Dental insurance doesn’t work the same way as the medical insurance that you’re used to. This can lead to some confusion. However, this monthly investment is still incredibly useful if you know how to navigate it properly. Fortunately, with a few tidbits of information, you can grasp a better understanding of your dental insurance benefits. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips.
Understand How Your Plan Works
There are all sorts of different dental plans out there, and they aren’t all the same. It is crucial that you understand how your individual plan works so that you have the freedom you need to seek the treatments that you want and require. Your dental insurance company pays a certain percentage based on the price levels that are set for each treatment. When you know what this amount is, you can commit to treatments and procedures with a dollar amount in mind. No one wants to be surprised with a big bill at the end of your treatment.
Know What “Out-of-Network” Means
Just because the dental provider that you want to see isn’t in your network does not necessarily mean that you will be required to pay for all of your treatments in their entirety. Oftentimes, this just means that the percentage covered is lower, but not absent. You can talk to the dentist’s administrative team so you can get to the bottom of it. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether or not the difference is worth it.
Choose Your Provider
If you have a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, this means that your dental insurance company cannot dictate whom you see for dental care. It is completely up to you. However, you will benefit by doing some research. You should weigh the pros and cons between multiple providers so that you can determine who the best dentist in Tukwila is for your oral care.
Remember That YOU Are the Customer
Your dentist is not the customer of your dental insurance company – you are! Your dental insurance company will be much quicker to reimburse you than they will be to reimburse your dental office. If you ever find yourself needing to pay for a treatment or procedure in whole, your insurance company should reimburse you in a matter of weeks. Your dental administration team can help you figure this out, but it is best if you can verify your benefits on your own as well.
Dental insurance can be a challenge to understand fully, but it is an important tool when it comes to receiving affordable dental care. By using the tips listed above, you will be able to seek the treatment you need without all the stress!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Chung is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. Currently, he is a proud member of the New York State Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Sunnyside, visit his website or call (718) 937-6750.