As the last quarter of 2024 is drawing near, many people are thinking about shopping for insurance in the new year. If you are in the market for a new dental policy, you may have come across some unfamiliar terms, such as “deductible.” What exactly are dental insurance deductibles, and what should you know about them? This blog post explains some important information.
What Is a Deductible?
Essentially, a deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance plan kicks in to cover certain services. For example, your policy may cover 80% of the cost of basic restorative services, like fillings. However, if you have not yet paid your annual deductible, you might have to meet that and pay 20% of the remaining cost of your treatment.
Here are a few key points to remember about deductibles:
- They usually come with PPO plans, but they are less common for DHMO plans.
- You only have to pay your deductible once a year.
- Dental insurance deductibles are often in the range of $50 – $100.
- Deductibles usually apply regardless of whether you visit an in-network or out of network dental practice. However, overall fees tend to be lower at in-network practices.
Individual and Family Deductibles
What if more than one person is covered on your insurance plan? You might have both an individual deductible and a family deductible.
Imagine that your individual deductible is $50, and your family deductible is $150. You, your spouse, and one of your children may each have to meet a $50 deductible. Those three payments together amount to your family deductible, so if you have any additional family members on your plan, they may not have to pay any deductible at all.
Are Any Services Exempt from Deductibles?
Some insurance companies do not enforce a deductible for certain services. Often, preventive services like cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays are 100% covered and are exempt from other fees. You may be able to receive basic care for absolutely nothing out of pocket!
Dental insurance terminology can be confusing at times. If you have questions about deductibles or other aspects of your policy, your dental team may be able to assist you.
Meet the Practice
Avion Dental & Orthodontics proudly serves families in the Dallas community. We offer a broad range of treatments for patients of virtually all ages. We happily accept insurance, and we are in-network with many popular plans, including Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield, and more. If you would like to learn how we can help you maximize your benefits, reach out to our friendly team at 972-807-9887.