Understanding Dental Insurance in Medford

Dental insurance isn’t any kind of mystery, but it’s also not always easy to discern just how it works. Preventive treatments are usually completely covered by your provider, but your benefits may vary beyond that. Understanding how your dental insurance in Medford works is key to making the most out of your investment — keep reading to find out more!

Dental Insurance: The Basics

Your dental insurance works similarly to medical coverage, except with more of an emphasis on prevention. You can receive two checkups and cleanings for free each year, along with x-rays and possibly topical fluoride treatments and dental sealants for children.

Some important terms to understand regarding dental insurance include:

• Premium: The amount of money you should pay monthly to receive benefits. A premium is usually around $50 per month (but will vary a little based on your coverage).
• Deductible: The amount of money you have to pay out of pocket for restorative treatments before your insurance coverage will kick in.
• Annual maximum: The amount of money, usually anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500, that your dental insurance will pay for services.
• Least expensive alternative treatment: A feature of some dental insurance plans that limits the treatment you can receive to the one that costs less.

While we will always help you make the most out of your investment in oral health, we also advise our patients to make decisions based on what is best for their smiles rather than solely on what is covered by dental insurance. Ro — our head treatment coordinator — is our dental insurance expert and can always talk in more detail if the situation arises for you.

Benefits Expire at the End of the Year

As we approach the end of 2017, right now is a great time to think about how you can make the most out of your dental insurance. Most plans are set on a calendar year — and any unused benefits will not rollover to 2018.

Some ways to make the most out of your plan before the year is up include:

• Scheduling a checkup and cleaning if you have not already had two in 2017.
• Completing any unfinished treatment plans.
• Getting started on any necessary dental care.
• Taking care of one of 2018’s checkup and cleanings to save the funds to your annual maximum for when you may need them more.

Act Fast!

November and December are always busy months for your dentist, so don’t wait to schedule an appointment to maximize on your insurance benefits. Because many treatment plans require more than one visit to the dentist, getting started today will also help to ensure that we can finish up any care before the year is over. That’s acting of the best interest of your smile… and your wallet!

About the Author

The East Islip Dental Care team serves all of Long Island with superior dental care at an affordable price. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment, you are invited to contact the office at 631-581-8600.