I’ve reached the maximum limit on my dental insurance and still need additional dental care. Can anyone offer advice on what to do when dental insurance is maxed out, including alternative financing options, discount plans, or negotiating with dental providers for reduced rates?
When your dental insurance is maxed out, here are some steps you can take:
- Dental Discount Plans: Look into dental discount plans that offer reduced rates for services from participating dentists.
- Payment Plans: Ask your dental provider if they offer payment plans, allowing you to pay for treatments over time.
- CareCredit: Consider using healthcare financing options like CareCredit, which provides short-term and long-term payment plans.
- Negotiate Rates: Speak with your dentist about negotiating reduced rates or discounts, especially if you’re paying out-of-pocket.
- Community Clinics: Check if there are community dental clinics or dental schools in your area that offer services at a lower cost.
- Preventive Care: Focus on preventive care to avoid costly treatments later, and consider delaying non-urgent procedures until your insurance renews.
In accordance with their contract, the dentist must submit a claim to your insurance carrier if they are in network. What the insurance company claims you owe the dentist on the EOB must be honored. Therefore, you cannot be charged the full amount that was submitted if the EOB indicates that you only owe the agreed amount. It is not possible to divide up a dental procedure into separate service or benefit years. That would be deceitful.
Consider supplemental dental insurance coverage. These plans are often purchased for specific costly treatments like braces, dental implants, or veneers.