{"id":5613,"date":"2021-05-18T10:00:31","date_gmt":"2021-05-18T14:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/?p=5613"},"modified":"2021-05-18T10:00:31","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T14:00:31","slug":"dental-insurance-faqs-answered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/dental-insurance-faqs-answered\/","title":{"rendered":"Dental insurance FAQs answered"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 8<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

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Dental insurance can be confusing. We know you\u2019ve got questions. We\u2019ve got answers. Let\u2019s break it down for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insurance basics: Common questions\u00a0<\/b><\/em><\/h2>\n

How does dental insurance work?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Like any other insurance, you have to pay monthly premiums based on the company, your area of residence and your insurance plan. Public health insurance usually doesn\u2019t cover much (if any) dental work, so the majority is covered by private insurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dental insurance often depends on the dentists you want and how much you can pay. If you’ve got a dentist already and they’re part of an insurance network, then you can go for one of their plans. When your dentist is not in-network, you’ll still be covered by the insurance, although you’ll pay more out of pocket. If you don’t have a dentist, you can visit any of the dentists in the network and still be covered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most dental insurance providers have a waiting period before any dental work can be done, typically between six months and a year. Most policies do not cover cosmetic care procedures since they aren’t a medical necessity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Need more answers? Check out our full guide here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

How much does dental insurance cost?<\/b><\/h2>\n

For many people, dental insurance costs about $50 per month, though it can cost as low as $15 per month. The cost usually depends on the level of coverage you need and the state you live in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most plans have an annual limit of coverage you can get. For most dental insurance plans, the limit is usually between $1000 and $2000. Once you reach your maximum yearly limit, dental insurance cuts all coverage. You\u2019ll have to pay for any other dental work out of pocket.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Unless you’ve got major procedures scheduled like a root canal or a crown, you’re unlikely to use all your annual coverage. In fact, only about 4% of Americans use up their maximum benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why should I buy dental insurance?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dental care can be pretty expensive, especially when paid out of pocket. But dental care is absolutely essential to your health, so you can\u2019t skip out on it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most dental insurance plans will cover a big part of your procedures, making dental care affordable for both individuals and families. Your bi-annual visit to the dentist will be paid for in full by your provider \u2013 a benefit you can enjoy right away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having insurance is also an excellent incentive to make more preventive-care visits even if you have healthy teeth. Less money is spent on preventive care and saves a lot of money that would be spent on costlier procedures in the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who needs dental insurance?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dental insurance is for everyone unless you can afford to pay a hefty bill when you need to get dental care. Even though you may not exhaust your annual limit, you’re better off with insurance. If you\u2019re elderly or you feel like you\u2019re at a greater risk of getting dental problems, then insurance is something for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is dental indemnity insurance?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dental indemnity insurance is a type of insurance that pays for your care after you’ve seen the dentist and paid upfront. In this case, you visit the dentist first, pay the cost, and then submit your claim to your provider. Your insurer will then reimburse you for part of the fee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Due for a checkup?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Find a top rated dentist near you that takes your insurance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBook now<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

This plan is best if you have a preferred dentist or you want a wide variety of providers. The annual coverage limit may be higher, but the monthly premiums also tend to be higher than other plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a fee schedule plan?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A fee schedule is a list of prices that every dentist has that shows how much they charge for all procedures they offer. The list also includes how much your dental insurance will pay. The schedule varies depending on what the insurance provider considers allowable and the dentist’s rates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The fee schedule plan is often controlled by the \u201cusual, customary and reasonable\u201d (UCR) price that insurance companies wish to set for a procedure. UCR is usually around the average of what other providers charge within the area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of Coverage<\/b><\/em><\/h2>\n

<\/b>What is covered by Medicaid?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Medicaid<\/span><\/a> covers dental services for all individuals under 21 years enrolled in the program. This is part of a set of benefits referred to as the \u201cearly and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment\u201d (EPSDT) benefit. The dental services covered include preventive care as well as diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The states determine the dental benefits that adults get under Medicaid. Most states only provide minimal emergency dental care, with very few offering comprehensive coverage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Give $50, get $50.<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Refer someone to book a dentist with Opencare and you’ll both get $50.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRefer a friend<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

What is covered by medicare?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Like Medicaid, <\/span>Medicare<\/span><\/a> does not cover dental procedures. However, it offers limited care required to maintain general health, or is a part of another medical care regimen under Medicare. For example, Medicare may cover the additional dental care after you undergo jaw surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The insurance does not cover any follow-up dental care after the initial treatment has been done.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best dental insurance in the United States?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are plenty of dental insurance providers in the country, and what may be good for you doesn’t necessarily work for everyone else. Some of the dental insurance providers include:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Cigna<\/span><\/li>\n
  • UnitedHealthOne<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Humana<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Delta Dental<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ameritas<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Before choosing a dental insurance provider, it\u2019s best to compare different insurance plans to choose the one best suited for your needs and budget.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    What procedures are usually covered by dental insurance?<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Most insurance plans include some preventive care coverage in the form of two checkups and cleaning in a year. Other dental procedures that may be covered under insurance include:<\/span><\/p>\n

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    • Fillings<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Crowns, implants and bridges<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Root canals<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Emergency procedures, eg oral surgery<\/span><\/li>\n
    • X-rays<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Tooth extractions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \"How<\/picture><\/p>\n

      The level to which these services are offered will depend on your plan. Preventive care is often fully covered, while other major procedures like fillings may require additional out-of-pocket funds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      What does \u201cin-network\u201d mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n

      In-network dentists are part of a pool of providers who work with insurance companies to offer dental services at discounted prices. Choosing an in-network dentist ensures that your insurance always covers you and that you\u2019re always paying less for your services.<\/span><\/p>\n

      You\u2019ll also benefit from more coverage and fewer out-of-pocket fees every time you get dental care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      You\u2019ll have to contend with fewer dentists available for your choosing, though. The dentists in the network may not be perfect for your needs sometimes as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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      Sign up for our newsletter.<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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