At Feldhake & Associates, we strive to help patients better understand their options when it comes to paying for dental care. While many insurance plans claim to offer extensive coverage, the fine print may tell a different story. Consider these common myths surrounding dental insurance coverage.
All dental insurance plans are not created equal.
Between insurance companies, differences can include:
- In-network dentists and specialists
- Covered services
- Copays
- Deductibles
Patients also are subject to differences in coverage due to the plan they select. Depending on whether you select a PPO versus an HMO, your access to dental care providers may change. If you are switching between insurance providers, you may not have access to the same dentists as before. Too often, patients make the switch before reading the fine print, locking themselves into expensive plans that do not cover their dental needs and limit their ability to choose a dentist.
Dental insurance does not cover all dental visits.
While most dental insurances cover necessary six month appointments, patients with dental problems that require multiple appointments to address often face higher out-of-pocket expenses, and this is before factoring in the actual treatment costs. If you need to visit a specialist who is not in network with your insurance plan, you may find yourself having to cover office visits on your own.
Even with a monthly premium, you can’t always avoid copays.
In addition to the premiums, most patients are expected to pay a copay for every visit to the dentist, regardless of the kind of treatment administered. Furthermore, insurance coverage can cap out depending on the deductible amount allotted to your particular plan. If you have extensive dental needs or your existing dental condition worsens after you’ve exceeded your covered amount, you can face higher out-of-pocket expenses and may need to consider third party financing options.
Restorative and cosmetic dental treatments are not always covered.
Unlike medical insurance plans, dental insurance emphasizes coverage on preventive and routine care. While some comprehensive plans may cover basic procedures, such as extractions, root canals, and gum disease treatments, these still require a copay from the patients. Strictly cosmetic dental procedures, such as veneers and teeth whitening are rarely covered by insurance plans, and if they are, they typically require a higher copay than necessary dental treatments.
We make sure patients receive care, even without insurance.
Many patient-oriented dental practices recognize that insurance care may not be accessible and feasible for everyone. At Feldhake & Associates, we are dedicated to ensuring all patients have access to affordable dentistry. Rather than paying high monthly premiums and navigating through the fine print of your insurance plan, our in-office discount plan offers a less expensive option that covers a wide array of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services. With this yearlong coverage option, patients and families can trust that their smile is in good hands.
Learn more about affordable dentistry in Scottsdale today. Call Feldhake & Associates Complete Dental Care to schedule your appointment.