Understanding How Dental Insurance Works
Although your dental insurance benefits may be slightly different from another patient’s in our dental office, most do generally follow a few basic guidelines. The most notable is that the majority of dental insurance benefits plans are limited in the amount of coverage provided. In addition, benefits expire at the end of a calendar year and they do not rollover. In other words, you can use your benefits or you can lose them.
What is the Difference Between Dental & Medical Insurance?
While both dental insurance and medical insurance are intended to help you and your family live healthier lives, they do not operate the same.
In medicine, doctors typically see patients when there is an illness or an emergency. For example, what happens when your son has an earache? You take him to the pediatrician who discovers an infection that can be treated with antibiotics.
On the other hand, dental insurance is meant to prevent problems from developing in the first place. That is why twice-yearly dental checkups are so important. With this regularity, your dentist is able to stay one step ahead of most dental and oral health troubles.
What Your Dental Insurance Plan Covers
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona works on a fee-for-service basis. This means that you or your employer pays monthly premiums upfront for your dental care. In exchange for the premium amount, you may receive full coverage or deep discounts on the dental treatments you need.
Like most other dental insurance benefits plans, Aetna offers coverage for the preventive dentistry services you and your family must have to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Our In-Network PPO Dental Insurance Providers
As in-network providers with each of these plans, you will enjoy the privilege of covered care as well as the convenience of knowing that our dental office will be filing your claim forms and accepting payment directly from your insurer. You will not have to grapple with any paperwork or wait to be reimbursed, which is usually the case for families who choose to see a dentist that is not in their network.
Don’t see your plan? Chances are that we take it! Reach out to our team today!
Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance
The best way to derive the most benefit from your dental insurance is to schedule and attend two dental checkups and cleanings every six months. These visits are fully (100 percent) covered by dental insurance when you come to see your dentist in Phoenix. When you consider that you have basically already paid for these biannual appointments through your monthly premium, there really is no reason not to see the dentist regularly. With routine preventive care, you may be able to avoid tooth decay and gum disease, which can prevent the need for restorative dentistry altogether.
In addition, you need to keep in mind that dental insurance has a maximum. This refers to the dollar amount your insurer will pay during a specified time period, which is usually a calendar year. While you do want to use all of the dental benefits you are entitled to receive, you may not want to exceed the maximum. If that happens, you are responsible for paying the overage. Fortunately, our front office staff can track the dollars you have left and help you schedule treatment so that you do not incur unnecessary expenses.
Call Our Dental Office Today
If you have any questions about your Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona or Delta Dental insurance plan or coverage for a specific procedure, then contact Devoted Family Dental Phoenix.
