How to Use Two Dental Plans
Dual Coverage: Coverage Under More Than One Dental Plan[1]
It’s not uncommon for people to have coverage under two separate dental plans. For example, your dependents may be signed up for dental benefits through both your employer and your spouse’s employer. Whether it’s you or your dependents, anyone with coverage under two separate dental plans has what is referred to as “dual coverage.”
How It Works
The way insurance companies work together when a person has dual coverage is called “Coordination of Benefits.” First, the dentist bills the primary insurance carrier. The primary carrier pays its portion, and the remainder of the bill is sent to the secondary insurance carrier. In some cases, the secondary carrier may cover the rest of the bill, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. Dual coverage does not mean double benefits—if your plan covers two cleanings per year, for instance, dual coverage won’t cover four cleanings instead.
Determining Which Plan is Primary
The insurance plan that is billed first is called the primary plan, and the insurance plan that is billed after the primary insurance has paid its portion is called the secondary plan. Which plan is primary depends on your individual situation.
- For yourself: If you have a plan through your employer, that is typically your primary plan. If you also have coverage through a spouse, that plan will be secondary.
- For yourself, if you have two jobs: If you have two jobs, and dental insurance through both employers, the primary plan is usually the one that has provided coverage the longest.
- For your children: If you have children with dual coverage, the parent whose birthday falls first in the calendar year will have the primary plan. For example, if your birthday is August 9, and the other parent’s birthday is July 21, the other parent’s plan would be the primary. Year of birth is not a factor.
When Both Plans Are Delta Dental Plans
Many employers use Delta Dental, so it’s possible that Delta Dental would provide both dual coverage plans, even if both parents don’t work for the same company. If this is the case, don’t worry—dual coverage works the same way if both plans are through Delta Dental.
Related stories
-
4 Ways to Nail School Picture Day
The school year is underway. New haircuts and freshly pressed clothes fill the halls. It must be … Read More
-
Dental Fellowship is a Plus for Wisconsin Residents
Access to dental care for low-income individuals in rural Wisconsin is getting a needed boost through the … Read More
-
Teeth are Food Tools, Not Power Tools
Everyone has done it at one time or another. You’re away from your scissors and you need … Read More
Sign Up Now
Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 305 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 166 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 91 Likes
- 4 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 69 Likes
- 5 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 51 Likes
- 6 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 49 Likes
- 7 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 44 Likes
- 8 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 38 Likes
- 9 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 37 Likes
- 10 Signs of diabetic eye problems 36 Likes