want to take dental insurance

by Guest » Fri Sep 30, 2011 10:14 am
Guest

I would like to know if all types of dental services are covered by insurance? Please provide information.

Total Comments: 4

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 11:54 am Post Subject:

NO. "Cosmetic" dentistry is never covered unless "medically-necessary". Most of the more expensive procedures, such as root canal therapy, crowns, implants, periodontal services, and the like are covered at 50% of "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) charges, perhaps with additional hard dollar limitations (such as a crown: "50% of UCR up to $500").

There will be a number of EXCLUSIONS, too, for things such as preexisting conditions. Orthodontics ("braces") are often excluded, or coverage is significantly limited (to a lifetime maximum of $2,000 perhaps).

Unfortunately, Obamacare has nothing to do with dental needs.

Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2011 05:02 am Post Subject:

As already mentioned, all dental services are usually not covered.
Dental services may be divided into different coverage levels.
Level I covers preventive and diagnostic care, such as semiannual examinations, cleaning and x-rays. Most plans usually covers level I services and reimbursement is higher compared to the other services.
Level II includes basic services like, simple fillings, jackets, extractions etc.
Level III covers major services, such as, dentures, bridges, and replacement of such. There are a lot of exclusions when dental insurance is concerned, so know your policy before buying it, or while making claims.

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 05:47 am Post Subject:

danield'sousa,

For PPO plans there are also waiting periods for major dental services such as root canals, crowns,etc.. The most common waiting period is 12 months, so it makes sense to sign up for dental insurance before you need to use it.

If you don't care which dentist you go to see, there are HMO dental plans that are pretty inexpensive, have no waiting period, and have a list of prices you will pay for each dental service. Most of the time these plans provide a discount of 30-50% off the Dentist's usual "retail" rates. The drawback is that many times the number of dentists that take the plan is limited (but there are a couple of HMO dental plans with larger networks). The newest of these HMO plans with a large network is "NewDentalChoice".

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 05:42 pm Post Subject:

For PPO plans there are also waiting periods for major dental services such as root canals, crowns,etc


Not very likely.

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