Short Description
A process where a policyholder allows their dental insurance company to pay benefits directly to the treating dentist instead of reimbursing the patient.
Long Description
Assignment of benefits is an agreement between a patient, their dental insurance provider, and the dentist, allowing the insurer to send payment directly to the dental office for covered services. Without this, the patient must pay upfront and seek reimbursement from their insurance provider.
Not all dentists accept assignments of benefits, particularly those who are out-of-network. If a provider does not accept assignment, the patient is responsible for paying the full cost and submitting a claim for reimbursement.
Patients should verify with their dentist whether they accept assignment of benefits before receiving treatment. This can help reduce upfront costs and simplify the payment process.