Insurance Policy & Fees

Facts About Dental Insurance

As an optimal-care dental practice, we strongly believe our patients deserve the best possible dental services we can provide. Dr. Goldberg is not confined by the financial limitations of various insurance companies and, as a result, his patients are afforded the privilege of state-of-the-art technologies and the very best in dental care.

In an effort to maintain a high quality of care, we would like to share some facts about dental insurance with you.

Fact #1

Your dental insurance is based upon a contract between your employer and the insurance company. Should questions arise regarding your dental insurance benefit, it is best for you to contact your employer or insurance company directly.

Fact #2

Dental insurance benefits differ greatly from general health insurance benefits. In 1971, your dental insurance benefits were approximately $1,000 per year. Figuring a 6% rate of inflation per year, you should be receiving $4,549 per year in dental benefits. Your premiums have increased, but your benefits have not. Therefore, dental insurance is never a pay-all, it is only an aid.

Fact #3

You may receive a notification from your insurance company stating that dental fees are “higher than usual and customary.” An insurance company surveys a geographic area, calculates an average fee, takes 80% of that fee and considers it customary. Included in this survey are discount dental clinics and managed-care facilities, which lower the average. Consequently, the fee-for-service doctor in private practice will have fees that insurance companies define as higher than “usual and customary.”

Fact#4:

Many plans tell their participants that they will be covered “up to 80% or up to 100%,” but do not clearly specify plan fee schedule allowances, annual maximums or limitations. It is more realistic to expect dental insurance to cover 35% to 65% of major services. Remember, the amount a plan pays is determined by how much the employer paid for the plan. You get back only what your employer put in, less the profits of the insurance company.

Fact #5

Many routine dental services are not covered by insurance companies.
Financial arrangements must be made directly with us, regardless of insurance coverage. You will need to file a claim form with your insurance company to receive your benefits.

Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions about our office policies. If you have questions regarding your insurance benefits, please contact your employer or insurance carrier directly.

How We Keep Our Fees Reasonable

Having come from a modest upbringing, Dr. Goldberg respects how hard people work to be able to afford health care. With this thought in mind, our office makes it a point to keep our fees very reasonable, especially for the quality of service provided.

Fees can be paid with cash, check, or credit card, and with the help of a dental-oriented finance company, interest-free loans are available for up to one year.

Even though we do not directly participate in any insurance plans, all forms are filled out at no cost and filed electronically to assure your payment comes to you as quickly as possible.

In closing, it is important to note that the reason Dr. Goldberg does not participate in any insurance plans has nothing to do with fees, but it’s about who dictates the quality of care provided.

Your dental and periodontal health is most important to us and we go out of our way to find affordable solutions.