- Founded in 1868
- Headquartered in New York City, NY
Tips to Optimize Your Dental Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance is a great way to offset the costs associated with dental expenses. However, it is critical to realize that any variation between two distinct plans can have major differences. Below are useful tips to help you maximize your chances of reaping the optimal benefits of your dental insurance.
Importance of Routine Dental Care
Managing your dental health ensures improved results and lower costs for various procedures. Most dental insurance plans are inefficient for members, but Sun Life is improving dental insurance to perform better. Health issues, including dental care, still require most people to use out-of-pocket expenses, making it difficult to afford necessary treatments.
Navigating Your Plan
It is always important to look for waiting times for individual services, yearly limits, and periods when benefits are reviewed. This knowledge assists you in organizing your dental care well. Whenever you attend a dental appointment for the first time, it’s important to present an Identification card from Sun Life Dental Insurance.
This card contains your policy number, the coverage dates of your insurance, and contact information for your insurance company. It gives the dentist the opportunity to confirm some of your details regarding the coverage and whether your treatment will be catered for within the covered period or not.
Coordination of Benefits
If a person has two insurance plans for dental care, the dentist will find a way of working and agreeing with both of the insurance companies to ensure that the cost incurred is taken care of. This is important, especially when the patient is under more than one plan, in order to ensure that available insurance coverage is properly utilized.
Preauthorization for Major Procedures
Are you aware if your Sun Life dental insurance plan covers major treatments like implants, bridges, and crowns? Preauthorization is needed for certain procedures, and the dentist can request it using your insurance ID card. This step also aids in accessing approval from the insurance provider prior to treatment, thus limiting disagreement on the cover.
Understanding Coverage and Waiting Periods
As discussed earlier, Sun Life Financial Plans has plans that cater to different needs. For instance, they fully cater to dental checkups, including teeth cleaning for children twice a year, with no waiting period. Simple procedures such as a filling may cost different amounts depending on the patient’s specific insurance plan. The PPO High Plan comes with a waiting period of six months and has 80% benefits for fillings, and the PPO Standard Plan has 50% benefits for fillings.
Evaluating Plan Costs
Everybody wants to be part of a plan, but what goes into the cost of the premium should be put into consideration. A lower rate may exclude certain services, making the overall expenditure cover premiums as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Question what method is used to determine renewal rates and if there is any rate guarantee that is more than one year.
The Value of Dental Networks
A dental plan is a group of dentists who are under contract with the insurance company to provide services at a reduced rate to the members. These networks are generous with discounts, and they also come with relatively higher admin costs. Check that your desired dentist participates in your dental plan in order to save money on dental procedures.
Coverage for Fillings and Restorative Work
While some insurance plans offer partial payment for amalgam (metal) restorations, most operators prefer tooth-colored resin fillings. However, if you require more involved work, it is useful to ask about inlays or onlays that are better suited to larger fillings.
Smiley Dental in Fairhaven: Here to Help
At Smiley Dental in Fairhaven, we appreciate the challenges that may come as a result of dental insurance. We are here to assist you with your benefits and to guarantee that you receive the necessary treatment. If you have plans for major surgery, please first check with us to clarify your coverage. It is suggested that you send a preauthorization request to your insurance company and find out what is included in the package price and what you might have to pay extra for.
Deciding on dental insurance is a task that has to be done carefully. Here at Smiley Dental in Fairhaven, it is our passion to give you information when it comes to your oral health. Get insurance help and book your next appointment by reaching out to us today.