How Does Cigna Dental Insurance Work?
Dental insurance is a great way to help lower. Your out-of-pocket cost for dental care. Cigna dental insurance is one of the most popular insurance providers and they have a wide range of plans to choose from. While it can seem confusing, most dental insurance plans have the same process in how they work. All insurance companies have a list of in-network providers with whom they are contracted and may require you to see one of these providers in order to receive full benefits. Out-of-network providers are sometimes still covered, but at a lower percentage rate.
How does Cigna dental insurance work?
Premium
The premium is the fee that you pay each month to have dental insurance. If you elect to enroll in dental coverage through your employer, it is typically deducted from your pay, just like medical insurance. If you buy a plan on your own, you will just pay the premium directly to Cigna each month.
Waiting Period
A lot of insurance plans have a waiting period before coverage takes effect for restorative treatment, though most preventative treatments are covered right away.
Primary Dentist
Some plans within Cigna do require you to select a primary care dentist at the time of enrollment. This is considered your main dentist that you will see for preventative care and restorative treatment. They will also provide a referral for any specialist that you need. This is commonly the case with DHMO plans.
Deductible
Some plans come with a deductible, which is the amount that the member must pay out-of-pocket before the coinsurance takes effect in sharing those costs.
Copay
Some plans require a small fee at the time of your dental visit.
Coinsurance
This is the term for the coverage you receive after you meet your deductible, if applicable. The coinsurance shares a percentage of the cost of treatment with the member.
Annual Maximum
This term refers to the maximum amount that your plan allows to be paid out each year. Once you reach your maximum, any other treatments will be paid for out-of-pocket.
Frequency
This is the term that simply refers to the number of times your plan will cover a specific service. For example, most plans will cover an exam and cleaning two times a year. Any additional cleanings or exams will be at the cost of the member.
Limitations
This is another term that is commonly used in dental insurance plans and helps. You understand what treatment is covered and what is not, including both basic and major care.
Preventative Care
Most Cigna plans cover preventative care at 100%. This means that you can have your regular cleaning and exam twice a year at no cost to you. Some x-rays are included as well like your check-up x-rays (bitewings) which are taken annually and a full set, which is taken every 3 to 5 years, depending on your plans frequency limitations.
Dental insurance can be a confusing process so it is important to take the time to research plans and select one that is the most beneficial for you and your family.
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