MetLife Dental Insurance...?!
Question: Does anyone know how this insurance actually works? I got this insurance through my employer (haven't had insurance in a LONG time!!), and from what I'm reading...it sounds like you have to pay for services up front, and then they reimburse you?? Is this how it works, or am I mistaken? I'm so confused, and really want to go get a general cleaning and exam....but don't have the money to pay for it when I go!
Answers: Does anyone know how this insurance actually works? I got this insurance through my employer (haven't had insurance in a LONG time!!), and from what I'm reading...it sounds like you have to pay for services up front, and then they reimburse you?? Is this how it works, or am I mistaken? I'm so confused, and really want to go get a general cleaning and exam....but don't have the money to pay for it when I go!
I have MetLife through my employer too! It is not a reimbursement plan. If you're going in for a cleaning, it should be covered at 100%, and your dentist office will not charge you anything. I just had my cleaning appt in November, 1st time with this insurance, and it was totally free. I did have to pay $15 for the prescription toothpaste they gave me, because that's not covered by insurance. But I wasn't charged for the cleaning, bitewings, etc.
If you need fillings or anything that isn't covered at 100% at a later appointment, they will charge you the portion that you are responsible for, and bill the rest to your insurance. If there's a difference later, you'll get a bill from Metlife for it.
Just make sure you go with a dentist that is part of their plan, you can find their names on MetLife's website, which your employer should have provided you with. But definitely go for that cleaning, you shouldn't be charged anything at your appointment. Good luck.
Whether or not you have to pay up front is determined by the dental office's billing policy- A lot of them will just let you pay your deductible/copay (if any) and then bill you for your portion after MetLife pays.
Your best bet is to call MetLife and find out how your policy works!
1 800 942 0854 (8am-11pm Eastern, M-F)
You may be able to find an office that will accept the assignment of benefits for the dental work... you'd have to pay a portion at each visit, but the benefits checks will go directly to the dental office. If there's still a balance due, you'll be billed for it.
That's how we do it in my office.
Good luck to you.
:)