Tip #419: Do You Drill Down Into Dental Details?

A typical dental plan provides three levels of benefits after a small (e.g., $50) deductible:

• Diagnostic and preventive services are paid at 100% (deductible usually waived)
• “Basic” services – like simple restorations and fillings – at 80%
• “Major” services at 50%.

Here’s where details matter.

• Does your dental plan cover endodontics and periodontics at the basic (80%) or major (50%) level? The difference in cost is a modest 7%; e.g., $28.88 /month versus $30.09. (Either way, you’ll probably max out your benefit.)
• Does your plan cover implants? (Another 9 %.) Composite fillings? (+3 %.)
• Does your plan have a waiting period for major services?

Dental plans typically have a calendar year benefit limit of $1,000-$2,000. (Hint: if you spent your annual maximum January thru June and your employer switchs carriers July 1, your calendar year limit may be re-set.)

Finally, some plans have a fourth benefit level covering orthodontia at a separate annual or lifetime limit.

FYI: Crowns cost about $1,100 and are covered at 50%. I can thank my corn nuts for knowing that!

P.S. Please watch this ad about “surprise” medical bills, the topic of last week’s Tip. It’s just 30 seconds. (Of course!)