MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR DENTAL INSURANCE

Most people understand that employer sponsored dental insurance plans run on an annual basis and benefits not used by December 31 are lost forever. Few however understand the best way to get the best value from their insurance plans. As a result, many people needlessly delay treatment and even ignore the problems because they worry that they can't afford the cost.

In our office we work closely with out patients to help them fully understand their dental insurance coverage and maximize benefits of their insurance plans as it relates to their dental needs. Although insurance is a form of payment and not treatment, utilizing insurance benefits in a timely manner will get the greatest value from your insurance plans and reduce your out of pocket expense.

Dental Insurance can be a complex field, but we're here to help. Please feel free to call or stop by our office to learn more about your dental insurance coverage.

Recently, the focus of dental plan coverage has begun to change; Employers are becoming increasingly concerned about the costs of doing business, including the costs of providing their employees with comprehensive health and dental benefit packages. In response, plan carriers have developed new dental plans, with reduced coverage. You may be required to pay an annual deductible or to make co-payments. Unfortunately, some of these new plans may include restrictions that could seriously impact your oral health.

It is also important to remember that you are a partner in your oral health. Treatment and care decisions should be made by you and your dentist based on your actual needs, independent of your dental plan coverage.

Your dental plan is not a treatment plan.

Remember, the purpose of the dental plan is to assist you in paying for dental treatment; most plans do not cover the entire cost of all treatment required.

WHAT IF MY DENTIST RECOMMENDS A TREATMENT THAT MY PLAN DOES NOT COVER? DOES THIS MEAN THAT TREATMENT IS NOT REALLY NECESSARY?

Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with your dentist. You should be aware of what is covered in your dental plan, but you should not let this factor alone determine your care. Only you and your dentist can decide the treatment plan that's right for you.

WHAT IF MY DENTIST RECOMMENDS ONE TYPE OF TREATMENT BUT MY PLAN WILL ONLY COVER A LESSER QUALITY OF CARE?

Some dental plans restrict coverage to the least expensive procedure that can be used to treat a particular dental problem. However, that least expensive procedure may not provide the best long-term solution to your dental problem. You should base your treatment decisions on your dental needs and not on the coverage in your dental plan.

WHAT IS DIRECT REIMBURSEMENT?

Although most plans will accept payment to be made to the dentist, some may not. Hence, you will be required to pay for your treatment and get reimbursed by your insurance plan. If you don't have dental benefits we have payment plans that can help you pay for extensive treatment.

SO WHAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE?

By taking care of your dental health you are making a long-term investment in your own well-being and that of your family. If you have a good dental plan that covers most of the costs associated with your dental care needs, you are indeed fortunate. In the long term, you and your family will benefit greatly by making an ongoing commitment to be a partner in your oral health.