How Does Principal Dental Insurance Work?

Principal has a nationwide network of more than 136,000 dentists, so it is likely you will find an in-network provider close to home. Dental insurance generally means reduced cost for basic preventive services such as routine exams and teeth cleaning, cavities, crowns, root canals, and gum disease. Most dental offices have staff dedicated to the task of filing your claim with Principal on your behalf.

Many people, though not all, access dental insurance through their workplace. If your employer offers dental insurance as part of an employee benefits program, you can enroll in coverage for yourself, your spouse, and eligible dependents up to 26 years old. Depending on the policy, you will likely make group rate premium payments that are lower cost and deducted from your paycheck.

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Principal provides cost-effective ways for you and your family to receive high-quality care:

1. Preventive care, such as twice-yearly exams, cleaning, and x-rays (typically once per year), is covered at 100 percent of cost.
2. Basic procedures like cavities or extractions are covered at 80 percent of the cost.
3. Major procedures, including crowns, bridges, and dentures, are covered at 50 percent of the cost.

With Principal, you can see a specialist without a referral. Four additional coverage areas—periodontal, cancer treatment, oral health, second opinion, and general anesthesia—give you the option to receive extra care or get a second opinion.

Knowing the following terms is important for understanding the services you receive:

1. Deductible is the amount you pay for covered services before your Principal insurance plan begins to pay expenses for you.
2. In-network services mean you pay less out-of-pocket because fees are pre-established with Principal.
3. Out-of-network services have higher charges when you choose providers who have not agreed to contracted rates with Principal. Such services are generally more costly, and your insurance plan usually covers a lesser percentage.
4. Coinsurance is any remaining balance you pay if your coverage is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan. Generally, coinsurance ranges from 20 percent to 80 percent of your total bill.
5. Annual maximum, part of most dental policies, is how much Principal will pay per year, typically $1,000 to $2,000. If you reach the annual maximum amount of coverage, you are responsible for paying 100 percent of any remaining cost.

What is the Principal Dental Access Plan?

If your employer does not offer dental insurance through your employee benefits plan, or if you would like a different option, a dental discount plan can be an affordable choice for individual or family coverage.

The Principal Dental Access Plan is different from insurance because, as a dental discount plan, there are no deductibles, waiting periods, or spending limits. Once you join the plan, you can access affordable care at thousands of dentists nationwide. Discounts apply to routine exams, teeth cleaning, major procedures, and other services—at fixed rates. (Note: Not available in Florida, Illinois, and Nevada.)

Quality Care That Fits Your Budget

Your dentist is committed to providing quality care that fits your budget. Check for a list of approved dentists in the Principal network. An in-network provider will cost less than one that is out-of-network. Some dentists offer discounts if you are a new patient. Contact the individual dentist’s office for more information.

Related Article: Principal Copays, Deductibles, and Coinsurance Definitions