How long does it take for an insurance claim to be paid?
The time for a dental insurance carrier to process an insurance claim varies. At least 38 states have enacted laws requiring dental insurance carriers to pay claims within a timely period (ranging generally from 15 to 60 days). If you want to file a complaint about a delayed payment, contact the insurance commissioner in your state. They want to know if your insurance company does not pay within the period allowed by your state law.
Juanita Heieck
I have pre-authorization through my dental insurance to have two crowns and two implants done. I am beginning the work in March and the final part of the work will be done in September. My question is about when the claim will be paid out by my insurance company. I have plans to retire later in the 2021 year and I need to know if my dental claim can be submitted in advance and paid by my insurance so that I will not incur the charges in the event I retire around the same time that the second portion of my work is being completed.
Jamie King
Hi Juanita,
One of dental billing experts, Jackie, has an answer for your question. “The short answer is no. Authorizations are typically “good” for 12 months. Claims should only be submitted after the work has been completed and be reported for the correct date the patient was actually seen. Another thing to keep in mind, an authorization is not a guarantee of payment. The patient should always be prepared to pay 100% of the fee if insurance changes their mind.”
I hope this information is helpful to you. Happy early retirement!