Dental insurance can be a confusing and complicated topic for many individuals. Unless you work in the field, you may be unaware of some of the terminology that is used, such as “deductible.” What is it? What kinds of deductibles are there? Most of all, how do you meet it? These are the questions you can expect to be answered as you keep reading.
What is a Deductible?
In the simplest terms, a deductible is the amount you agree to pay for any covered dental service before your insurance company starts paying.
Most dental deductibles are minimal, averaging around $50; however, each plan is different, so this number can vary.
What Kind of Deductibles Are There?
There are two types of deductibles: individual and family. Here is a brief example of how both work:
If your deductible is $50 but you need a dental filling that costs $300, you will pay the initial $50, leaving your total at $250. If your insurance company agrees to pay 80% for this type of restorative service, they will pay $200, and you will pay $50. This means you are only required to pay $100 out of pocket.
If your family’s deductible is $400 for four people, but each person’s deductible is $100, each individual must meet theirs before the insurance company begins to pay for treatment.
How Can You Meet Your Deductible Each Year?
Knowing what counts and doesn’t count toward your deductible can help you better understand how to use your dental insurance. In most cases, preventive services, such as dental checkups and cleanings, cannot count toward your deductible. The reason is that some companies view these procedures as ways to encourage better oral health so that more expensive and extensive treatments are not required later on.
Services that do count toward your deductible often include dental fillings, dental crowns, dentures, root canals, tooth extractions, and other similar restorative procedures.
Meeting your deductible early in the year is a good idea, as it allows for greater savings if you require repairs down the road. If you are uncertain how to get the most out of your plan, do not hesitate to talk to a member of your dental team.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Esparza earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1999 from the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore. As a general dentist for 7 years in the U.S. Air Force, she completed her general dentistry residency at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. She now offers affordable services to Virginia Beach residents and is in-network with a few dental insurance companies, but also welcomes other plans. Visit our website or call (757) 499-4707 if you have questions about your policy or how to use it most effectively.