Dental insurance can make fitting important dental care into your budget significantly easier. However, you shouldn’t just sign up for the first plan you find and call it a day. There are some things you should keep in mind before committing to any specific dental insurance provider. Below are 3 important facts that everyone should remember before buying dental insurance.
1. There are Different Kinds of Dental Plans to Choose From
Dental plans generally fall into one of two major categories: HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) and PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations). HMOs will only provide coverage if you see an in-network dentist. PPOs, meanwhile, are willing to help pay for out-of-network care.
Compared to PPOs, HMOs usually have lower premiums. However, the tradeoff is that they put harder restrictions on which practices you can visit for dental treatments. It’s important to consider the differences between a PPO and an HMO so that you choose the kind of plan that’s right for you.
2. Dental Insurance Coverage Can Vary Depending on the Procedure
When you use dental insurance to help pay for a specific treatment, it’s important to remember that coverage can vary depending on the nature of the service in question. The details can vary depending on who your insurance carrier is, but many plans are structured as follows:
- Biannual checkups, cleanings, and other preventive services are 100% covered.
- Fillings and other basic procedures are 80% covered.
- Crowns and other major procedures are 50% covered.
- Elective procedures (which cosmetic dentistry is typically classified as) usually aren’t covered at all.
It should be emphasized that the percentages given above are not universal, and they don’t account for other aspects of insurance that can affect how much you need to pay yourself (such as the deductible and the annual maximum). Before signing up for any dental plan, be sure to review the benefits carefully.
3. Your Coverage May Come with Waiting Periods
If you just bought your dental insurance plan, you may not be able to use all of your benefits immediately; there will often be a waiting period before coverage for specific procedures takes effect.
Many dental insurance plans are willing to pay for preventive services right away (or within the first 30 days of your purchase). For restorative procedures, you may have to wait three months or six months depending on whether it’s a minor or major procedure. Naturally, the length of these waiting periods can vary from plan to plan.
It’s a good idea to learn everything you can about dental insurance. That way, you can buy a plan that will help put you on the path toward making important dental care more affordable.
About the Practice
At Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, you can enjoy a top-tier care experience thanks to our knowledgeable dental experts, our comfortable office, and our advanced technology. We are in-network with multiple dental insurance providers and can file claims for out-of-network PPOs as well. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with us, visit our website or call (815) 462-9990.