The best way to benefit from any insurance plan is to enjoy the maximum coverage at the most affordable rate possible. Keep this advice in mind before shopping for dental insurance. Many people know more about health insurance than dental insurance. The following tips should help you get and maximize your dental insurance usage.
Choose an In-Network Dentist
Most insurance companies have two tiers of rates for their clients. The companies will charge you lower rates if you opt for in-network dental practices. Those who use out-of-network dentists require more investment for their dental plans.
The two-tier pricing means you are in luck if your current dentist is in your preferred insurance company's network. If you don't have a dentist (for example, if you recently relocated), choose a dentist and insurance company within the same network to enjoy good rates.
Buy Coverage Before Dental Problems
Dental insurance has a waiting period. The waiting period varies by company and procedure. The major procedures usually have longer waiting periods than relatively minor procedures.
The waiting period means you won't benefit from your dental insurance if you purchase coverage after developing dental problems. You have to pay for such problems out of pocket. Buy coverage now when you don't have dental problems so it can cover your treatment costs if the problems do arise.
Understand Procedure Classification
Dental insurance companies classify dental procedures into three basic categories:
- Preventive dental care that includes procedures you need even if you don't have dental problems
- Basic dental care includes relatively minor procedures, such as dental fillings and treatment for gum disease
- Major dental work that includes complicated procedures, such as dental bridges
The classification is not necessarily uniform across different insurance companies. That is, one insurance company might classify a procedure as basic while another classifies it as major. The distinction is crucial since the classifications attract different insurance payments.
The insurance companies pay lower percentages for major procedures compared to basic procedures. Scrutinize different policies and choose a plan covering as many procedures as possible.
Embrace Preventive Care
Preventive treatment helps you take care of dental problems before they worsen. Practice the following preventive dental measures for the best dental results:
- Get regular dental examinations to identify emerging problems and treat them before they develop complications.
- Get regular dental consultations to educate you on dental and oral care.
- If you need them, get dental sealants to prevent dental caries and erosion.
- Get regular dental cleaning to get rid of plaque that damages your teeth.
Most dental insurance offers specific preventive dental care for no cost. Thus, you don't have any reason to miss your regular dental appointments. Use the opportunity to prevent dental problems so that you don't exhaust your coverage limit with expensive treatments in the future.
Thoroughly Evaluate Your Options
You can get dental insurance in various ways. For example:
- You may enjoy dental insurance from your employer
- You can purchase private dental insurance
- You can purchase public dental insurance
- You may purchase dental insurance as part of your health insurance or separately
- Health insurance providers must avail dental insurance alongside health insurance for minors
Review your options to ensure you get the best plan for your situation. For example, you should not assume that bundling health and dental insurance is automatically the cost-effective route to take. In addition, you should check with your employer for coverage to avoid the risk of duplicate coverage.
Family Dental Care of Wilmington understand that dental problems can strike at any time, even when you don't have money. Don't let financial problems affect your dental health. Talk to us for flexible financing. We will also help you maximize your dental insurance benefits.
