Dental Insurance & Financing

The total dollar amount that a plan will pay for dental care incurred by an individual enrollee or family (under a family plan) in a specified benefit period, typically a calendar year.

The amounts that insurance pays for dental services covered under an enrollee’s contract.

A benefit program in which an employer gives employees several benefit plans to choose from (i.e., a “menu” of benefit plans).

A standard form that provides an itemized statement submitted by an enrollee or a dentist requesting payment of benefits for dental services provided. Claim forms are also used to request a pre-treatment estimate.

The enrollee’s share, expressed as a fixed percentage, of the contract allowance. For example, a benefit that is paid at 80% by the plan creates a 20% coinsurance obligation for the enrollee. Coinsurance applies after the enrollee meets a required deductible.

The percentage of the maximum contract allowance that the insurance pays after the deductible has been satisfied.

A process that carriers use to determine the order of payment and amount each carrier will pay when a person receives dental services that are covered by more than one benefit plan (dual coverage). COB ensures that no more than 100% of the charges for services are paid when an enrollee has coverage under two or more benefits plans — for example, a child who is covered by both parents’ plans.

A dollar amount that each enrollee (or, cumulatively, a family for family coverage) must pay for certain covered services before an insurance plan begins paying benefits.

A category of dental services in an open network dental benefits contract that usually includes oral evaluations, routine cleanings, x-rays and fluoride treatments. (This may vary by contract.) Typically, the same coinsurance percentage applies to all services grouped under diagnostic and preventive services.

A program that allows enrollees to select one of two or more dental plans. (Also may be referred to as “dual option.”)

When dental treatment for an enrollee is covered by more than one dental benefits plan, such as when dental services are provided to a child who is covered by both parents’ benefit plans.

The date a dental benefits contract begins; may also be the date that benefits begin for a plan enrollee.

An enrollee who has met the eligibility requirements under an insurance plan.

The circumstances or conditions that define who and when a person may qualify to enroll in a plan and/or a specific category of covered services. These circumstances or conditions may include length of employment, job status, length of time an enrollee has been covered under the plan, dependency, child and student age limits, etc.

Compensation paid to dentists based on an amount per service. A fee-for-service plan generally permits enrollees to freely select a network or non-contracted dentist to provide the service.

Services provided in a plan either by a contracted or non-contracted dentist. In-network dentists have agreed to participate in a plan and to provide treatment according to certain administrative guidelines and to accept their contracted fees as payment in full. Different plans are served by distinct dentist networks.

(See “Fee-for-service”)

The cumulative dollar amount that a plan will pay for dental care incurred by an individual enrollee or family (under a family plan) for the life of the enrollee or the plan. Lifetime maximums usually apply to specific services such as orthodontic treatment.

Dental plans typically do not cover every dental procedure. Each plan contains a list of conditions or circumstances that limit or exclude services from coverage. Limitations may be related to time or frequency (the number of procedures permitted during a stated period) — for example, no more than two cleanings in 12 months or one cleaning every six months. Exclusions are dental services that are not covered by the plan.

A category of dental services in an open network dental benefits contract that usually includes crowns, dentures, implants and oral surgery. (This may vary by contract.) Typically, the same coinsurance percentage applies to all services grouped under major services.

A panel of dentists that contractually agree to provide treatment according to administrative guidelines for a certain plan, including limits to the fees they will accept as payment in full.

A period (usually a two-week or one-month period during the year) when qualified individuals (eligible employees) can enroll in or change their choice of coverage in group benefits plans.

Any amount the enrollee is responsible for paying, such as coinsurance or copayments, deductibles and costs above the annual maximum.

A requirement that recommended treatment must first be approved by the plan before the treatment is rendered in order for the plan to pay benefits for those services.

A term used to describe a benefits plan in which a carrier prepays network dentists a capitated amount for each patient enrolled in (assigned to) his/her office. Enrollees receive all or most treatment through the dental office where they are enrolled and pay a predefined copayment for each procedure.

An insurances written estimate of benefits available as of a specific date, given to an enrollee or treating dentist in advance of proposed treatment. Pre-treatment estimates are subject to policy limitations and the patient’s eligibility at the time the services are rendered. (May also be referred to as a predetermination.)

An individual (commonly, an employee or member of an association) who meets the eligibility requirements for enrollment in a dental plan. Family members of a primary enrollee are called dependents.

Any licensed dentist who performs dental health services for an enrollee. This includes general dentists and dental specialists (endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, oral surgeons and prosthodontists).

The amount that the dentist bills and is entered on a claim as the charge for a specific procedure.

The amount commonly charged for a particular service by a dentist.

A stated period of time that a person must be enrolled in a plan before being eligible for benefits or for a specific category of benefits.