No matter how you opt in, one thing is clear: you will reap the benefits later. People who don’t have medical benefits tend to avoid preventive care. In the long run, this causes a laundry list of problems such as restorative care needs, gum disease, and increased rates of other ailments.
Many people are weary of dental visits due to out-of-pocket costs they incur there. Yes, those dreaded moments when you must pull out your wallet at the front desk. Because medical billing is somewhat of an enigma to most, trust sometimes goes by the wayside in the dentist/patient relationship.
A reputable dentist will be transparent, explaining coding and billing in a clear way you’ll understand. According to the American Dental Association, the office will file claims through your dental plan as a courtesy to you. Unfortunately, the coverage you receive isn’t affected by your tooth health or what your dentist recommends for your individual needs, but rather how much of the bill your employer chooses to foot. Every company’s offerings are different.
Between copay, cost, and deductibles, medical benefits are practically their own dialect. Deductibles are the amount of money you must pay toward your health care before your insurance will start shelling out for anything. Once you meet the allotted deductible, you’ll still be accountable for copays (paid at each dental or medical visit).
Breaking it down in simpler terms, there are two kinds of dental plans: high and low deductible. According to Forbes, “consumer-directed” or high-deductible plans, require the insured patient to cover higher amounts up front. The silver lining, however, is their lower monthly premiums. Low deductible plans, on the other hand, are more suited to those with pre-existing conditions, or patients considering largescale (and costly) procedures in the foreseeable future. For many, meeting one’s deductible can be a daunting financial responsibility. Picture this scenario: you haven’t met your plan’s deductible of $500 – and your dentist suggests a root canal billed at the cost of $420. You would be required to pay that cost as an out-of-pocket expense.
Diagnostic and preventive procedures – such as check-ups, regular twice-a-year cleanings and X-rays – are typically covered at 100% by most insurance providers. According to Bankrate.com, the more invasive a procedure is the less of its cost percentage is covered; for example, bridges and crowns are usually only covered at 50% of their cost.
You may be wondering which dental benefits plan is right for you. While every insurance provider is unique, the rule of thumb is that if you’re generally healthy with good dental hygiene, a high deductible plan is most likely the best choice.
Dr. Marion and the trustworthy team at Marion Smile Center put your dental health first. With an emphasis on care over cost, they accept most major insurance plans and efficiently file insurance on your behalf so you can avoid the confusion and hassle.
In the event that an expensive procedure isn’t covered by your insurance plan, Marion Smile Center accepts CareCredit® patient payment plans. A credit card designed for healthcare costs, it boasts small monthly payments and no up-front costs. Don’t let financial strains keep you out of the dentist’s chair. Call the associates at Marion Smile Center at (724 ) 452-4300 to discuss your payment and billing options.
