Your dental ins
ket expense. With routine care, you keep your teeth and gums healthy to reduce your long-term dental costs. In fact, every $1 spent on prevention saves you $8 to $50 on restorative and emergency services. Unfortunately, less than 3% of Americans meet or exceed their annual insurance coverage. Often, this is because they do not know how their policy works, causing them to miss valuable opportunities to promote their oral health. To make the most of your benefits, there is important information you need to know about your coverage.
Premiums, Deductibles, and Maximums
Every month you pay premiums for your policy. This gives you comprehensive coverage to enjoy an array of savings opportunities. Most insurance companies give you 100% coverage for preventive care, such as cleanings, checkups, and x-rays.
Even with the best preventive measures in place, a complication can still arise. To quickly treat it before it progresses, your insurance can cover as much as 80% of the cost of basic services, like fillings. Before you can harness these savings, you must pay your yearly deductible. This amount varies depending on your policy.
Your insurance will continue to cover the cost of restorative treatments until you reach your yearly maximum. On average, annual limits range from $1,000 to $1,500.
Maximizing Your Coverage
For maximum savings, it is best to visit a dentist in your insurance’s network. This means they have pre-negotiated rates with your carrier to reduce the amount you need to pay. While it is best to visit an in-network dentist, you still have the freedom to choose one that is not. You can still use your insurance, but you will need to pay the difference between the dentist’s fees and your insurance’s allowable coverage.
At the start of the new year, you need to re-enroll in your policy. On December 31st, your benefits expire. They do not carry over to the next year for accumulation and you are not reimbursed for the premiums or deductible you have already paid.
Filing Claims
Your dentist works on your behalf with your insurance company to file the necessary forms for reimbursement. They handle the pre-negotiations and insurance claims, so you have one less thing to worry about. They help you use your insurance to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. If there is a remaining balance, you can use third-party financing, so nothing stands in your way of a healthy smile.
Enjoy Affordable Care
If you have dental insurance, do not waste it. Visit your dentist regularly for affordable rates to achieve optimal oral health.
About Dr. Brian C. Oyler
Dr. Brian C. Oyler completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1994. Since then, he has delivered high-quality dental care to the community. He strives to help all patients maintain their oral health using cutting-edge dentistry. He works with many insurance companies to keep his services affordable. If you have any questions about your policy, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.