Benefit Issues:

If you have dental benefits, you are very fortunate. Here are some important things you should know...

• Your dental benefits are based upon a contract made between your employer and the insurance company. We are not a party to that contract. If you have any questions regarding your dental benefits please contact your employer’s human resource department or insurance company directly. We will, as a courtesy, assist you in filling out and submitting your insurance claim for dental treatment.
  
  
• When patients have insurance, and benefits have been assigned to our office, there are cases that we have underestimated the amount that the insurance company is going to pay. This results in a balance due. Insurance companies always notify patients of the payment before releasing the payment to the provider. This eliminates fraud. You will be billed for any remaining amounts due, and we ask that you remit payment upon receipt of this notice. A 1.5% finance charge will be added to any accounts 90 days overdue. Billing is expensive and involves staff time.
  
  
• Dental benefits differ greatly from medical benefits. In the early 1970’s most dental plans had a yearly maximum of $1,000.00. This benefit maximum, had it kept up with the cost of living over the last 20 years, would be approximately $3,5000.00 - $4000.00 in today’s economy. Dental insurance rarely pays for the completion of your dental care. It is only meant to assist you.
  
  
• Some insurance companies do NOT cover many routine and newer dental services.