Dodged a Dental Bullet

[bjarvis]

Because of the ugly tooth chipping and subsequent temporary crown last week, I had to cough up $1,130 for which I hadn't budgeted. I have dental insurance and some spare funds in my medical tax saver account, but I couldn't know in advance how much my insurance would reimburse and how much would be left for me to pay.

The dentist also mentioned he wanted to think about a crown for another tooth and replace two very, very old fillings. More money to spend.

This week is open enrollment with my Dear Employer. If I could get the financial numbers from the first crown in time, perhaps I could postpone the elective work until next January while also increasing my 2009 medical savings account contributions to cover the extra.

Today, I got the numbers.

The crown cost $1,130 and my plan covered $883.40, leaving me with a bill of $246.60. I have $385.85 left in my MSA so after deducting the $246.60, I'm left with $139.25 to use before December 31. My insurance ceiling is $2,000 and I have $860.60 left in insurance for this year. My second crown, presuming there are no additional charges or surprises, would therefore cost me $269.40 on which I can use the balance of my MSA leaving me with final out-of-pocket cost of $130.15.

My insurance should cover 80% of the fillings which I estimate to be about $150 each, but I don't know if there are additional costs associated with their replacements.

To summarize, I figure I'll do the extra crown work this calendar year to max out my insurance in 2008, giving me a clean slate for 2009. My dental fillings and any other elective medical procedures can wait until January when my MSA will be replenished.

My health wasn't this complicated when I lived in Canada. :-^

Now to get that reimbursement submitted for the first crown...

Comments

[kent4str.livejournal.com]

My health wasn't this complicated when I lived in Canada.

But you were younger then. Much, much younger.

[bjarvis.livejournal.com]

I was also more sane then. *sigh*

[cuyahogarvr.livejournal.com]

Uh, that's debatable. After all, you decided to move HERE while you were living THERE!

[bjarvis.livejournal.com]

I was young and stupid. Your excuse is...? :-)

[cuyahogarvr.livejournal.com]

Older and Senile. I blame my kids.

[trawnapanda.livejournal.com]

my dental insurance (green shield) claims are filed electronically by my dentist as part of the billing procedure. I put my dental bill on VISA (and collect those valuable Green Stamps Aeroplan Points), and the cheque from Green Shield arrives within 10 days, nearly always before the VISA bill arrives, and invariably before I have to pay it.

Of course, when I go to see Barrymycutegaydoctor (GP) [or any specialists he chooses to send me to], I flash my OHIP card and that's the last I see of billing procedures. No cash passes through my hands at all.

You're right. Health/dental insurance IS simpler here in the Great White North.

[weekilter.livejournal.com]

Reminds me of Dentists' favourite hymn: "Crown Him With Many Crowns."

The trick for the USA is got get yet another, supplemental cover

[(Anonymous)]

Just google "dentalcool coverage" and you'll see how using 2 plans can save you much more and it gets around the limits you now have. Yeah I know -- it's tough not to be in Canada. Nobody said freedom was free though ;)