At Estates Dental, we’re committed to making your experience as smooth as possible — including billing and payments. Please review our financial policy below. If you have questions at any time, our team is happy to help.

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payment at time of service

Payment is due at the time services are provided. We accept:

• Cash

• Check

• Credit/debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover

 

dental insurance

If you have dental insurance, we are happy to submit claims to your insurance company as a courtesy.

 

Estates Dental is currently in network with: Guardian, MetLife, Principal, Delta Dental, United Healthcare, Ameritas, Cigna, Humana. 

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Insurance benefits vary by plan, and coverage is determined by your insurance carrier. Any estimated patient portion (copays, deductibles, coinsurance, or non-covered services) is ultimately your responsibility.

 

Insurance payments are generally expected within 60 days of the claim being submitted. If your insurance has not paid within that timeframe, the remaining balance may be transferred to the patient account.

 

credit card on file policy

To improve efficiency and simplify billing, Estates Dental requires a credit/debit card on file upon booking appointment. This policy helps reduce billing delays and allows us to handle balance adjustments that may occur after your visit — especially since many insurance plans determine deductibles, copays, and coinsurance after the claim is processed.

 

Your card may be charged for amounts including (but not limited to):

• Copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance not collected at the visit

• Missed or late-canceled appointments without 48-hour notice (per our Broken Appointment Policy)

• Charges for services that are not covered by your plan, denied by insurance, or assigned to patient responsibility

• Insurance payments sent directly to the subscriber/patient instead of to Estates Dental

• Balances outstanding for more than 90 days

 

Having a card on file makes checkout quicker and does not affect your ability to dispute a charge or ask questions about your insurance carrier’s payment determination. If you’d like more details, please ask our team for our FAQ.

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patient responsibility

Regardless of insurance coverage, patients are responsible for all fees charged by Estates Dental.

Your insurance policy is a contract between you (and/or your employer) and your insurance company. Estates Dental is not a party to that agreement and cannot guarantee coverage, reimbursement, or benefit determinations.

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Some services may be considered non-covered or may not be deemed “usual and customary” by your insurance carrier — even when treatment is appropriate and recommended for your health.

 

understanding your plan

We encourage all patients to understand their benefits, including:

• Waiting periods

• Frequency limitations

• Annual maximums

• Exclusions

• Deductibles and copays

 

Many plans limit how often services such as exams, X-rays, and routine cleanings are covered. If inaccurate insurance information is provided (incorrect carrier details, member ID, or contact information), the patient is responsible for the full billed amount.

 

insurance checks sent to the patient

In some cases, insurance companies send reimbursement checks directly to the subscriber/patient instead of to our office. If this occurs, please bring the check and the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to our office so we can apply payment correctly. If the reimbursement is not turned over to Estates Dental, the patient remains responsible for the full balance.

 

special financial arrangements

We’re happy to discuss fees and payment options. Some treatments may require customized financial arrangements. If temporary circumstances affect your ability to pay, please contact our team as soon as possible so we can help.

 

returned checks

Returned checks (insufficient funds or closed accounts) are subject to a $35 fee. After a returned check, future payments must be made by cash or credit/debit card.

 

past due accounts and collections

Balances not paid within 90 days of the first statement may be sent to a third-party collection agency or attorney. Estates Dental also reserves the right to apply billing fees to unpaid balances. If collections become necessary, the account holder is responsible for any associated collection and legal fees.