How to Use Two Dental Plans

High fees for dental services have brought about the need for dental insurance plans. Dental plans pay a large portion of the bill for dental visits and procedures, leaving you to pay the smaller portion of the bill. Some individuals have coverage under two dental plans -- through their own and a spouse's employer -- resulting in even greater savings. Using two dental plans takes some planning to get your maximum benefits. You should know your dental plans inside and out to determine which carrier is your primary insurer and which one is secondary.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine your primary and secondary plan. Your primary plan lists you as the enrollee, while your secondary plan lists you as a dependent. Children's coverage is based on the parent's date of birth, with the oldest parent carrying the primary insurance on the child.

• 2

  Fill out all claim forms completely. List your other insurance plan in the additional coverage section of your claim. This helps to determine which company is responsible for which service as described in the benefits section.

• 3

  Submit your dental claim to the primary carrier first. Once the claim is accepted and paid, submit the claim to your secondary insurance with the payment information from your primary company. Make sure your secondary insurance will allow for additional payments on your dental visit, as some will not if the primary carrier has paid more than your secondary carrier's maximum dollar limit for the procedure.

• 4

  Pay any outstanding balances not covered by insurance. Most dental offices will offer a payment plan for patients on a tight budget.