Whether offered through an employer or purchased on your own, dental insurance is a worthwhile investment when it comes to total body health. Just like all other medical appointments and services, the cost can add up quickly. Without a safety net to help cushion the financial responsibility, it can leave many patients to forgo necessary treatment and risk worsening oral health. If you are thinking about enrolling in a private dental insurance plan, find out more about one key component – deductibles – and how you can quickly start saving.
What is a Deductible?
A deductible is the amount you must agree to pay before your dental insurance will begin to pay more for the services you receive.
When enrolling in a private dental plan, you will see that meeting the deductible is part of the agreement you make with the insurance company. Most policies are built to be good for one calendar year, with the deductible, annual maximum, and available benefits resetting at the start of each new year.
Although not all dental plans work the same way, it’s important to identify the stipulations and timeframe for which you can take advantage of your dental benefits.
How Does a Deductible Work?
Depending on the type of plan you sign up for, you may have an individual and/or family deductible. If purchasing only for yourself, you can expect the deductible to be somewhat low (i.e., $50). When receiving a dental service and submitting a claim, you can expect your deductible to first be applied.
An example might be that you undergo a procedure that costs $400. If you have a deductible that has not yet been met, this will be deducted from the full amount. If it is only $50, you can expect your bill to be $350; however, your insurance company might agree to pay 50-80% of the total price, so once they pay their portion, you will be left to pay the remainder. Your total out-of-pocket expenses will include the deductible as well as the amount you’ll be required to pay that your dental insurance did not.
Any additional treatments required will not be subject to your deductible because it will have already been met.
When purchasing a family dental insurance plan, the deductible is required for each member of your family. If it is a $50 deductible and there are three people in your family, each person must meet their deductible for a total of $150.
Having a clearer understanding of how your dental insurance deductible works will allow you greater peace of mind as you plan and prepare for your and your family’s oral healthcare and the services you receive.
About the Author
Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran or “Dr. R” as he is known by his patients enjoys providing patients with affordable dental care. Between the preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency treatments provided in-house, having a trusted plan to help ease the out-of-pocket expenses of medically necessary services is extremely beneficial for more families. If you’re curious about how to get the most savings out of your plan, contact us at (505) 896-9399.