- If you have ever put off a dental visit because you were worried about the cost, you are not alone. Money is one of the most common reasons people in Lodi and around San Joaquin County delay care, and we understand that. The good news is that there is almost always a way to make treatment fit your budget. Below is a plain-language walk through the ways you can pay for care at our office, so you can focus on your smile instead of the math.
Using Your PPO Dental Insurance
If you have dental insurance through your job or the marketplace, that is usually the first place to start. We accept most major PPO plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Guardian, and Aetna. A PPO plan lets you see the dentist of your choice while your plan helps cover part of the cost of many routine and restorative treatments.
Insurance can feel confusing, so here is the short version:
- Preventive visits like cleanings and exams are often the most generously covered part of a plan.
- Bigger treatments are usually covered at a lower share, and plans often have a yearly maximum.
- Every plan is a little different, so it helps to know your specific benefits before treatment.
If you are not sure what your plan includes, our front desk is happy to help you make sense of it. You can also read more about how we work with different plans on our dental insurance page.
No Insurance? Our In-House Membership Plan
Plenty of good, hardworking families do not have dental insurance at all, and that is completely okay. For those patients we offer an in-house membership plan designed to keep preventive care simple and affordable.
For $599 per year, the membership plan covers two cleanings, your X-rays, and gives you 15 percent off other treatment you may need during the year. There is no insurance company in the middle, no yearly maximum to track, and no claim forms to chase. It is a straightforward way to stay on top of your checkups and save on anything else that comes up.
You can see the full details, including who the plan is a good fit for, on our membership plan page.
Spreading Out Larger Costs With Financing
Sometimes a treatment is more than you want to pay all at once, and that is exactly what financing is for. We work with two options that let you break a larger cost into smaller monthly payments:
- CareCredit is a health and wellness credit card that many people use for dental and medical care.
- Sunbit offers a quick, friendly application right here in the office that many patients find easy to use.
Both let you move forward with care now and pay over time, rather than waiting and letting a small problem grow into a bigger one. The specific terms depend on the option you choose and your own application, so our team will walk you through what is available before you commit to anything. You can learn more on our payment and financing page.
Putting HSA and FSA Dollars to Work
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer, dental care is one of the things those pre-tax dollars are meant for. In plain terms, these accounts let you set aside money from your paycheck before taxes to spend on qualified health expenses, which can stretch your budget a little further.
A few friendly reminders:
- FSA dollars often need to be used within your plan year, so scheduling before the year ends can help you avoid losing them.
- HSA funds usually roll over year to year, so you can save them for a bigger treatment down the road.
- You can often combine these dollars with insurance, membership, or financing to lower what you pay out of pocket.
If you are not sure whether your account applies, bring your card to your visit and we can help you sort it out.
Cost Should Not Keep You From Care
Here is the message we most want you to hear: worry about cost should never be the reason you skip a checkup or live with a toothache. When you come in, our front desk will look at your situation and help you find the mix of insurance, membership, financing, and HSA or FSA dollars that works best for you. There is no pressure and no judgment, just a plan that fits your life.
Ready to get started? Call us at (209) 369-3617, book online through The Dental App, or reach out through our contact page and we will help you find a comfortable way to pay. Your smile is worth it, and we are glad to help you take the next step.
