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Dr. Michael Curtis Gives Advice for Bridgeport, Trumbull ResidentsNow more than ever people rely on dental insurance to supplement the bill for treatment. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not sensitive to the economic climate. Dr. Michael Curtis has experience with dental insurance and offers these tips, so you will know what to expect when it comes to your dental insurance benefits.

1. Learn the terminology. Here are a few common insurance terms that rear their ugly heads just when you least expect.

• UCR Fee- “Usual, Reasonable, and Customary Fees” are treatment costs that the insurance companies decide upon by averaging dental costs across the board, which includes low-cost clinic fees. Every insurance company has different UCR Fees; what they all have in common is that they usually do not reflect the level of care most dentists consider standard.
• Yearly Maximum- This is the maximum yearly amount that your insurance benefits allow. Usually it’s $1,000, regardless of the amount of treatment you need to restore your health. Read more about this in Dr. Curtis’ blog Is Your Dental Insurance Running Out?!.
• Alternative Benefits- Dr. Curtis may recommend a white filling for a cavity, but your insurance company will only pay for the cheaper alternative- a mercury/amalgam filling. You’re responsible for the full difference in cost if you choose a higher quality of care.

2. Read between the lines. If your insurance policy says it will cover 100%, what it really means is that it will cover 100% of the UCR fee that the adjuster assigns to treatment.

3. Expect minimal coverage. At $30 to $50 per month, dental insurance is a bargain. It’s not meant to pay for every dental treatment you might need or want. Dental insurance is meant to help you by covering a fraction of the cost. Think of it as a discount plan.

4. Listen to your dentist. Don’t let insurance companies dictate your level of care. It’s the responsibility of you and Dr. Curtis to decide the best treatment option for your unique situation; it’s the dental insurance company’s policy to pay the least amount possible.

5. Ask about alternative payment methods. We will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits, and if insufficient coverage is offered, we will provide alternatives so that you can afford quality dental care. Our no-interest and extended payment plans will help you and your family receive the oral healthcare you need.

If you have any questions about dental insurance, call our Bridgeport, Trumbull dental office. Our insurance experts will gladly explain your benefits in greater detail.