Open Enrollment Tips for Dental Insurance.
It always seems that when you receive your packet to renew, upgrade, or choose new altogether, that there is more paperwork to read and fill out than answers to questions that pop up with every page turned.
Over the last few years of working with many insurance companies, I have learned a few precious knowledge-nuggets that I am going to share with you.
Questions to ask your dental insurance representative
Elevation Family Dental is contracted with the following insurance companies as a Participating Provider (PPO):
Cigna Dental
Anthem BlueCrossBlueShield
Premier with Delta Dental
Coming soon: United Concordia
It Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing
I am sure by now you are wondering where this is leading. There is one particularly important question that you need to ask the insurance rep, HR, whomever you are working with when it comes to choosing a PPO dental network plan or not:
Now that you have chosen your dental plan, go to your dentist. Do remember to take your card or go online and get a copy of it. Most insurance companies use your personal information to identify you. Sometimes they will issue you a special member ID # to use, or you can request a special ID #. Be sure to write it down and have it handy when asked so that we will be able to get your benefits, eligibility, and pre-authorization information needed to process your work promptly.
After the work is done, the dental office will generally file your claim on your behalf as a courtesy. We feel, at Elevation Family Dental, that it makes the experience of coming to our office a little less stressful.
The percentage of payment per services is determined by your plan. Most plans pay 100% of preventative services, ex: cleanings, exams, and x-rays. Most basic of services like fillings are paid at an 80% level after deductible. And major services like extractions, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures (full set and partials) are paid at a 50% level.
Payments are usually sent to the dental office. Some plans do offer the option of having the payment sent to you instead of the dental office, which makes you responsible for paying for the services in full. Please check closely when marking the boxes when you are choosing your plan. Next, you will receive an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from the insurance company that should match the statement you receive from your dental office. If you do not understand the charges and payments made by the insurance company, please call us and we will do our best to help answer your questions.
I hope this has helped you understand just a little bit better how the whole insurance process works. Changes happen every year with insurance so be sure to have your notebook and pen handy at your next open enrollment!
Thanks,
Grete - Office Manager
