Cadwell Dental News
Richland dentist offers monthly pay vs. insurance (Tri-City Herald)
RICHLAND -- Josh Cadwell wants to provide high quality dental care at affordable prices to all.
The Richland dentist recently began offering a membership program that provides preventive dental health care to adults for less than $20 a month. The standard plan includes one annual exam, two cleanings, necessary X-rays and fluoride treatments.
Two emergency visits a year and discounts of 15 percent or more on additional services are also part of the plan. The same services would cost $357 for those paying out of pocket.
It's a better option than traditional dental insurance plans, which require a lot of paperwork, to save money and get personalized care, said Cadwell, who's been practicing in the Tri-Cities for more than five years.
Small-business owners can save about 30 percent with his program compared to dental insurance plans, he said. "Our program provides the economies of group care with personalized attention of individual care."
Cadwell, 32, also clarified that his plan works differently than a typical insurance plan but offers the same tax benefits to business owners for enrolling their employees while providing quality care to patients.
Cadwell Dental already has signed up 120 employees of Cadwell Laboratory as a client and 15 employees and their families at the Cathedral of Joy in Richland. Cadwell said he's talking to a number of businesses like law firms, real estate companies and other business owners about his membership plans, which can be tailored to meet specific needs.
Nationally, about 40 percent to 50 percent of people see a dentist on a regular basis, but a minority of them do what they need to stay healthy, he said, adding preventive dental care can save huge expenses later.
Cadwell also offers other plans, ranging from $34.50 to $52.50 a month, for those who require more hygiene visits.
"It's an interesting concept," said Steve Dilley, co-owner of Harms Pacific Transport in Pasco, after learning about Cadwell's plan. His company provides health care to 20 of its more than 30 employees but doesn't offer dental health care.
"It's not in our budget." Dental insurance would cost about $50 per person per month to him, Dilley said.
He said he's glad to hear about other options and is interested in taking a closer look at Cadwell's program.
Small businesses nationwide are finding it difficult in the current economic environment to provide health coverage to employees, said Troy Nichols, Washington state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, an advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses.
An affordable dental care plan that business owners can use seems to be unique, he said.
Nichols said he knows of many clinics west of the Cascades that provide all primary health care services in their offices for a fixed monthly fee to members, regardless of the number of visits. It doesn't include hospitalization.
Neither patients nor doctors have to deal with insurance companies in this direct health care practices business model, Nichols said. Cadwell's plan could be a good alternative, he said. "A healthy employee is a more productive employee."
A 2007 state law is helping make direct practice popular and is promoting access to basic medical care for all.
Cadwell's model is technically not a direct practice because it doesn't provide unlimited services, said Stephanie Marquis, spokeswoman for the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
But it may offer an affordable option for some people, she said.
Also, Cadwell's program doesn't require patients to pay in advance. The discounted plan breaks down to $19.50 a month for the appropriate preventive/diagnostic care plan, Cadwell said.
Members get the basic preventive care under their plans, and they pay a discounted rate for dental procedures when the services are performed, Cadwell said. Employees even get reimbursed up to 80 percent for dental procedures by their employers under specific plans.
"We are essentially making payment arrangements for services previously provided," Cadwell said.
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