What Can I Do To Make The Most Of My Dental Insurance Policy?

Dental insurance is complex and every plan is different. But if you want to understand your policy and maximize your benefits, there are a few steps you can usually take. Learn more from Parkside Dental now. 

1. Find An Experienced In-Network Dentist

‍In-network dentists will always provide more affordable care compared to out of network dentists if you have a PPO, and HMOs do not allow you to get care from dentists who are outside of the HMO network.

At Parkside Dental, Dr. Jason Larsen accepts Cigna, MetLife, Delta, Guardian, Ameritas, Humana, Aetna, and BlueCross BlueShield, as well as many other providers. Call at (972) 442-7550 to see if we accept your policy. 

2. Get Two Dental Checkups At Parkside Dental Every Year 

Twice-yearly dental checkups are usually provided at no cost in dental plans, so you can see Dr. Larsen twice a year for teeth cleanings and oral exams at Parkside Dental, and you won’t pay any money out of pocket. Make sure to maximize your benefits and protect your oral health by seeing our team every six months. 

3. Know How 100-80-50 Coverage Affects Your Dental Care Costs

Most, but not all, dental plans use a 100-80-50 coverage structure. This means that your plan will pay:

• 100% of the cost of agreed-upon preventive care, usually including two oral exams and teeth cleanings, as well as annual x-rays. Kids under 18 may also get 100% coverage for fluoride treatments and dental sealants
  
• 80% of the cost of basic dental care like fillings and root canals
  
• 50% of the cost of major dental care like dental bridges, crowns, and dentures
  

This is yet another reason to maintain good at-home oral hygiene and see Parkside Dental for routine appointments. You can prevent oral health issues that may cost you a lot of money out-of-pocket, even with dental insurance.

4. Understand Your Yearly Deductible And Annual Maximum 

Most dental plans have a deductible between $25 and $250. Like a health insurance plan, you must meet this deductible for your benefits to start covering your dental costs

However, unlike health insurance, almost all dental policies have an “annual maximum” of between $1,000 to $2,000. After your plan pays out this amount toward your care, it will stop covering your dental expenses. You will pay for the rest of your treatments out of pocket.

5. Know Your Options If You Don’t Have Insurance Coverage 

At Parkside Dental, we offer a $99 New Patient Special for customers who don't have insurance. This includes a teeth cleaning, exam, and x-rays.

We also offer a Dental Loyalty Plan as an alternative to insurance. With this plan, you will get 2 checkups and cleanings each year, necessary x-rays, and a discount between 20-50% on all other treatments from Dr. Jason Larsen at Parkside Dental.

Get Affordable Dental Care In Murphy, TX From Parkside Dental

At Parkside Dental, we do our best to keep costs under control for patients with and without insurance, and with additional financing options like CareCredit available, it’s easy to get the dental care you need in Murphy without breaking the bank. Contact us online or call at (972) 442-7550 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jason Larsen today.