Insurance Information
Facts You Should Know About Dental Insurance
Your dental insurance is based on a contract made between your employer and an insurance company. Should questions arise regarding your insurance benefits, it is best for you to contact your employer or insurance company directly.
We strongly believe our patients deserve the best possible service we can provide. In an effort to maintain that quality of care, we would like to share some lesser known facts about dental insurance with you:
Dental insurance benefits have remained relatively stagnant over the past 50 years. In 1971, the average annual dental benefit was $1,000. Adjusting for inflation, that amount should be $7,000 today. However, despite increasing premiums, current annual dental benefits are still close to $1,000.
Insurance companies conduct surveys in geographic areas to calculate an average fee for dental services. They then define 80% of that fee as "customary." These surveys include discount dental clinics and managed care facilities, which lower the average. Consequently, fees from quality private practices often appear higher than the "usual and customary" rates set by insurance companies.
Many dental plans advertise coverage "up to 80%" or "up to 100%" but do not clearly outline plan schedule allowances, annual maximums, or limitations. In reality, dental insurance typically covers 30% - 60% of most non-preventative procedures. The coverage amount depends on what your employer paid for the plan, which directly affects how much the plan pays on your behalf, after accounting for the insurance company's profits.
You Make the decisions, not your insurance company.
In our office, your treatment plan will be determined by both your dental needs and your general health, NOT by your dental benefit plan. To us as your dental health team, to do otherwise would be out of integrity and would compromise your optimal health and well-being. You make the decisions, not your insurance company.
Don't have dental insurance? No Problem!
Read about the Honeygo Smiles in-house dental savings plan to see how you can save.
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