Colonial Life offers dental insurance for individuals and families through an employer-sponsored plan. The employers who have adopted this program may offer the option of employee-paid coverage or employer-paid coverage. Coverage can include preventive, basic and major dental care services such as orthodontic treatments, root canal therapy and more. To qualify for the benefits of Colonial Life’s dental insurance, employees must be enrolled in their employer’s plan that includes a dental insurance policy from Colonial Life. Employees will need to contact their employers to determine if they are eligible for Colonial Life’s dental insurance policy.
Contents:
Who is Eligible for Colonial Life Dental Insurance?
Colonial Life dental insurance is a comprehensive health plan that covers oral care services and materials for individuals. To be eligible for this type of coverage, applicants must meet certain criteria. In order to qualify, one must be over the age of 18 or 19 depending on their state’s regulations, have valid proof of employment and an annual income that meets or exceeds specified levels as determined by the insurer. Any individual with pre-existing conditions may be considered ineligible if they are not actively enrolled in an ongoing healthcare policy.
The majority of employers offer Colonial Life dental insurance as part of their overall benefits package; however, there are also plans available to those who are self-employed or unemployed through independent brokers and advisors. Self-employed individuals can benefit from the same level of coverage provided through employer plans with low monthly premiums and deductibles without sacrificing quality care. Those employed in an organization that does not offer health insurance still may be able to obtain coverage through Colonial Life independently or within small groups.
For those considering signing up for Colonial Life dental insurance plans, it is important to note that unlike medical policies there is no single provider network associated with these types of policies. Rather than being restricted to a specific list of dentists, beneficiaries enjoy flexibility when selecting treatment providers across most major dental organizations throughout North America regardless of geographic location or plan type selected.
What Does Colonial Life Dental Insurance Cover?
When looking into the coverage of Colonial Life Dental Insurance, it is important to first understand what type of plan has been chosen. There are two main types; an individual policy or a group policy. An individual policy typically covers one person only and may provide basic preventative care such as regular checkups and cleanings, whereas a group policy usually covers more extensive treatments like x-rays and fillings.
The specifics of each plan can vary based on the insurer’s offerings, however there are some basics that should be considered when looking into dental insurance coverage. Most plans will cover up to 100 percent of the cost for preventative care including exams and cleanings. Many policies will offer coverage for major services including root canals, crowns, orthodontia braces, dentures, bridges and implants. It is important to note that not all insurers cover these more intensive treatments so they must be specifically checked before signing up for a plan.
A key factor in any dental insurance package is its annual maximum benefit cap which limits how much money an insured can receive per year from their plan’s benefits regardless of how many expenses have been incurred during that time period. The amount varies depending on whether it is an individual or group policy but most often includes reimbursements between $1,000-$2,000 per person per year. Once this yearly limit has been reached all further treatments must either be paid out of pocket or covered by another form of health insurance until the following year’s cycle begins again.
Understanding Co-Payments, Deductibles and Maximums
Colonial Life dental insurance policies have certain components that must be understood before signing on. It is important to know what co-payments, deductibles and maximums are.
A co-payment is an amount that a policy holder pays each time they visit their dentist for covered treatments. Co-payments are typically fixed amounts and can vary depending upon the type of service required. For example, a person with Colonial Life dental insurance may pay a different co-payment amount when they go in for a routine cleaning than they would when they go in for more complex procedures like a root canal or crown work.
Deductibles are another aspect of Colonial Life dental insurance plans which must be understood prior to selecting coverage. A deductible is the amount of money that needs to be paid by the policy holder before the provider begins covering services rendered. Deductible amounts can differ according to particular plans so it is important to read up on any policy details carefully before making decisions about which one will best suit your needs.
There are maximums associated with various Colonial Life dental insurance plans. Maximums limit how much money an insured individual can spend throughout the year on related medical expenses such as those incurred at dentist visits and reimbursements from providers based upon these visits or other medical costs associated with oral care. These limits should also be thoroughly researched prior to selecting any kind of plan from this provider in order to determine whether it meets all of your health care needs adequately enough given your particular lifestyle and situation.
Comparing Host or Network Dentists
Most people often assume that if they have Colonial Life Dental Insurance, the dentist that they must use is one of the network dentists. However, this is not necessarily true. Although it can be beneficial to have your dental care provided by a host or network dentist, there are times when it makes more sense to see a non-network provider. Understanding the differences between these two options will help you make an informed decision about who should provide your dental care.
Host or network dentists are contracted with insurance providers like Colonial Life and typically offer lower prices on services such as cleanings, fillings and other common treatments. If you choose to go with a host dentist, you may find yourself paying out of pocket for certain services or procedures that are not covered by the provider’s policy. On the other hand, non-network providers may offer higher quality care since they do not need to abide by any contracts or limitations set by Colonial Life insurance plans.
In terms of payment methods, host dentists usually accept payments from colonial life directly while others may require full payment at time of service. This can be extremely beneficial for those who have limited cash flow but also need immediate treatment for their oral health issues. When choosing between these two types of providers, consider whether fast access to care or low costs is more important for your particular situation before making a decision.
Filing Claims with Colonial Life Dental Insurance
Getting reimbursed for dental costs through Colonial Life dental insurance is typically straightforward, provided members are following their provider’s guidelines. It begins with filing a claim form and any relevant paperwork to the address given by the insurer. This paperwork should include information about what treatment was received, the billing amount from the provider, plus any copays or additional fees that have been paid out-of-pocket.
Colonial Life generally makes reimbursement within 30 days of receiving all required documents. However, members can check up on their claim status at any time via an online portal or customer service hotline. If a member has not received payment after 45 days they are eligible to submit a formal inquiry request with supporting documentation. The company will then contact them with their findings as soon as possible.
Since colonial life offers some flexible plans, customers may even be able to select in-network providers and take advantage of discounted services right away instead of having to wait for reimbursement later on. This could help reduce anxiety over coverage and enable members to focus more easily on taking care of themselves and any immediate concerns about their oral health needs.
Reviewing the Overall Benefits of the Policy
Colonial Life dental insurance offers several attractive benefits to its users. It covers a wide range of oral care needs, from routine check-ups and cleanings to more comprehensive services like x-rays and even braces. The plan also covers some emergency treatments, making it an excellent choice for those looking for quick relief from unexpected pain or discomfort. The policy has no pre-existing condition requirements and it has easy-to-understand terms and conditions that make it easy to comprehend what’s covered by the policy.
The coverage provided by Colonial Life is quite extensive when compared to other plans in the industry. The provider offers up to 80% reimbursement for approved procedures and preventive services, giving users great value for money spent on their policies. The company provides convenient online access so members can easily view their coverage limits and payments as well as manage their accounts through secure web interfaces.
For those with busy lifestyles, Colonial Life’s customer service is also top notch–from friendly telephone customer service representatives who are always available when needed, to fast turnaround times whenever claims need processing or questions need answering. As such, individuals who take out this type of plan benefit from peace of mind knowing they have reliable support if something goes wrong with their teeth or gums while under this particular policy’s protection.
