4 Tips to Help You Comprehend Your Dental Insurance

Because medical insurance is used more often than dental insurance, it can be confusing for many people to understand the differences between them. While they have a lot of similarities, they work completely separate, making this monthly investment difficult to navigate. Fortunately, your dentist is here to help you understand how it works. Read on for some tips that will help you better comprehend your dental insurance benefits.

Understand Your Plan

Dental plans can vary quite a bit. It is important that you understand your plan so that you have the freedom to seek the treatments you need without having to worry about the bill you will get at the end of your visits. The insurance company will be paying a certain percentage based off the price levels that are set for each treatment. By knowing what this allowable amount is, you will be able to commit to your wanted and needed treatments and procedures with an exact payment amount in mind. This way, you won’t be surprised with larger expenses than you initially thought.

Consider “Out-of-Network” Dentists

Just because a provider is not in network does not mean that you are completely out of luck when it comes to your coverage. Sometimes it is the case that you won’t have any of your treatments covered, but a lot of the time it just means that the percentage covered lowers but is not completely absent. By talking to your dentist’s administrative team, you can get to the bottom of this and decide whether the difference is worth it for you.

Choose Your Own Provider

If you have a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, this means that your dental insurance company does not have the ability to dictate who you go to for your care. This is a decision between you and your family. However, doing your research is key. It is a good idea to weigh the pros and cons between multiple providers so you can determine who the right dentist is for your oral care.

Know That You Are the Customer

Your dental provider is not the customer of your insurance company – you are! Because of this, your insurance company will be much quicker at reimbursing you directly than your dental office. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to pay in full, your insurance company will reimburse you in a matter of weeks. While your dental team can help you figure this out, it would be best if you could verify your own benefits, so you know what to expect.

Dental insurance can be confusing, but it is an important tool when it comes to getting affordable dental care. By using the tips above, you will be well on your way to understanding it more thoroughly.

About the Author

Dr. Marco Caballeros earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and has completed his Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. Obtaining this title requires 500 hours of continuing education and passing a comprehensive exam with 400 questions. His practice is in-network with several PPO insurances and accepts many out of network plans as well. For more information on dental insurance or to schedule an appointment at his office in Frisco, visit his website or call (469) 476-4092.