A Boise Dentists Guide to Dental Insurance

If you have dental insurance, congratulations! You’re one step closer to getting the dental care you need. If you’re like most people, you may be a little unsure of what to do when it comes time to use your insurance. That’s why the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group are here to help. In this blog post, we will discuss a pre-appointment checklist for those with dental insurance. This will help make the process easier for you and ensure you get the most out of your coverage.

What Does a Dental Insurance Policy Look Like?

First and foremost, you should know what your dental insurance policy looks like. This includes knowing the types of services covered under your plan, how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket for each service, and any exclusions or limitations that may apply.

You should also understand if there are waiting periods or special requirements for certain services. You can usually find this information on your insurance company’s website or by calling their customer service line with questions.

Finding a Provider in Your Network

Once you know the details of your policy, it’s time to look for Boise dentists in your network. Your insurance may cover only certain providers and/or require preauthorization before certain treatments can be performed.

It’s important to check with your insurance company before scheduling an appointment so that you don’t run into any unexpected issues or surprise costs. Your insurance company should be able to provide a list of providers in your area who are covered by your policy. If you’re looking for a dentist, the American Dental Association (ADA) also has a tool to help you find dentists near you who accept dental insurance plans from major carriers.

What are Some Common Insurance Terms?

When researching dental insurance coverage, you’ll likely come across industry-specific jargon. Here are some of the most common terms that you should become familiar with:

• Deductible: This is the amount of money that you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance will start covering costs.
• Coinsurance: This is an agreement between you and your insurance company in which each pays a portion of the service cost.
• Copayment (or copay): This is a fixed fee for certain services at the time of service.
• Preauthorization or pre-determination: These are requests made to your insurance provider before treatment, asking them to review and approve the coverage for that specific service.
• Maximum benefit: This is the maximum amount of money that your insurance company will pay out in a given year for covered services.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: This is the most you will have to pay in one year for dental care, regardless of how much your insurance pays out.

How to Know What Your Policy Covers

Once you understand what your policy looks like and who is covered under it, the next step is to make sure that you know what your policy covers. Generally, most policies will cover preventive care (such as cleanings and x-rays) with no out-of-pocket costs. Major services such as root canals and crowns may be partially covered or require a higher copayment. Your insurance company should be able to provide an itemized list of what’s covered under your policy so that you know exactly how much you’ll need to pay for each service.

Final Steps Before Your Appointment

Once you’ve found a provider and scheduled an appointment, there are just a few more steps before you’re ready to go:

• Contact your provider’s office to confirm they have received preauthorization from your insurance if required.
• Ask the provider what, if anything, you need to bring with you for your appointment, such as a photo ID or copy of your insurance card.
• Make sure to check the fine print on any paperwork you sign to understand any payment obligations you may have.

By following these steps and understanding your policy before visiting the dentist, you can ensure you get the most out of your dental insurance coverage.

Schedule a Dentist Appointment Today with Summit Dental

Now that you understand how to use your dental insurance coverage, it’s time to schedule an appointment. The Boise dentists at Summit Dental are trusted providers in the Treasure Valley area and have the experience and skills you need for quality dental care. Contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 314-2275 to learn more about our services and get started with your first appointment.