Dental insurance is often a simple but effective way to lower your out-of-pocket expenses for everything from preventive services to more complex procedures. However, not everyone has a policy.
Many people seeking to purchase a policy are unsure what to look for or feel intimidated by the numerous available options. Continue reading to learn about 3 important things you should know about how these plans typically work to help you make an informed decision!
#1: You’ll Have a Deductible
If you’ve already done some research, you likely noticed that in addition to paying your monthly premium to access benefits, most policies also include a deductible. The former figure represents the dollar amount required to have coverage, and the latter refers to a predetermined annual amount that you are responsible for before your benefits take effect.
This deductible dollar amount typically falls between $50 and $100, although it may vary depending on your plan and insurance provider. If yours is listed at $50 and you need a tooth-colored filling that costs $150, your policy would cover the $100 remaining once you pay the deductible.
#2: There May Be a Waiting Period
Most dental insurance policies are designed to promote proper prevention to avoid the need for more complex and costly repairs. This is why they typically include 100% of routine services but only about 50% to 80% of other treatments. This arrangement helps keep costs low for the patient, their dentist, and the insurance provider.
Another way that your insurance helps avoid skyrocketing prices is by including a waiting period. This is a designated amount of time (often six to twelve months) that must pass before your plan covers more major procedures. This is a safeguard to help ensure that people don’t purchase a policy just long enough to receive an expensive treatment, then drop their policy, which raises the rates for others paying for the plan.
#3: It Resets Annually
You might think that certain dental benefits will carry over to the next year, but that’s not usually the case. Most policies reset at the start of the year, on January 1st, and any unused benefits from the previous year expire.
That means you could lose money if you pay for benefits you don’t take advantage of. In fact, sources estimate that dental insurance holders in the United States collectively miss out on nearly $100 billion in unused benefits every year.
If you have specific questions about which policies your dentist accepts, you can learn more by contacting their office directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Joshua Pogue takes pride in helping families in Bettendorf enhance their daily lives by improving their dental health. He graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, and today, is a valued member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. He provides a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, and accepts most major PPO dental insurance plans to help cover the cost of your visit. You can request an appointment on the website or call (563) 332-7734.