Q: What questions should I consider before choosing a dental plan?

A: Dental insurance can be an effective way to prevent damage to your teeth and gums. When determining what dental insurance plan would fit you best, it is important not to just look for the least expensive plan, but think about what individual needs you have, such as medical conditions that may compromise your oral health, nutritional challenges, complicated dental issues and will the dentist or hygienist have enough time to address my concerns?  Besides cost, these issues could make the difference in a patients oral care, so it is worth thinking about before choosing a plan. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Can I choose my own dentist?  Just like health insurance, some dental insurance plans will restrict you to certain dentist or clinics, you may not be able to see your regular provider. If you are happy and well cared for by the dentist you see, it is often worth it to pay a little extra for the insurance option that allows you freedom of choice.
• Will my dentist and I get to choose the best treatment for me?  Some dental insurance plans allow only the least expensive treatment option to restore your teeth. Although other treatment options may be available–you may never be made aware them.
• What will be covered?  Most dental plans will cover two preventive visits per year with little or no co-pay to the patient. Many policies also recognize the need for additional visits for patients being treated for periodontal conditions and patients with chronic health issues.  Other services can be covered anywhere from 50%- 80% up to the plan’s maximum, depending on the type of restoration you need. You’ll want to be careful when looking at individual dental plans, often their are many restrictions that may not be apparent initially. The most common is a 6-12 month waiting period for payment on many of the most common services that drive patients to enroll in a plan. There is also a difference between a true dental insurance plan and a reduced fee for service program.
• Will I be limited to when I can schedule an appointment? Sometimes in-network dentists limit scheduling times for certain dental insurance participants due to the reduced fee for service they have agreed to take. This means that the patient may be restricted to certain days and times during the week for appointments.
• What will I pay? Dental plans are usually worth the premium you pay. Most often it would cost much more for you to pay all services out of pocket than it would for the co-payment. In addition, the premiums may be tax deductible or if you have opted for a  flex spending plan you will save about 30% in taxes.

There are many things to consider and each patients situation is different, which is why we are here to help you review your treatment and help plan for the best benefit choices for you.

 Are you aware of the upcoming insurance changes ? As you know, your contract has always been June 1 to May 31 of each year, FORD is changing this so you will no longer be on a fiscal year but switch to a calendar year. On June 1,2010  the  pro-rated  maximum of  $875.00  will begin and last  through December 31,2010,  your flex account will remain the same. If you have dental treatment to complete, this would be a great time to take advantage of this additional funding. In January of  2011, your full maximum of  $1500.00 will be re-instated. We are always available if you have questions regarding insurance choices or need help planning for flex spending.