Insurance
Dental Insurance & UFCW Plans
Your plan still works here. We accept the same insurance plans as before, including the UFCW member dental plan, and most PPO plans. Here’s how benefits work and how to check yours.
- Same plans as before
- UFCW member dental plan
- Most PPO plans
- CareCredit accepted
Does Golden Triangle Dentistry take my dental insurance?
Golden Triangle Dentistry continues to accept the same insurance plans as before, including the UFCW member dental plan, and works with most dental insurance plans, including most PPOs. Coverage depends on your own plan, so call (951) 677-1054 with your plan details before treatment. Our team is happy to help.
Do you still accept my dental insurance?
Yes. In our letter to patients, Dr. Neff and Dr. Pourshirazi confirmed that we continue to accept the same insurance plans, including the UFCW member dental plan.
We work with most dental insurance plans, including most PPO plans. Every plan is different, so the surest way to know what yours covers is to call us with your plan details.
UFCW Local 1167 members can find more on our UFCW dental plan page.
What is the difference between a PPO and an HMO dental plan?
The biggest difference is how you choose a dentist. A PPO plan has a network of contracted dentists but usually still pays something if you see a dentist outside the network. A dental HMO, also called a prepaid or capitation plan, generally pays only when you get care at a contracted office.
With a PPO, your plan typically pays a larger share of the cost when you see an in-network dentist and a smaller share out of network. With a dental HMO, you usually choose a primary care dentist who coordinates your care, and you may need a referral for specialist care.
Other plan types exist too. Indemnity plans let you see any dentist who accepts the plan, and discount plans aren’t insurance at all. If you have an HMO or prepaid plan, call us before your visit.
At a glance
PPO vs. HMO (prepaid) dental plans at a glance
General differences only. Your plan documents have the final word.
| PPO plan | HMO or prepaid plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing a dentist | Any dentist in the network, and usually out-of-network dentists too | A contracted office, often a primary care dentist you choose |
| Seeing an out-of-network dentist | Usually covered, but your plan pays a smaller share | Your plan may not pay |
| Specialist care | Check your plan’s rules | Usually needs a referral from your primary care dentist |
| Yearly limits | Usually has a yearly benefit limit | May have yearly benefit limits |
What is covered in my dental plan?
Your plan documents explain what’s covered using a few key terms. Knowing them helps you avoid surprises.
MouthHealthy, the American Dental Association’s patient site, notes that most plans typically pay 100% for preventive visits. Check your plan to see how it covers other care.
- Annual maximum: the total dollar amount your plan will pay during the plan year. You pay any costs above it.
- Deductible: what you pay out of pocket before your plan begins covering costs. Some services, like cleanings, may have no deductible.
- Coinsurance: the share of each cost your plan pays, and the share you pay.
- Frequency limits: how often a service is covered, such as two cleanings per calendar year.
- Least expensive alternative: some plans pay only for the lower-cost option when more than one treatment would work.
Do dental benefits reset at the end of the year?
For many plans, yes. Many insurance companies have a benefit deadline of December 31, and for most dental plans, unused benefits don’t roll over into the new year. Some plans run on a different schedule, so check your plan documents.
That’s why Dr. Neff’s letter reminded patients: “Many dental benefits renew at the end of the year, and our team is happy to help you use yours before then.”
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), the money generally must be used within the plan year, unless your employer offers a grace period of up to 2½ extra months or a carryover. FSA money can pay deductibles, copayments and certain dental expenses.
How do I check my dental coverage?
Call us at (951) 677-1054 with your plan details, and our team is happy to help. You can also call the number on your member card to ask your plan about your benefits. It helps to have this information ready:
- The name of your dental plan and the company that runs it
- Your member ID and group number
- The name and date of birth of the main policyholder
- Your employer or union, if your plan comes through work
Questions to ask your plan
How much of my annual maximum is left? Have I met my deductible? Is there a waiting period? How is the treatment I need covered?
Will my insurance cover implants, braces or other new services?
It depends on your plan. Coverage for treatments like dental implants and braces and clear aligners varies from plan to plan.
Specialist care for oral surgery, root canal treatment, braces and aligners, and children’s dentistry will be available right here, and implants are placed in our office, from start to finish. Ask our team how your plan applies before treatment begins.
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
You’re still welcome at our Murrieta office. We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and CareCredit, and more payment choices with flexible financing options are being added.
See payment options and financing for tips on budgeting for care, or read our questions and answers.
Questions & answers
Common questions
Does any dental insurance cover 100%?
Some care may be covered in full. MouthHealthy, the American Dental Association’s patient site, says most plans typically pay 100% for preventive visits. For other treatment, what you pay depends on your plan’s deductible, coinsurance and annual maximum. Your plan documents show the details.
What happens if I reach my annual maximum?
Once your plan has paid its annual maximum for the plan year, you pay any remaining costs yourself until the next plan year begins. If you need a lot of care, ask your dentist whether some of it can be planned across plan years.
Can I use my FSA at the dentist?
Usually, yes. HealthCare.gov says an FSA can be used for certain medical and dental expenses, including deductibles and copayments, for you, your spouse and your dependents. FSA money generally must be used by the end of the plan year or grace period, so check your plan’s deadline.
Do I need to bring my insurance card?
It helps. Bringing your dental insurance card, or having your plan details ready when you call, makes it easier for our team to help with your coverage questions. If your plan has changed since your last visit, let us know.
What does in-network mean?
An in-network dentist has a contract with your dental plan. With a PPO, your plan typically pays a larger share when you see an in-network dentist and a smaller share out of network. With a dental HMO, you generally must get care at a contracted office for the plan to pay.
Keep reading
Related care and answers
UFCW Dental Plan Dentist in Murrieta
Golden Triangle Dentistry is on UFCW Local 1167’s contracted dental provider list and still accepts the UFCW m
Payment Options & Financing
Pay by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or CareCredit, with more financing choices on
New Patients
New to Golden Triangle Dentistry? What to expect at a first visit, what to bring, insurance and payment, parki
Book a Visit
Call (951) 677-1054 to book a visit at Golden Triangle Dentistry, 25460 Medical Center Dr, Suite 202, Murrieta
Questions & Answers
Answers about Dr. Neff’s retirement, Dr. Pourshirazi, your records, parking, insurance, the UFCW plan, payment
Sources
- Types of Dental Plans · American Dental Association
- Dental Plan Benefits & Limitations · American Dental Association
- Types of Dental Plans · American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Choosing the Right Dental Plan for You · American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Use Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year · American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) · HealthCare.gov (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
- Dental Coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace · HealthCare.gov (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Golden Triangle Dentistry is not affiliated with these organizations. Links open in a new tab.
Important information: This page explains how dental benefits generally work. Your coverage depends on your own plan, so confirm your benefits before treatment begins.
Golden Triangle Dentistry
Book a visit
25460 Medical Center Dr, Suite 202, Murrieta
Questions about your plan?
Call our Murrieta team at (951) 677-1054 with your plan details.