Q: Dental Insurance, is it really that complicated?

A: Well, the answer is yes and no.  It can seem like a foreign language if you have not taken time to read and familiarize yourself with your benefit package.  Information about a policy obtained through an employer should be available through the human resources department.  Most carriers have websites with policy information available as well.    Dental benefits work very differently than your medical.  While many offices no longer offer this service, we are happy to submit your claims for you.  It is essential that you bring your insurance card with you, to supply us with the necessary information to submit a claim.  If your carrier does not distribute cards please contact us, prior to your appointment, so we may inform you of the information necessary to file a claim.  We do not usually know all of the specifics of a particular policy/plan (since plans offered by the same employer or written by the same third party payer or benefits provider can vary according to the contracts involved).  Here are some important things you should know about your policy or should ask your dental benefits provider:

·         Do I have a waiting period for certain services?
·         What is my deductible (is it only applied to certain services)?
·         When does my calendar year begin?
·         What is my yearly maximum benefit?
·         Does my policy have a preexisting condition clause or missing tooth clause?
·         Do I need preauthorization for any service?

We are happy to assist you with any benefit questions, but if you have additional questions regarding your dental plan or a problem with a reimbursement level, please contact your employer (Human Resource department) or insurance company directly.  If you are looking to add insurance or change plans and have specific questions we would be happy to assist you as well.