You may not be aware of it, but dental insurance is much different from medical insurance. Because most people use their medical insurance more often, they often get confused about the differences and aren’t entirely sure of how their dental insurance in Rolling Meadows works. Since you’re already paying premiums, it’s important that you understand what your plan covers so that you can make the most out of your available benefits. Here’s an easy guide to understanding which treatments are covered, as well as some key insurance terms you should know.
What Dental Insurance Covers
Dental insurance plans offer different amounts of coverage depending on the type of procedure. For example:
- Preventive and diagnostic procedures, such as routine checkups and cleanings, are often at least 80%, if not 100%, covered.
- Basic procedures, including fillings and gum disease treatment, are usually covered at a slightly lower rate of 70% to 80%.
- Major procedures, like root canals, crowns, and bridges, are typically only covered up to 50%.
Unlike a lot of medical problems, oral health problems don’t get better if you leave them alone. More often than not, they actually get worse. For this reason, it’s much easier to prevent dental issues than treat them. That’s why preventive care is covered at a higher rate than restorative treatments. Not only do these appointments come at a lower cost to you, but they can minimize the need for more extensive and costly procedures in the future by stopping oral health problems in their tracks.
Important Insurance Terms to Know
To make understanding your dental insurance a little bit easier, here are some key terms you should know:
Deductible
Your deductible is the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company steps in and begins covering your dental care. For dental insurance, this number is pretty low, usually around $50.
Annual Maximum
This is the highest dollar amount your insurance company will pay for your care during your benefit period, which is typically the calendar year. Once you exceed this amount, you’ll pay for any remaining care out-of-pocket.
Premium
A premium is the amount you pay for your benefits, which is paid monthly, quarterly, or yearly. If you’ve received dental insurance through your job, your premium is often automatically subtracted from your paycheck.
Maximize Your Benefits Now!
The vast majority of people with dental insurance don’t even come close to meeting their annual maximum, meaning that billions of dollars of dental coverage are lost every year in the United States. The easiest way to get the most out of your benefits is to see your dentist twice a year. Haven’t done that yet? Schedule your next checkup before the year ends so you don’t lose the coverage you’re already paying for!
About the Author
Dr. Ye Wang is a dentist in Rolling Meadows, IL who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2001. She enjoys developing trusting, lasting relationships with her patients of all ages. Her practice accepts insurance plans from a long list of popular providers, and her team can file the paperwork on your behalf. To learn more about how to make the most of your dental insurance, contact Plum Grove Family Dental at (847) 221-5860.