8 Dental plan questions you should ask
Dental insurance covers routine services and can save you money out-of-pocket. Routine visits to the dentist help prevent costly dental bills later in life. When selecting a dental plan, consider your families oral health needs and your ability to pay for unexpected dental services.
When selecting a dental plan it’s important to choose a dental plan with a large network of dentists to easily find dentists that participate in the network.
What is the difference between in-network and out-of-network dentists
- What is in-network dentists? Choosing in-network dentists saves money while using out-of-network dentist may mean higher deductibles, copays or coinsurance. It may also mean higher fees for services. In-network dentists agree to charge less than their normal fees to people covered under their plan which is why you get more savings when you visit an in-network dentist.
- What is out-of-network dentists? Many dentists have decided to work out-of-network. These dentists are not contracted with any insurance company and they don’t have pre-established rates. The main benefit of choosing an out-of-network dentist is you are free to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Before scheduling your appointment, always ask all your dental plan questions about insurance coverage, and check for different payment plans and options.
When comparing plans ask about these details
- What is the deductible for the plan? This is your out-of-pocket costs for treatment before the plan begins to pay. There is usually not a deductible for preventive and diagnostic services like exams, cleanings and X-rays.
- What is the annual maximum the plan will pay? If you plan to get several expensive dental treatments, you may want to look for a plan with a higher annual maximum. You can also talk with your dentist about spreading these large treatments over multiple years, as many dental treatments are elective.
- Are there limits to my coverage? Because it varies from plan to plan, check to see if certain procedures are covered if you think you or your family may need them in the near future. For instance, not all plans cover:
- Teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures
- Braces and other orthodontia
- Pre-existing conditions before you joined your plan
When selecting a plan, here are a few common questions to ask
- Do I need dental benefits? Depending on the level of dental care you might need, it may be more cost-effective to pay directly for your dental care instead of paying for a benefit plan.
- What do dental plans cover? The level of coverage varies significantly by dental plan, so it’s a good idea to be familiar with the specifics of your plan before signing up. Many plans require benefit holders to share the costs of dental care through deductibles. Preexisting conditions may not be covered so read the fine print.
- How should I choose a dental plan? If you struggle to figure out which dental plan is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- Will the plan allow me to see my preferred dentist and any dental specialist
- Whats the total and corresponding costs for the plan, including the insurance premium, coinsurance, copayments and what is the deductible?
- Is there an annual maximum and an out-of-pocket limit?
- Does the plan cover oral surgery, root canals, crowns or braces? What about implants, dentures and bridges?
- How does the plan handle emergency dental care
If you need help answering your dental plan questions, contact the McKinney dentist. At Stonelodge Dental, we are committed to providing the best comprehensive dental care and treatment in McKinney and surrounding areas. We will work with you to develop a plan that will help you achieve the best possible results.
To schedule a comprehensive examination or ask about a specific concern, give us a call at 214-613-1500 or schedule your appointment online.