Making Dental Insurance Work for You

We know navigating dental insurance can sometimes be confusing. To help simplify the process, here are answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you have additional questions, please give us a call.

Do You Accept My Dental Insurance?

We are currently a provider of:

• Delta Dental Premier, Options and Preferred
• Delta USA
• HealthPartners

As a courtesy service to you, we will submit to most dental insurance providers, with the exception of medical assistance programs since we are not a medical assistance provider.

If you do have dental insurance, please speak with our patient coordinator about your payment due at the time of service.
Be advised that insurance companies routinely indicate that coverage verification does not guarantee payment. While we try our best to estimate your out-of-pocket expense, actual payment is determined by the insurance company once they process the claim.

How Do I File an Insurance Claim?

If you have valid dental insurance, we’ll help file the claim on your behalf. When you schedule an appointment, we’ll collect your insurance information. At the time of your visit, we’ll provide an estimate of your portion of the bill based on the information you gave us. After your appointment, we’ll submit the claim to your insurance company. It typically takes 3-6 weeks for insurance companies to respond with payment.

If I Have Insurance, Will I Have to Pay for My Visit?

Depending on your plan, you may be responsible for all, part, or none of your visit’s costs. Prior to your appointment, our patient care coordinators will give you a call to go over the details of your appointment. During this call, they will provide you with an estimate of the patient portion due that will be collected at the time of treatment completion. For your convenience, we accept cash, check, debit cards and major credit cards. Depending on your plan and the service you are receiving, you may owe nothing at the time of your visit.

My Insurance Company Sent Me an Explanation of Benefit. What does this mean?

An Explanation of Benefit (EOB) is a statement sent after an insurance company has processed your claim. It details which services were covered and what you may owe. In some cases, the insurance company may not pay anything based on provisions in your contract. Please note that the EOB is not a bill. If you do owe an outstanding balance, you will receive a bill from us separately. Your insurance company will not bill you.

How Do I Pay My Balance?

Once we receive payment from your insurance company, we’ll send you a statement showing any remaining balance you’re responsible for. If your insurance company denies payment, you will be responsible for the full cost of your care. You can pay your balance using any of our convenient payment methods, including online payments through our website.

Why Didn’t My Insurance Cover My Care?

It’s important to know and understand your insurance policy. Please note that Central Minnesota Endodontics is not responsible for determining whether your care will be covered by insurance. If you have questions about why your care wasn’t covered, you will need to contact your insurance company directly.

I Don’t Have Dental Insurance. Can I Still Be a Patient?

Yes! Dental insurance is not required to receive care at Central Minnesota Endodontics. Many of our patients don’t have dental insurance. We offer a variety of payment options.

How Do I Handle My Account if I Have More Than One Dental Insurance Policy?

If you have dual dental insurance (more than one active policy), we’ll file both your primary and secondary claims on your behalf, following the same process we use for patients with a single insurance policy. Once both insurance companies have processed your claim, we’ll send you a statement for any remaining balance. If your insurance companies deny payment, you will be responsible for all charges incurred for your care.

Dental Insurance Terminology

Deductible
The amount of money that you must pay to your dentist out-of-pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services. This amount is set when purchasing or setting up the plan as a benefit.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
This is a document prepared by your dental insurance company and issued to you and your dentist. It explains how the insurance company has adjudicated the claim that was submitted for services provided to the patient.

Missing Tooth Clause
Protects an insurance company from paying for the replacement of a tooth that was missing before the policy was in effect.

Replacement Clause
Protects an insurance company from paying to replace dentures, partials, bridges, etc., until a specified time limit has passed.

Waiting Period
The length of time an insurance company will make you wait after you are covered before they will pay for certain procedures.

Yearly Maximum
The total amount that an insurance company will pay for any services during the plan year. The yearly maximum renews every year, typically on January 1, but your plan may use a different date.