Dental insurance can often be an effective and easy way to help lower your out-of-pocket prices for everything from routine checkups and cleanings to more complex services. Unfortunately, many people without a policy never seek coverage because they feel intimidated by trying to navigate the numerous available options.
If you’re on the market for a plan and are nervous about making a decision, continue reading to learn 3 things you should know about how dental insurance usually works before signing up!
#1: You’ll Likely Have Copayments
If you’ve been shopping for insurance plans online, you’ve likely noticed that they list different dollar amounts. For instance, not only will you see the estimated monthly premium listed, which is the amount you pay to access the plan benefits, but also a deductible, which is an annual amount you must pay before coverage kicks in.
But most policies also include either a copayment or coinsurance for each visit. The former refers to a flat fee you must pay per appointment, and the latter is a percentage amount that you’ll be expected to cover.
#2: You Might Have a Waiting Period
Dental plans are designed to promote proper prevention to keep costs low for patients, dentists, and the insurance providers. Covering up to 100% of preventive care, such as exams, cleaning, and X-rays, encourages people to attend routine checkups that help avoid the need for more complex and costly repairs.
Another way many policies keep prices to a minimum is by including waiting periods for more major procedures. This is a set period of time, usually 6 or 12 months, that must pass before your insurer will cover complex services, such as placing dental crowns or getting implants. While the wait might seem superfluous, it effectively stops people from purchasing a plan just long enough to pay for their treatment before dropping it, which raises rates across the board.
#3: Benefits Don’t Usually Rollover
You might think any unused benefits from your dental plan will roll over to the following year, but that’s not usually the case. Most of them reset on January 1, meaning that you’ll have to once again meet your annual deductible before benefits apply.
If you’ve been waiting for ‘the perfect time’ to pursue a certain treatment or procedure, keep in mind that timing matters. Some services, like replacing missing teeth, often require multiple visits over a period of weeks or months, depending on your unique circumstances. If you wait until the end of the year to get started, you may encounter complications with coverage once your insurance resets.
If you have additional questions about navigating dental insurance or are unsure which policies your dentist accepts, you can learn more by contacting their office directly!
About the Practice
At Morgan Dental Care, you and your family benefit from two dentists eager to help patients build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Adamchuk collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, utilizing state-of-the-art technology for more comfortable, accurate results. They gladly accept many major dental insurance plans and are happy to work with your policy, whether it’s in-network or out-of-network. You can request an appointment on the website or call (207) 839-2655.