{"id":172,"date":"2025-03-18T17:29:23","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T17:29:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentalgroupofjefferson.com\/blog\/?p=172"},"modified":"2025-05-19T18:09:54","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T18:09:54","slug":"dental-insurance-deductibles-what-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentalgroupofjefferson.com\/blog\/?p=172","title":{"rendered":"Decoding Deductibles: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"dentist<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Saving money at the dentist\u2019s office can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with dental insurance<\/a> and how it works. You know it can help lower your out-of-pocket costs, but frequently used terms, like \u201cdeductible,\u201d may leave you feeling unsure about what is required to access to all these supposedly \u201cgreat\u201d benefits. Keep reading to discover the meaning behind this important word and how it can lead to the kind of savings you deserve. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is a Deductible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A deductible is the designated amount your dental insurance company decides you must pay for covered restorative services before they begin to pay their portion. Deductibles are typically not applied toward preventive care, as these are usually covered at 100% by the insurance company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does a Deductible Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Generally, deductibles are set based on a regular calendar year (January to December). This means that yours resets on January 1, requiring you to \u201cmeet it\u201d or pay the amount once again before your insurance will step in to help cover a portion of the total costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An example of this might look something like the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your deductible is $50, and you require a covered dental treatment that is $500. Before your insurance company pays anything, you will need to meet your deductible of $50. Once you do, your remaining balance will be $450. Based on whether you are receiving a minor or major restorative service, your insurer will pay 50-80% of the remaining balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going forward, if you require additional treatment in the same year, you will not be required to meet your deductible again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will, however, likely be required to pay coinsurance, which is your portion of the cost after insurance pays its share. If you have 80\/20 coinsurance, you can expect to pay 20% of the total cost, while your insurer will be responsible for 80%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get the Most Out of Your Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to avoid paying more for dental care, there are several things you can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n