Dental Insurance Information
Your dental insurance coverage provided by your employer may vary from one plan to another. This type of coverage is a contract between your employer and the dental insurance provider. Dental insurance can be incredibly complex. The team at Chattanooga Family Dentistry is happy to help you fully understand your benefits and coverages related to your dental insurance plan.
Dental Insurance Plans
There are many providers of dental insurance, all of which offer different levels of coverage. Some of the dental insurance plans on the market include:
- Delta Dental®
- Unum
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- MetLife®
- CIGNA Dental
You should call your insurance provider directly if you are unsure about your coverage. You can also ask your dental insurance provider for an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) which lists the procedures your plan does and does not cover. Contact us when you are ready to see your dentist.
How Dental Insurance Works
When obtaining dental insurance, you are entering into an agreement or contract with the dental insurance company. They agree to pay certain amounts for certain treatments and you are responsible for what they do not cover. In general, the terms of the coverages are described in the contract. Dental insurance plans approach coverage in different ways. Some plans require you meet a deductible discount before you pay for anything, while others may pay a certain percentage right away. Understanding your policy and it's terms will help you determine your coverage.
Deductible
A deductible is a minimum amount of money you need to pay towards dental care before your plan coverage starts. Most plans do not require a deductible for diagnostic or preventive services.
Annual Maximum
Many plans have a cap on how much money they will pay for any given treatment during the year. Anything over that amount becomes your responsibility. For example, if your plan has a annual maximum of $2,000 and your dental expenses exceed $3,000, you have to pay the additional $1,000. In some cases, you can raise your annual maximum to better suit your needs. There is usually a separate lifetime maximum for orthodontics.Least Expensive Alternative Treatment (LEAT)
If your plan has a LEAT clause, the company will only pay for the least expensive treatment available for any given condition.Frequency Limitations
Some plans have limitations on how often they will cover a certain procedure. Generally, there is a set number of procedures permitted in a specific period. For example, most dental insurance plans will only cover two professional cleanings every 12 months, or one cleaning every six months.Make the Right Choice for You
When deciding whether to undergo a certain dental treatment, it is important to consider more than your insurance coverage. The least expensive treatment option may not be the right one for you. Be sure to discuss all aspects of your coverage and treatment plan with your dentist before making a decision.
