Are you in the process of shopping for dental insurance? As you compare your options, you might come across some terms that you are unfamiliar with. “Deductible” might be one of them. What exactly are dental insurance deductibles, and how might they affect how you use your coverage? This blog post explains what you should know.
What Is a Deductible?
Simply put, a deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before your dental insurance kicks in. For most standard dental insurance plans, the annual deductible is around $50.
Imagine you need a dental service that will cost $300, and your insurance coverage rate is 80%. You will pay $50 for the deductible, so the remaining balance will amount to $250. You will then have to pay 20% of the $250, which amounts to $50. Your total out-of-pocket cost will be $100.
You only have to pay the deductible once each year. Once you meet it, you will enjoy more straightforward coverage of approved services.
There Are Family and Individual Deductibles
If you are the only person covered on your dental insurance plan, you only have an individual deductible. However, if your family members are covered as well, things get a little more complicated. Each person may have a deductible, and there may be a family deductible as well, which might be around $150.
To understand things a little better, imagine that you have a family of four: you, your spouse, and two children. If your family deductible is $150, each family member will need to pay a $50 deductible — but only until the total amount paid meets $150. For example, if your spouse and two children all receive care, their individual deductibles should add up to $150. You will not have to worry about paying any deductible at all.
The Deductible Is Waived for Some Services
Many dental insurance policies cover 100% of the cost of preventive care, including things like checkups, cleanings, and X-rays. Very often, the deductible is waived for such services; it may only apply to restorative care. Therefore, you might be able to attend your biannual checkups and cleanings without paying anything out of pocket.
The Deductible Resets Each Year
Dental insurance typically works on a calendar year basis, so your benefits may reset each January 1, meaning you will have a fresh deductible to pay. If you have already met your deductible for 2023, right now is an ideal time to receive needed treatments; doing so might save you a little money!
Still Have Questions?
Dental insurance can be confusing at times. If there is anything you do not understand about your policy, ask your insurer or your local dental team. They will be happy to help!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Maria Maiorino and Molly Makos Fraser are proud to serve the Columbus, NJ, community. They combine their skills and knowledge with a compassionate attitude in order to provide truly top-quality care. Our practice welcomes dental insurance, and we are in-network with many popular plans. To learn how we can help you maximize your benefits, contact Columbus Dental Arts at 609-342-9500.