Why the ODA Opposes Assignment

The ODA is opposed to assignment of benefits and actively encourages dental plan sponsors to make their dental plans “non-assignment” plans. Many people wonder why the ODA would oppose a process that many find convenient.

The answer lies in the fact that “non-assignment” dental plans can be less expensive than those that allow assignment, simply because the act of a patient paying for their dental care makes them financially involved in their oral health care. This provides very a good incentive for the patient to use their dental plan wisely.

Dental claim reimbursement is much faster than it was years ago, and patients are finding that when they pay the dentist directly their reimbursement cheque is received quickly; greatly minimizing the time they are out of pocket. It is not unusual to see the dentist on Monday and have the reimbursement cheque before the end of the week, thanks to electronic claims submission.

Also, many dentists accept credit cards, which typically have a monthly billing cycle. If complex treatment is necessary, dentists can arrange a payment schedule that allows a patient to budget for expenses and get reimbursement that is more conveniently timed.

Active decision-making about oral health care by patients and meaningful involvement in the financial matters of dental care, including the dental plan, is an important part of achieving excellent oral health care.

Beachstone Dental is happy to submit, process, and complete any necessary forms or estimates to your dental insurance company at your request. We can assist you in obtaining benefit information and help with claim submissions and per-authorizations as a courtesy to you; however, it is the patient’s responsibility to know what is covered in their plan, including any limits to the plan or changes, and to seek reimbursement from their dental plan provider.  We want you to remain in control and fully aware of your treatment costs and dental benefits at all times.

We agree with the ODA and we believe an informed patient will utilize their dental benefits to maximize their overall health. As your dentist, we are happy to work with your insurance provider to ensure you get the best coverage available to you.

We recommend that you contact our office prior to your appointment to provide us with your insurance information if you would like verification of benefits. Upon request, we will submit a claim to predetermine your insurance benefits; however, this is usually not required by most plans. We will provide you with a written estimate for all recommended dental treatment. We can offer you explanations of your dental benefits and financial responsibilities up front, and work with you to ensure financing if needed. This will include the cost of treatment, estimated insurance coverage, and estimated patient share. However, it is possible that your dental plan may not always cover the full cost of your required treatment. Therefore, it is important for you to know how your dental plan is designed, including its limitations and deductibles so that you can be prepared to pay on the day services are rendered.

Please remember we cannot guarantee any estimated coverage because the insurance policy is an agreement between you, your employer, and your insurance company.  The details of a patient’s insurance plan are protected by the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Due to these privacy regulations, it is sometimes difficult for us to communicate with insurance companies regarding payments. It is your responsibility to know what your insurance covers and to inform our office of any changes to your insurance (i.e. carrier, policy, identification numbers, or plan maximums). This will ensure that your claims are processed correctly.

At Beachstone Dental, we are dedicated to making your experience as pleasant, worry-free, and convenient as possible – ensuring you benefit from shorter treatment times, faster healing, and a lifelong smile.

All the information you need to know is right here on our website, so feel free to get to know our dentist, tour our facility, explore our dental services, and check out our financing options. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office – we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Please reach out to us to get started! We look forward to welcoming you to our office!