There’s nothing more irritating than realizing you’ve missed a great financial opportunity. Whether it’s money you could have made or money you could have saved, you could kick yourself for not taking advantage of it. Unfortunately, many people find themselves in this situation when they don’t use their dental insurance benefits. It’s a case of “use it or lose it,” so once your annual benefits are gone, they’re gone. And it only makes sense to maximize your benefits at the dentist – otherwise, you’re essentially passing up free money. In this blog, you’ll get tips for taking advantage of your benefits and learn about what procedures are usually covered. Find out more today, so you don’t let another year of financial benefits pass you by!
Which Procedures Are Usually Covered By Insurance?
Since there are hundreds (if not thousands) of insurance plans out there, it’s important to check your individual plan to see what percentage of each procedure is covered.
Although plans vary quite a bit, here are some ballpark percentages for some of the most common procedures:
- Cleanings, X-Rays and Exams – These are considered preventative and are often covered at 100%. Typically, patients get 2 checkups a year, although more frequent checkups might be covered for patients who have diabetes, cancer, gum disease or are pregnant. Also, some plans cover professional fluoride treatments (which are excellent for cavity prevention), so always check your benefits.
- Deep Cleanings – This can depend on a variety of factors, but deep cleanings are usually covered at 60%-80%.
- Fillings and Root Canals – Insurance plans generally cover 60%-80% of the cost of fillings and root canals.
- Crowns and Bridges – Many plans will cover crown and bridgework at 50% – 70%.
What Else Do You Need To Know?
To get the most out of your plan, the first step is to find out when your benefits will renew. Most plans start in January and end in December, but there are a few that begin and end on a fiscal calendar year.
Also, check your deductible so you’ll have a better idea of your total cost. Or, if you’d like a more specific estimate for a procedure, you can ask your dentist to file a preauthorization beforehand. This formal estimate from your insurance company will give you a breakdown of the coverage they’ll provide.
It’s also a good idea to schedule your dental work as soon as you can, as your dentist’s schedule will likely fill up as it gets close to the end of the year.
Finally, your insurance plan has an annual maximum (usually $1,000-$3,000), which is the amount of money that they’ll pay for dental work each year. Remember, you may as well use this money to help you achieve great oral health and beautiful smile, at a greatly reduced cost to you. It just makes good financial sense!
About the Author
Dr. McCoy is a general, cosmetic and restorative dentist who knows that insurance benefits can be overwhelming for patients to understand. That’s why he and his staff do everything they can to help their patients use their benefits to their advantage. If you have any additional questions about how to get the most out of your dental insurance, he can be reached via his website or at (402) 786-2007.