Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance Plans

An insurance plan may offer you different options regarding:

• The scale of the benefit
• The method of payment
• The responsibility of the company for funding benefits
• The degree of freedom to select the dentist

The three parties usually involved in the dental insurance process are you, your dentist, and the third party contracted by your employer for the coverage.

There are three types of third parties: insurance carriers, self-funded insurers and dental service corporations.

Insurance carriers are for-profit companies that provide dental insurance services. Self-funded insurers use their own funds to provide insurance coverage for their employees. Dental service corporations like Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental are not-for-profit organizations that arrange to provide dental coverage.

Choosing a Dental Plan

It is important to choose wisely because the choices influence both the cost and quality of your dental care.

You must keep some specific factors in mind:

• Choose an individual plan that allows you to see the dentist at any time that suits you. Some companies may only allow plan patients to visit dentists during fixed hours.
• See that either you or your dentist is allowed to choose the treatment plan. Some plans may require you to go for the cheapest treatment.
• Choose a plan that allows you to visit a dentist of your own choice. Some plans may require you to visit a dentist from their own panel.
• Select a plan that allows diagnostic and emergency treatment. The extent and frequency of these services also varies between plans.
• Choose a plan that covers a higher percentage of the costs of major dental treatment. Most plans restrict this to 50% and expect you to bear the rest.
• Check if your plan provides benefits if you are also covered by another family member's plan.

As is evident from the above discussion, there are a number of issues that need to be considered when choosing a dental insurance plan. Remember to study the various options available to you so that you get the best possible dental coverage.

For a complimentary examination appointment to check the condition of your teeth and explore any dental insurance issues you may have, please contact us online or call 650-965-1234.

We'll answer any questions you may have, and give you a free written estimate regarding costs and insurance benefits before you leave.

Call us today!

Dr. Burch