Professional dental care is a necessary part of good oral health. But it can also be a costly endeavor.
Whether you’re insured or not, there are several ways to make your treatment more affordable. We’ve compiled a list of tips for saving money on your next visit to the dentist.
Shop Around
A dentist search is one of the finest strategies to reduce the cost of dental care. Dentists in Austin often offer discounts for preventive visits or other services to attract new patients.
Whether you have insurance or not, regular exams and cleanings are essential to your health and will help you avoid costly invasive procedures.
It’s also a good idea to shop around for a dentist who accepts your particular type of insurance. Some plans have many dentists and providers covered, making negotiating easier.
Ask for a Discount
Some dentists, like affordable dentist Austin, will discount you if you can pay your dental bills in cash. This can be a great way to save money without sacrificing quality care.
You can also ask your dentist if they are part of a discount network. These networks are a good option for those without insurance and can get discounts of up to 60% off services.
Ask for a Payment Plan
Whether you are a self-insured patient or have dental insurance, a payment plan can give you extra wiggle room when paying for dental care.
The good news is that many dentists offer low-interest or no-interest payment plans, often with an extended repayment period.
This option is excellent for patients with less costly teeth cleaning or small filling visits.
You may also qualify for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), depending on your employer’s benefits. This allows you to direct part of your pretax paychecks into an account to cover medical and dental expenses.
Ask for a Discount for Cash Payments
If you cannot pay your dentist directly in cash, consider asking for a discount. This could save you money and lessen your financial stress.
Some dental offices may offer a cash discount of up to 5% of the cost. However, be sure to do your research before making this payment decision.
Asking for a discount may not be the most pleasant thing, but it is an effective way to help your wallet and dentist. Dentists benefit from fewer third-party credit arrangements and more discounts, which is a win for everyone involved!
Ask for a Discount for a Preventive Visit
Preventive visits are a great way to stay healthy and catch problems before they worsen. Many preventive care services, like routine physical exams, screenings, and vaccines, are free.
However, your health insurance provider may bill each preventive visit as a separate office visit that requires a copayment or deductible. It’s also important to remember that combining a preventive appointment with a problem visit could incur additional charges. This is especially true if the visit involves consultation or treatment for a specific issue your health insurance plan may not cover. It would help if you discussed this with your doctor before you made the appointment.