Whether you’re starting a new job, or just planning ahead for open enrollment, if you’re thinking about purchasing dental insurance, it’s safe to say you’re probably interested in how to make the most of your coverage. Here are four important things to keep in mind when picking your new plan, so you can protect your smile and your wallet!
1. Dental Insurance is Meant to Be Preventive
Unlike your medical insurance, your dental insurance coverage was designed to prevent problems, not correct them after they’ve occurred. That’s why things like your regular checkups and cleanings and dental X-rays are typically covered at a higher rate. The idea is that by preventing painful and expensive things like cavities and gum disease now, you’ll save both you and your provider money later.
Although your dental insurance likely still will cover some emergency and restorative care, like fillings and root canals, these are typically paid at a lower percentage (known as coinsurance) meaning you’ll pay more out of pocket for those services if necessary.
2. Your Dental Insurance Benefits Won’t Roll Over
In most cases, if you don’t use your dental insurance benefits during the year, they will not roll over into the new year. While most plans run from January 1 to December 31, they may not always follow this schedule, so it is also important to know the dates your coverage is active. However, if you don’t see the dentist during the year and a new year begins, your plan will reset and you’ll lose all the benefits from the previous year. Thus, to make the most of your investment, don’t skip your routine exams and cleanings every six months!
3. Some Dental Insurance Plans May Have a Waiting Period
When you begin a new job, some employers do not offer benefits like dental insurance for the first 30 to 90 days. However, in some cases, your dental insurance may also have a waiting period once your plan becomes available. Typically, you can begin immediately using your coverage for preventive cleanings and exams; however, you may need to wait around three months for it to pay for restorative or emergency care.
4. Always Read the Fine Print
Before you make the final decision on your dental insurance plan, be sure to familiarize yourself with its coverage. Unfortunately, once you’ve purchased a plan for the year, it may be difficult to cancel or change it. Some key items to look out for include:
- Which percentage of services the plan will cover.
- How much copay (if any) will you be responsible for.
- Which dentists accept or are in-network for your provider and plan. This can be very important if you are getting a new plan but want to keep your current dentist, as they may not accept or be in-network with all plans. Although many dentists will still welcome out-of-network plans, this may result in extra paperwork or higher fees.
Remember, choosing a dental insurance plan is an excellent way to ensure there’s always room in your budget for important oral health care. With these tips in mind, you can make a more informed choice when selecting your new coverage. If you still have questions or concerns, reach out to your human resources department, or give your dentist’s office a call and they’ll be happy to help!
About Our Practice
At Wolfe Dental Hillsboro, we want you to protect your smile without breaking the bank! That’s why we’re pleased to be dental insurance friendly. Whether you’re starting a new job, buying private insurance, or you’d simply like to change your current coverage, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of your policy before you buy it. For questions about your individual plan, including whether we’re in-network with a specific provider, visit our website or call us today at 503-844-6550.