted by approximately 100 million customers worldwide
• Over 90 million customers in over 60 countries
• More than 150 years of experience
• Serves more than 90 of the top 100 companies in the Fortune 500 for the U.S.

More From DentalInsurance.com...

What is a portable dental plan?

“Portable” can be used to describe a dental plan that is accepted by any licensed dentist. The advantages of portable dental plans are freedom from dental network restrictions, nationwide coverage, ease of finding a new dentist if you move to a new location, ease of switching dentists if you become dissatisfied with your current dental care provider, and flexibility in choosing a dentist. MetLife’s TakeAlong Dental Plan High, Medium, and Low are examples of portable dental plans. Portable dental plans allow enrollees to choose any licensed dentist, in or out of the network, and still receive their dental benefits. Those dentists who are in-network accept rates that have been negotiated by MetLife. MetLife negotiated rates are typically 36 percent less than the average retail fees in the same area.

Like other types of dental insurance, you may elect to change your portable dental plan to another coverage option on the policy renewal date or at any other time. However, you must apply for a new policy in order to become insured for another coverage option.

What is the MetLife preferred dentist program?

The MetLife Preferred Dentist Program (PDP) is dentist network available with some MetLife dental plan options. The network if a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), which means plan enrollees can use in-network or out-of-network licensed dentists. However, for dentists participating in the Preferred Dentist Program, enrollees have the opportunity to maximize their insurance value through access to lower, out-of-pocket expenses for covered care.

By choosing a dentist within the network, enrollees can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for a variety of dental services. Additionally, the PDP program minimizes the hassle of paperwork, simplifying the process of managing dental bills as well as insurance claims.

New dentists can be added to the PDP Network assuming they meet MetLife’s credentialing standards. Plan enrollees whose dentists do not participate in the PDP network (and would like these dentists added) can ask their dental care provider to complete a MetLife PDP nomination card or visit the dentist directory online at www.metlife.com/dental and MetLife will send them information on how to apply.

How can MetLife dental insurance help people better manage their oral healthcare costs?

MetLife insurance can help enrollees better manage their oral health care costs through several measures. First, many MetLife dental plans have no charge for basic preventive care like regular check-ups. Second, enrollees can seek out in-network care. In-network care lowers out-of-pocket costs because MetLife negotiates lower rates from dentists participating in their networks. Third, MetLife has plan options that cover very expensive procedures like crowns and dental implants. These dental plan options can save enrollees thousands of dollars when compared to paying retail prices due to an insurance plan lacking this coverage.

What are the benefits of preventive care in a dental insurance plan?

The benefits of preventive care are both financial and emotional. With respect to finance, preventive care intends to prevent tooth decay and other problems or identify them early on so they may treated at an early stage where the cost of care is less expensive. Good preventive dental care can also reduce the incidence of oral surgeries or trips to emergency dental care providers.

The emotional benefits from preventive care are many. Maintaining oral health and an attractive smile can contribute to happiness and self-esteem. Likewise, avoiding painful dental conditions can also help avoid the emotional consequences of chronic dental pain.

Does MetLife have a large network of dentists?

Yes. MetLife has over 133,000 dental care providers in its network. The types of dental care providers participating in MetLife’s network include general practice dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and other specialists.

Does MetLife offer HMO coverage as well as PPO?

Yes, MetLife offers HMO dental insurance plans as well as PPO dental plans. Examples of MetLife HMO plans include the TakeAlong Dental HMO-Managed Care 350 (Low) and the TakeAlong Dental HMO-Managed Care 245 (High).

What is the Federal Dental (FEDVIP) Program and can I enroll in it?

The Federal Dental (FEDVIP) Program stands for "Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program." The program is a dental and vision insurance plan. Eligibility for this plan is restricted to current and retired employees of the federal government. Additional groups eligible for the FEDVIP program include U.S. Postal Service employees certain firefighters and emergency response personnel.