Insurance Glossary

Billing a patient for the difference between the dentist's actual charge and the amount reimbursed under the patient's dental benefits plan.

The person who receives benefits under a dental benefit contract.

The amount payable to the patient or member by a third party toward the cost of various covered dental services.

The description or synopsis of employee benefits required by ERISA to be distributed to the employee.

Coordination of benefits regulation stipulating that the primary payer of benefits for dependent children is determined by the parents' dates of birth. Regardless of which parent is older, the dental benefits program of the parent whose date of birth falls first in a calendar year is considered primary. This rule varies by plan. Check your Benefit Plan Summary.