Purchasing dental insurance is an excellent way to ensure that having a healthy, beautiful smile doesn’t break the bank. Unfortunately, however, when picking a plan, it can be easy to get confused by the details. Here’s a closer look at four important things to keep in mind when selecting your coverage, so you can make the most of your money while protecting your smile!
It’s Designed to be Preventive
Dental insurance works a little differently than other types of insurance. Instead of correcting an issue after it’s already occurred, it is designed to prevent painful problems that could end up costing more later. That’s why your regular checkups and dental X-rays are typically covered at a higher rate than things like fillings and root canals. The idea is that by visiting the dentist regularly you can avoid those more expensive issues later, saving you and your provider money. Of course, many plans still will cover emergency and restorative care, but they are generally paid at a lower percentage (known as coinsurance), and you’ll likely be charged more out of pocket for them if you need them.
Your Benefits Won’t Roll Over
Most dental insurance benefits will not roll over from year to year if you don’t use them. In most cases, plans run from January 1 to December 31, but this is not always the case. Thus, it is important to review the details of your plan, and to ensure that you’re getting the most from your coverage, be sure to visit your dentist for preventive care as often as it allows you to.
There May Be a Waiting Period
If you’ll be getting your new dental insurance through an employer, it is important to be aware that your coverage may not take effect for 30 to 90 days. Additionally, some plans may have a waiting period once they become active. While you can generally use your coverage immediately for preventive care like exams and X-rays, you might need to wait for up to 3 months before it will cover more costly emergency or restorative procedures.
Always Read the Fine Print
Before selecting your plan, be sure to familiarize yourself with the coverage and make sure it works for you. Unfortunately, most plans are very difficult to cancel during the year, and you may have to wait until open enrollment to change it. Here are a few important things to make note of prior to making your decision:
- What percentage of services your plan covers.
- How much copay (if any) you’ll be responsible for.
- Which dentists accept your plan or are in-network for your provider. Although many dentists are happy to work with out-of-network plans, choosing a dentist that is in-network can save you money.
Remember, dental insurance was designed to make preventive oral health care more affordable. If you’re in the process of choosing a new plan, keep these four important facts in mind. Should you still have any questions or concerns, speak to your benefits administrator, or call your dentist’s office for advice!
About Dr. Patel
Dr. Ronak Patel is the proud recipient of an impressive three dental degrees, two of which he earned in his native India before earning his DDS at the prestigious Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California. He is currently a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the Pinhole Academy, an esteemed gum surgery training program. To schedule an appointment at Penn Dental Arts, visit our website or call 484-406-3110.