Verbal Quote from Orthodontist was Wrong...is there anything I can do?!
Question: Verbal Quote from Orthodontist was Wrong!.!.!.is there anything I can do!?
My orthodontist's assistant, or whatever, told me that my insurance company would cover my retainers!. To me, that means they will cover 100%!. I had to pay for the retainers up front ($400), then they said my insurance company would give me a refund check!.
Well, a month later I went & signed for the refund check & it was only for $185! I was expecting a $400 check!. The assistant was like "insurance companies only cover HALF of the retainers"!.
From what I understood, she lead me on to believe the whole thing would be covered (hence, she said, "your insurance company will cover you")!.
Do I have any legal way of getting the full amount back or should I have made things more clear before paying the dang $400 up front!?!? Even though I got almost 1/2 the money back, paying $200 for retainers is outstanding!. I'd rather let my bottom teeth go bad than to pay $200!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Well, a month later I went & signed for the refund check & it was only for $185! I was expecting a $400 check!. The assistant was like "insurance companies only cover HALF of the retainers"!.
From what I understood, she lead me on to believe the whole thing would be covered (hence, she said, "your insurance company will cover you")!.
Do I have any legal way of getting the full amount back or should I have made things more clear before paying the dang $400 up front!?!? Even though I got almost 1/2 the money back, paying $200 for retainers is outstanding!. I'd rather let my bottom teeth go bad than to pay $200!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Having worked in many dental offices (including an orthodontist), I believe that if the assistant volunteered the information, she should have been clearer!. However, I do believe it is ultimately up to the individual to understand their coverage!. People make mistakes!. Even insurance companies won't tell you anything verbally without first stating that nothing they say is a guarantee of coverage!. You need to be proactive when it comes to your treatment, both with dental and medical care!.
As far as I know, there's no legal recourse!. You could complain to the treating dentist and see where it gets you!.!.!.but it may be tough since you already gave them the money!. You may also have signed a document at the beginning of treatment acknowledging that you are responsible for understanding your coverage and agreeing to pay for any remaining balance after insurance!. Either way, in the future, all insurance questions in his office should be handled by the front office staff - the ones who look into your coverage for you and submit the claims - not the dental assistants!.
As far as letting your teeth go back, I'm sure you don't mean that!.!.!.having straight teeth is not just about looks!. It's about the overall health of your teeth and gums!. If you knew the consequences, I'm sure you would pay even more than $200 to keep them as they are!.
Now, do yourself a favor and don't loose those retainers!.!.!.your insurance won't cover replacements!Www@Answer-Health@Com
As far as I know, there's no legal recourse!. You could complain to the treating dentist and see where it gets you!.!.!.but it may be tough since you already gave them the money!. You may also have signed a document at the beginning of treatment acknowledging that you are responsible for understanding your coverage and agreeing to pay for any remaining balance after insurance!. Either way, in the future, all insurance questions in his office should be handled by the front office staff - the ones who look into your coverage for you and submit the claims - not the dental assistants!.
As far as letting your teeth go back, I'm sure you don't mean that!.!.!.having straight teeth is not just about looks!. It's about the overall health of your teeth and gums!. If you knew the consequences, I'm sure you would pay even more than $200 to keep them as they are!.
Now, do yourself a favor and don't loose those retainers!.!.!.your insurance won't cover replacements!Www@Answer-Health@Com