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Dude, I feel your pain. I have TWO insurance plans (Aetna and MetLife). I spent hours looking up the charts, talking to customer service, talking to my own dentist, the receptionist - everyone involved. First let me say how delighted everyone was when I told them I had 2 insurance plans. I was assured that I would be completely covered and wouldn't have to pay a thing.
I went in to have my wisdom teeth pulled - just two - well, apparently, having 2 insurances is NOT enough. Each one paid $400 and I had to pay $400 myself. I think my premiums all added up to more than the procedure. I'm not really sure why I even had insurance. I should have just put all that money and "insured myself". At least I would have more control.
I don't think it's the dentists fault (and doctors etc). I think something is worng with the billing systems. Most of the providers (doctors, dentists) can't make heads or tails either and seem to be just as frustrated with the system as I (we) are.
Whoever figures out how to fix the system (healthcare industry, insurance etc) will probably win a Nobel Prize.
After all that, being responsible, doing my homework, research, deferring gratification so I can have adequate savings, I still get "shafted" (at least I think so) by the system. Is it really true that some joker who didn't save their money etc gets to have free healthcare provided? It seems the incentives (economically speaking) are backwards here. It seems like (not sure though) if I didn't have insurance, I could get treatment anyways with no cost to myself.....ah...
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