Insurance isn’t anyone’s favorite topic, but it’s an essential part of your ability to provide your family with much-needed dental coverage at a reasonable cost. Every policy is different, but the Team Popp Dental group is here to help you understand how it works, the pros and cons you should consider, and how our dental insurance alternative program may be right for you.
How Dental Insurance Works
For some Chattanooga patients, dental insurance can be a valuable tool to make dental care more affordable and accessible. So, how does it work? Let’s dive into the details.
Payments
When you opt for dental insurance, you pay the insurance provider a monthly or annual premium. This premium ensures you have access to the benefits outlined in your plan. Most dental insurance plans require that participants meet a deductible, or a specified amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage takes effect.
Once you have met the deductible, the insurance company will cover a portion of your dental expenses based on the coverage percentages specified in your plan. However, you are responsible for whatever portion of your treatment is not paid for by your insurance provider, referred to as a co-pay.
Coverage
Dental insurance plans typically have different coverage levels for different types of services. For example, basic procedures like fillings or extractions may have a higher coverage percentage, while more extensive procedures such as crowns or bridges may require you to pay more money out of pocket.
It’s important to note that dental insurance plans often have coverage limits, which is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for dental services within a specific time period, usually a year. Once you reach the coverage limit, you will be responsible for any additional costs.
Choosing a Dental Provider
To get the most out of your insurance benefits, you’re usually required to find an “in-network” provider. In-network dentists have agreed to accept negotiated fees, resulting in potential cost savings for plan members. Out-of-network providers may charge more for a specific service, meaning your insurance won’t cover as much with these dentists.
Do you need dental insurance?
Not everyone needs (or wants) dental insurance, but it is important to weigh your options. Here are the pros and cons of dental insurance:
Pros
Cost Savings: The cost of dental cleanings, X-rays, and other procedures can add up over time. Dental insurance can help offset this cost.
Preventive Care Coverage: Most insurance companies pay for preventive care, like regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. By promoting preventive care, dental insurance helps you maintain good oral health and catch potential issues early, which can save you from more complex and costly treatments in the long run.
Coverage for Major Procedures: Dental insurance typically covers a portion of major procedures like fillings, extractions, and oral surgeries. While the coverage amount may vary depending on the plan, having insurance can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with these treatments.
Cons
Deductibles & Co-Pays: Dental insurance usually includes out-of-pocket deductibles and co-pays on top of your monthly premium. These additional expenses can add up, particularly for more extensive or specialized treatments.
Limited Coverage: Some dental insurance plans limit patients on the number of visits they are allowed within a specific time frame. In addition, dental insurance may not cover certain treatments like cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics for adults, or elective procedures, requiring you to pay out of pocket for them.
Complex Claims Process: Paperwork associated with dental insurance can be a major hassle to deal with and can even lead to delays and complications in receiving reimbursement for covered services.
Make an Informed Decision
All in all, it’s important to understand the specific terms and details of your dental insurance plan before deciding whether you want to enroll in it. Take the time to go through your plan documents, which include information about coverage percentages, deductibles, co-pays, and coverage limits. By reviewing these details, you can make informed choices about your dental care and make the most of the benefits provided by your dental insurance coverage.
Try Our Dental Insurance Alternative
Although we recommend having some form of coverage, traditional dental insurance is not your only option! With a Team Popp Dental Membership Club subscription, you can get access to regular dental care and maintenance at no out-of-pocket cost per visit.
Our Membership Club offers all of the benefits of traditional dental insurance while removing many of the obstacles. As a Member, you’ll enjoy:
- Dental care decisions that remain just between you and your dentist, without a third party denying coverage
- Zero deductibles
- No hassle of working with an insurance company
- Transparent billing with no surprise payments
- Maximized treatment for your age group and dental needs
- Access to discounts on in-house treatments
Joining our Membership Club is easy, affordable, and beneficial to all of our Chattanooga patients. As we grow our doctor-patient relationship, you’ll find that enrolling in our Membership Club was the easiest and best decision you ever made for your dental care.
Come Smile with Us!
Choosing whether to enroll in a dental insurance program is a personal choice that includes many different factors – but at Team Popp Dental, you have options! And no matter what you decide about your care coverage, we hope you’ll come smile with us. Schedule your next appointment in Chattanooga to get started today!