InsuranceTreatment Cost
Lake Forest, IL – We all want the best for our children and ourselves, but when it comes to needing orthodontic treatment, there are two common questions asked: “How much will this cost?” and “Will my insurance cover it?”
At Deerpath Orthodontics and Family Dental, Dr. Stosich knows that the financial component of orthodontic treatment is a real concern for many families. He works hard to ensure every patient has financial clarity so they can fully understand their investment.
While the specifics of what is covered, and to what extent, will be unique to every patient’s individual plan, here is an overview of what Lake Forest patients can expect when it comes to navigating insurance for orthodontic treatment.
Are both braces and clear aligners covered by insurance?
When clear aligners was first introduced, most insurance companies viewed it as a cosmetic procedure and therefore didn’t cover it. Today, however, the typical rule of thumb is that if your insurance plan covers orthodontic treatment, it will generally cover clear aligners the same way it does traditional braces. Many plans will cover a percentage or a specific dollar amount, regardless of the treatment type used. It is important to understand what your specific plan covers before agreeing to treatment, however.
What is a lifetime maximum?
Orthodontic coverage works a bit differently than your standard dental insurance. Traditional dental benefits reset every year, so you can maintain your twice-yearly cleanings, for example. Orthodontic benefits, however, typically have a lifetime maximum. This is normally a fixed amount that the insurance company will pay for one patient’s orthodontic treatment. Once that amount has been used, it doesn’t replenish.
Are there age limits on your plan?
It may come as a surprise, but some dental insurance plans only cover orthodontic treatment for dependents up to the age of 19. So if you have a college-aged child or a spouse looking into treatment, or are considering treatment for yourself, be on the lookout for an adult orthodontic rider.
How can I maximize my benefits?
If your orthodontic insurance leaves a bit to be desired, don’t forget to take advantage of your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account. These accounts accrue pre-taxed dollars that can be used for necessary medical expenses, and orthodontic treatment is included.
How can the experts at Deerpath Orthodontics and Family Dental help?
Dr. Stosich and his team know that navigating insurance coverage can be daunting. We work hard to help you understand your benefits and ensure your plan works for you. We’ll verify your insurance to get the breakdown of your benefits so you can understand what is covered by insurance and what will be paid out-of-pocket by you. We know that most insurance plans won’t cover the entire cost of treatment, so we offer monthly payments that can fit in your budget to help cover the rest.
Cost should never be a barrier to a healthier smile, so the goal of Dr. Stosich and his team is always to maximize your benefits so you can focus on your smile, and not the cost. Call our office today, and we’ll help you understand your insurance benefits so you can start the road to a better smile today.
