At Bryant Consultants, for nearly a decade we have seen many dental clients successfully implement in-house membership plans, and we’ve observed a growing interest among their patients. You can manage the plan independently or use a plan to help implement and guide you.
The primary beneficiaries of the membership plan are the patients, especially those who lack insurance coverage or are self-employed, elderly, have high premiums on employer-sponsored plans or work for companies without dental insurance offerings. Our consultants at Bryant Consultants see patients saving approximately 20 percent upon enrollment, with options tailored to adults, children (aged 13 and younger), and periodontal patients. This not only entails discounts on hygiene services but also features reduced fees for dental treatments. This is an excellent option if you plan to go out of network with any dental plans.
One notable advantage of an in-house plan is the absence of waiting periods, maximums, or deductibles, which can be especially appealing to patients with extensive treatment needs. Traditional dental insurance often results in patients utilizing their entire benefit limit upfront and delaying any remaining care. In contrast, a membership plan guarantees continuous discounts.
It’s essential to clarify to your patients that the membership program isn’t dental insurance; instead, it functions as a cash discount program. When designing your plan, you can choose from various structures, such as single membership, periodontal, or family plans.
Determining the cost of your plan is a crucial step. Assess the out-of-pocket expenses for routine dental services like cleanings, exams, X-rays, and fluoride treatments, usually scheduled semi-annually. This data will help you determine a fee that offers savings to patients while ensuring the practice remains profitable. Additionally, you can decide on the discount percentage for dental treatments; our consultants at Bryant Consultants have seen practices offering anywhere from 10 to 25 percent off with their membership plans.
Membership plans are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to meet patients’ needs and preferences. The majority of our uninsured patient base has enrolled in our membership plan. This encourages regular biannual check-ups and ensures patients don’t face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Patients often find that the membership plan’s cost compares favorably to traditional dental insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious individuals in times of rising expenses.
If you still need to introduce a membership plan for your patients, now is the time to explore the possibility. Whether you manage it independently or collaborate with a dedicated service provider, such plans can benefit your practice and your patients. The consultants at Bryant Consultants recommend Plan Forward for all your membership needs.
April Brogan
Director of New Business & Practice Relationships
