Although dental insurance plans tend to vary from patient to patient, they are typically all centered around preventive care. For this reason, many companies offer a 100-80-50 structure for coverage. But what exactly does this mean for your benefits? If you’re having difficulty understanding the details of your policy and want to make the most of your money, here are a few things you should know about your dental insurance!
A Brief Look at the 100-80-50 Structure
This series of numbers usually refers to the percentage that will be covered by different kinds of dental care. Most of the time this involves 100% for preventive treatments, 80% for fillings and basic procedures, and 50% for more extensive restorative services like crowns, bridges, or dentures. Since there are several other factors you’ll need to consider, it’s important to verify with your dental insurance company or your dental team ahead of time.
Factors That Affect Your Dental Insurance Coverage
Here are a few aspects that can significantly impact the 100-80-50 structure of your insurance plan:
- Annual maximums: Most dental coverage will include an annual maximum, which is the highest cost value that your provider will be able to cover at a certain time.
- Waiting periods: Some treatments may require you to wait a specific amount of time before you can undergo a chosen procedure, such as a waiting period of 6-12 months before receiving a root canal.
- Yearly deductible: This refers to the minimum amount of dollars you’ll need to pay before you can make the most of your benefits.
Why Visit Your Dentist Before the End of 2022?
While dental insurance can offer you advantages when it comes to affording essential dental treatments, you won’t be able to use them forever. The majority of insurance plans will typically reset at the beginning of the new year. Any benefits you didn’t use before then will not roll over, meaning you could potentially waste money. That’s why it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist when there’s still time! Whether you’re struggling with a moderate toothache or are simply overdue for your second checkup and cleaning, your dentist will be able to help you maximize your benefits and out-of-pocket expenses.
Is it challenging for you to navigate your dental insurance benefits? If so, feel free to consult your dental team, and they’ll be happy to walk you through the details of your coverage so you can save money on the treatments you need!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Brong earned his dental doctorate from the University of California in San Francisco. He also regularly pursues continuing education to refine his skills and expertise so that his patients can receive the best care they deserve. He provides a wide selection of high-quality and all-inclusive services, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and emergency dentistry. If you’d like to know how to make the most of your dental insurance, visit his website or call him at 507-288-1066.
