Double dental coverage FTW?

Hossenfeffer

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2000
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So I recently was able to get 2 different types of dental insurance. I figured I would try to see if both would cover a larger % of the work I need done, so signed up for MetLife in addition to the Cigna DHMO. Found one dentist that'll take both who happens to be within a mile of my house.


Anyway, anyone have experience with how the insurance is applied? I'm new to the whole insurance thing and curious as to whether it would mean I pay something like 50% versus 55%.

(Found archived mention of my third root canal)
 
Nov 5, 2001
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They will apply one, then the other will pay the remainder. It is pretty much impossible to double-dip on insurance any more. IIRC there are also some insurance fraud issues that may come into play if you attempt it.
 

Hossenfeffer

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2000
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Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
They will apply one, then the other will pay the remainder. It is pretty much impossible to double-dip on insurance any more. IIRC there are also some insurance fraud issues that may come into play if you attempt it.

Yeah, was wondering how they might apply.

Say Insurance A will take $1000 work down to $400
Insurance B will take a $1000 procedure down to $450.

So Insurance A pays the $600, leaving $400. Would Insurance B pay any of that, or say that the $550 they would have covered was already taken care of?
 
Nov 5, 2001
18,366
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Originally posted by: Hossenfeffer
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
They will apply one, then the other will pay the remainder. It is pretty much impossible to double-dip on insurance any more. IIRC there are also some insurance fraud issues that may come into play if you attempt it.

Yeah, was wondering how they might apply.

Say Insurance A will take $1000 work down to $400
Insurance B will take a $1000 procedure down to $450.

So Insurance A pays the $600, leaving $400. Would Insurance B pay any of that, or say that the $550 they would have covered was already taken care of?

they will pay the portion of the remaining 400. Say if you have coverage for 60%, they will pay that share of the 400.
 

Hossenfeffer

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2000
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Thanks for the info.

Basically wondering if I should be cancelling one or the other insurances, but figured it might pay to have both, given that I imagine I would normally have to pay $3000+ without
 
Nov 5, 2001
18,366
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Originally posted by: Hossenfeffer
Thanks for the info.

Basically wondering if I should be cancelling one or the other insurances, but figured it might pay to have both, given that I imagine I would normally have to pay $3000+ without

do you have to pay for either of them? if so,m you'll have to decide what it's worth to you to have the extra coverage. If you have good teeth and could force yourself to sock away the money you would have paid for the second policy, it might be a better deal for you. We can't say...
 

theknight571

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2001
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If you do this (carry the double coverage) you have to keep an eye on the Dentist's office billing.

My wife and I have double coverage... but unless we stay on top of the lady in the billing office, they never get it right.
 

meltdown75

Lifer
Nov 17, 2004
37,548
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It works great for dual-income couples where both people have benefits.

ie. I used to get 85% under my plan but now my wife's plan picks up the remaining 15%.

100% for teh wiin
 

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,017
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Check your policies for "coordination of benefits" and that will tell you how they will handle it.
 

Hossenfeffer

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2000
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Yes, I have to pay for both. If I'm getting as much work done as I think I need done, I would imagine it will pay off.

I don't have great teeth and really need to get some fixed. Had 3 root canals over the past 5 years and have never had the money to get them capped/crowned.