Posts Tagged ‘dental insurance’

Except in limited circumstances, HMO, or strict in-network PPO, you can use and we’ll process your insurance.

I’m always surprised when I hear a friend / patient concerned that they can’t use their dental insurance in our office, particularly for carriers like Aetna or Met-Life. 99% of the time even when it’s a network PPO you can use your insurance (these typically have a co-pay, that may vary a little out of network). We’ll send in your claim, and after receipt of your insurance payment, if there is a balance we will send you a bill. It’s that easy.

If you have any questions at all please call Pat or Mariela, (703) 971-2788.

For more about using your dental insurance in our office, click here.

It’s almost that time again. Insurance open season, when you have an opportunity to change your insurance to better fit your life. But … it can be a puzzle. Which insurance plan is right for you? How is that company to work with? How is their coverage? Is dental separate from medical.

Federal open season runs from November 14 – December 12, 2011. Many other companies have a similar period at year’s end when you can change plans / coverage.

When it comes to dental insurance there are a few things to look at:

• Let’s be practical – do you need dental insurance? Do you have many large old fillings, then yes. Do you have almost no fillings, then maybe no. Do you clean your teeth real effectively, brushing and flossing? Do you hardly every floss?
• Depending on the types of dental treatment you might anticipate, fillings, only checkups, crowns – look at what a particular policy covers.
• Are you concerned about if you can stay with me / our office? We accept virtually all standard dental insurance, but no HMO plans. You can usually use your PPO plan with us, unless you sign up for an ‘in-network only’ plan. Usually even ‘in-network’ plans cover out-of-network, but on a slightly different fee schedule.

If you have questions about choosing between a couple plans, speak with Pat or Mariela to see if they are familiar with them to help you choose.

It’s almost that time again. Insurance open season, when you have an opportunity to change your insurance to better fit your life. But … it can be a puzzle. Which insurance plan is right for you? How is that company to work with? How is their coverage? Is dental separate from medical.

Federal open season runs from Monday of the second full workweek in November through the Monday of the second full workweek in December. Many other companies have a similar period at year’s end when you can change plans / coverage. 

When it comes to dental insurance there are a few things to look at:

• Let’s be practical – do you need dental insurance? Do you have many large old fillings, then yes. Do you have almost no fillings, then maybe no. Do you clean your teeth real effectively, brushing and flossing? Do you hardly every floss?
• Depending on the types of dental treatment you might anticipate, fillings, only checkups, crowns – look at what a particular policy covers.
• Are you concerned about if you can stay with me / our office? We accept virtually all standard dental insurance, but no HMO plans. You can usually use your PPO plan with us, unless you sign up for an ‘in-network only’ plan. Often times even ‘in-network’ plans cover out-of-network, but on a different fee schedule.

If you have questions about choosing between a couple plans, speak with Pat or Mariela to see if they are familiar with them to help you choose.

Many companies and the Federal government offer employees the opportunity to change their insurance coverage and plan during ‘Open Season’. This year’s Federal Benefits Open Season will run from Monday, November 9 through Monday, December 14, 2009.

What does this mean for you regarding dental insurance? For most people’s dental insurance there should be little change, but here are some things to consider. If you have been keeping regular dental checkups, your typical insurance should be fine. If you have some specific needs with crowns, dentures, implants or other extensive treatment you may want to check among the plans offered. In a situation like this, you may want to call my office before you select a plan.

We accept and process virtually all out of network PPO dental insurance (no HMO/DMO plans). See here for more about insurance and payment in my office.