Dental insurance focuses on preventive care, which saves you money in the long run. But there are times you’ll pay out-of-pocket. Learn what they are and how to avoid them if possible.
You may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses if…
While you are free to see any dentist you choose, dental insurance covers more when you visit a dentist who’s in-network. Because out-of-network dentists are not under contract with an insurance provider, they can charge patients at any rate and benefits are not likely to cover costs.
Don’t worry, though; 98% of South Dakota dentists belong to a Delta Dental network, so finding an in-network dentist is easy.
A deductible is the amount you’ll pay for treatment before your benefits help cover the costs. Deductibles usually apply to basic or major treatment, not cleanings and exams. Once your meet your deductible, your costs will decrease significantly.
Most dental plans have an annual maximum – the total dollar limit that will be paid toward treatment in a year. If you’ve exceeded your annual maximum, you will be responsible for all treatment expenses until your plan resets.
Dental coverage depends on your plan’s specific design, so not all treatments are covered. Log into your account to learn specifically what procedures your benefits cover.
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