Dental Insurance – New York
Fully Maximize Your Dental Benefits
Dental insurance is an excellent tool that can help to make your dental care much more affordable for you and your family. If you have access to a dental plan through your employer or by another means, this is definitely something to take advantage of. However, dental insurance works a bit differently than the medical insurance that you’re used to, so it can be challenging to navigate at first. To benefit from your plan, it’s crucial that you are taking all of the necessary steps to maximize your benefits. To learn more about dental insurance, continue reading. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
How Dental Insurance Works
When you pay your monthly premium, you gain access to discounts on dental treatments and procedures. Every plan works a little bit differently, but here is what you can generally expect in terms of savings:
- Preventive dental treatments are usually covered at 100%. This includes things like checkups, cleanings, and X-rays.
- Basic restorative procedures are usually covered at about 80%. This includes dental fillings.
- Major restorative procedures are usually covered at approximately 50%. This includes things like dental crowns and dentures.
In most cases, cosmetic procedures are not covered by dental insurance because they are considered elective. The idea is that by attending your cleanings and checkups, you can prevent the need for restorative treatments in the future, which aren’t covered at as high of a rate. However, there are still several key things to remember:
- Dental insurance plans are generally renewed at the beginning of the calendar year. Benefits do not carry over.
- You need to meet your deductible before your coverage kicks in.
- Your annual maximum is the designated amount of money provided by your insurance company. It is the most they will agree to pay out in a single year. If you don’t reach this amount, the remaining balance is returned to your insurance company.
What Is the Difference Between Dental & Medical Insurance?
Medical insurance and dental insurance seem like they would be similar, but they have quite a few differences. The biggest one is that dental insurance is focused more on preventive care. That’s why most plans include complete coverage for cleanings and checkups. This way, patients can avoid more complex procedures, like root canals and tooth extractions.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
When you choose a dentist, it is key to know if they are in-network or out-of-network. Here’s what this means.
In-Network Coverage
If you choose a dentist who is in-network, this means that the dentist and your insurance provider have a contact to offer services at set fees. Choosing an in-network dentist is a great way to maximize your benefits. At Lux Smiles, we are proud to be in-network with Delta Dental!
Out-of-Network
If you have another insurance provider, this doesn’t mean that you are out of luck with getting coverage. Lux Smiles is more than happy to accept all PPO plans. This includes PPO plans from the following providers:
- BlueCross Blue Shield
- Humana
- MetLife Dental
- United Healthcare
- Cigna Dental
- Many More!