Most Americans use their medical insurance more than their dental insurance, which can lead to some confusion since they don’t work the exact same way. However, this monthly investment is incredibly useful if you know how to navigate it properly. The good news is that a dentist is here to help you grasp a better understanding of your benefits. Continue reading to learn a few helpful tips on dental insurance in Tukwila.
Understand Your Plan
There are all sorts of different dental plans out there, and they aren’t all the same. It is crucial that you understand how your individual plan works so that you have the freedom you need to seek the treatments that you want and require. Your dental insurance company pays a certain percentage based off the price levels that are set for each treatment. When you know what this amount is, you can commit to treatments and procedures with a dollar amount in mind. No one wants to be surprised with a big bill at the end of your treatment.
Know What “Out-of-Network” Means
Just because the dental provider that you want to see isn’t in your network does not necessarily mean that you will be required to pay for all of your treatments in whole. Often times, this just means that the percentage covered is lower, but not absent. You can talk to the dentist’s administrative team so you can get to the bottom of it. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether or not the difference is worth it.
Pick Your Own Provider
If you have a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, this means that your dental insurance company cannot dictate who you see for dental care. It is completely up to you. However, you will definitely benefit by doing some research. You should weigh the pros and cons between multiple providers so that you can determine who the best dentist in Tukwila is for your oral care.
Know that You Are the Customer
Your dentist is not the customer of your dental insurance company – you are! The dental insurance company will be much quicker to reimburse you than they will be to reimburse your dental office. If you ever find yourself needing to pay for a treatment or procedure in whole, your insurance company should reimburse you in a matter of weeks. Your dental administration team can help you figure this out, but it is best if you can verify your benefits on your own as well.
Dental insurance can be a challenge to understand fully, but it is an important tool when it comes to receiving affordable dental care. By using the tips above, you will be able to seek the treatments you need with less stress.
About the Author
Dr. Lance Timmerman earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Oral Health and Sciences University and has pursued continuing education diligently ever since. Currently, he is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, and a Fellow of both the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and The International Academy of Facial Aesthetics. His practice is in-network with many popular PPO plans and is happy to work with several out-of-network plans as well. For more information on dental insurance or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (206) 241-5533.
