As an optimal - care dental practice, we strongly believe our patients deserve the best possible dental services we can provide. In an effort to maintain a high quality of care, we would like to share some facts about dental insurance with you.
FACT #1:
We are happy to file the forms necessary, to see that you receive the full benefits of
your coverage; however, we cannot guarantee any estimated coverage. Because the insurance
policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company, we ask that all patients be
directly responsible for all charges. We have found in the past that in some instances a
call from the insured, who is the policy holder, produces quicker results in processing
insurance claim forms. If for some reason your insurance company has not paid their
portion within 60 days from the start of treatment, you are responsible for payment at
that time.
FACT #2
Dental-insurance benefits differ greatly from general health-insurance benefits.
In 1971, your dental-insurance benefits were approximately $1,000 per year. Figuring a 6%
rate of inflation per year, you should be receiving $4,549 per year in dental benefits.
Your premiums have increased, but your benefits have not, therefore, dental insurance is
never a pay-all; it is only an aid.
FACT #3
Many plans tell their participants that they will be covered "up to 80
percent or up to 100%", but do not clearly specify plan fee-schedule allowances,
annual maximums or limitations. It is more realistic to expect dental insurance to cover
35-65 percent of major services. Remember, the amount a plan pays is determined by how
much the employer paid for the plan. You get back only what your employer put in, less the
profits of the insurance company.
FACT #4
Many routine dental services are not covered by insurance companies.
As a service to you...our office will submit charges for services to your insurance company. However, we do consider the patient primarily responsible for the account. When payment of insurance claims is assigned to us, that portion of the fee which is payable by the patient is due at the time of service.