Dental insurance is a wonderful provision that could help you save hundreds of dollars each year. Unfortunately, though, insurance can be confusing at times. Your policy may have some stipulations and limitations that you should be aware of. How can you get the most out of your benefits? This blog post explains four helpful facts that you should keep in mind.
Benefits Do Not Roll Over
PPO dental insurance usually operates on a calendar-year basis. At the beginning of the year, you are given a specific set of benefits, including an annual maximum, which places a limit on how much your insurer will pay out during the year. At the end of the year, any unused portion of that maximum disappears; it does not roll over into your new benefits period.
Many people end up losing out on hundreds of dollars of benefits by simply delaying treatment. Therefore, as the new year draws closer, it is a good time to check how much of your annual maximum remains so you can put it toward necessary procedures.
Major Procedures Receive Less Coverage
Dental insurance has a strong focus on prevention; it often pays 100% of the cost of cleanings, checkups, and other basic services from general dentists. If you need a major service, such as wisdom tooth removal or another form of oral surgery, your insurance might pay just 50% or so of your bill, up to the amount of your annual maximum. It is smart to be familiar with your coverage rates so you do not have any unpleasant surprises when it is time to pay for your treatments.
You May Save Money by Staying In-Network
Many PPO dental insurance plans allow their policyholders to visit any dentist or specialist; they usually do not even need a referral. However, you can usually save money by staying in-network. In-network providers have a contract with your insurance company that controls prices, so you are likely to end up paying as little as possible out of pocket.
You May Have a Waiting Period
If you purchased your dental insurance policy fairly recently, you might not yet be eligible for full coverage. Most plans cover preventive care right away. However, you may need to wait 6 – 12 months before you can receive coverage for restorative services. If you need a major treatment before your waiting period ends, you might need to use financing or other provisions to manage the cost of your care.
It isn’t always easy to navigate dental insurance. If you have questions about how to use your plan, ask your dental team for assistance; they should be happy to answer your questions.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Anver and the team at Texas Wisdom Teeth & Dental Implants understand that many patients are concerned about the cost of care. That is why we welcome insurance. We are even in-network with many popular plans. If you want to learn how we can help you maximize your benefits, contact our Dallas office at 972-960-1111.