Dental care can be expensive, and at some point, you might have trouble paying for the treatment that you need. What happens if you can’t afford dental care? Here are some tips to keep in mind if you find yourself in this position.
Maximize Your Dental Insurance
If you have dental insurance, you might be surprised at how much it doesn’t cover. Still, there are ways you can maximize the coverage. First, if you are having trouble affording your care, see a dentist who is in your plan’s network. This means that they have agreed to take the reduced fee for procedures that’s negotiated by the insurance company. If your dentist doesn’t participate with your plan, it’s likely that their fees are higher than the fees that the insurance company wants to pay.
Secondly, make sure that you are aware of your deductible and maximum, if applicable. Toward the end of the calendar year, you might be getting close to your maximum allowance. If your dental treatment isn’t urgent, it might be possible to put it off until January, when your maximum resets. This can substantially lower your bills, but do keep in mind that that will cause you to use up a portion of next year’s maximum.
Talk to Your Dentist About Payments
Some offices offer payment plans even if they aren’t advertised. If you’ve been a loyal patient for some time, it doesn’t hurt to ask. There might be a cash discount if you pay for the work upfront or you might be able to get interest-free financing through the office or through a third-party creditor. These plans can allow you to split up the payment over several months, making it more affordable to get the care that you need.
Discuss the Treatment Plan With Your Dentist
Be honest about your financial situation and find out which work is urgent and which can be safely put off for a short while. For example, if you have decay that requires fillings, that should be a priority; if you let it sit, it will likely get worse. If you need a veneer replaced and there’s no decay underneath it, however, it might be possible to baby it along for a little while. Cosmetic work can generally be put off, but work that treats a problem like decay or gum disease should not be. Open up the discussion with your dentist so he or she can advise you as to what’s most important to address now.
Please give the office a call if you are having a hard time affording your dental health care. We might be able to tell you about programs and financing options that you weren’t aware of.
