"Does Kokopelli Dentistry take my insurance?" is the first question most new patients ask, and it deserves a straight answer instead of a wall of logos. Here is how insurance works at our two offices, which carriers we are in-network with, and how to check your own plan before you book.
The short answer
We are in-network with most major PPO dental plans at both offices. The list is a little different in Ahwatukee and Chandler because each office holds its own contracts, so I have listed them separately below.
If your carrier is not on either list, do not assume we cannot see you. Some plans reach us through a shared network agreement rather than a direct contract, and some are simply too small to list. Call the office closest to you and we will check.
In-network at Kokopelli Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Ahwatukee
At our Ahwatukee office at 1327 E Chandler Blvd, Suite 105, we are in-network with:
- •Aetna (PPO and Medicare Advantage)
- •Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (PPO, Prime, and the Federal Employee Program)
- •Cigna DPPO
- •Delta Dental (PPO and Premier)
- •GEHA
- •Guardian
- •Humana (PPO, EPO, and Medicare Advantage)
- •Lincoln Financial
- •MetLife (PDP Plus and Federal)
- •Principal
- •United Concordia (Elite Plus)
- •United Healthcare
One honest note: Ahwatukee is no longer in-network with Ameritas. If you have Ameritas, our Chandler office is, and many Ahwatukee families find the drive down to Riggs Road an easy one.
In-network at Kokopelli Dentistry of Chandler
At our Chandler office at 975 E Riggs Rd, Suite 108, we are in-network with:
- •Aetna (PPO and Medicare Advantage)
- •Ameritas
- •Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (PPO and Prime)
- •Cigna DPPO
- •Delta Dental (PPO, Premier, and Medicare Advantage)
- •GEHA
- •Guardian
- •Humana (PPO and Medicare Advantage)
- •MetLife (PDP Plus and Federal)
- •Principal
- •United Concordia (Elite Plus)
- •United Healthcare
Chandler sees a lot of patients on Medicare Advantage dental plans, which is why we made a point of holding direct contracts with Aetna, Humana, and Delta Dental for those plans there.
What "in-network" actually changes for you
Insurance language is confusing, so here is the plain version.
When a dentist is in-network, the dentist has agreed to a fee schedule with your insurance company. Your plan pays its share of that contracted fee, and you pay the rest. Because the fee is set in advance, your out-of-pocket cost is lower and more predictable, and your annual maximum stretches further.
When a dentist is out-of-network, the office charges its regular fee. Your plan may still pay something, but it usually pays a smaller share, and you owe the difference. Out-of-network does not mean "not covered." It means "covered less, with more surprises."
Two things do not change either way. Your annual maximum is still your annual maximum, and your plan's waiting periods and frequency limits still apply. Insurance helps with the cost of care. It rarely covers all of it, and I would rather tell you that up front than have you find out at checkout.
How to check your plan before you book
You have three easy options.
First, call us. The Ahwatukee office is (480) 283-0733 and the Chandler office is (480) 895-3252. Have your insurance card handy. Our front desk will look up your plan, confirm whether we are in-network, and verify your benefits before your first visit so you know your coverage for the exam, X-rays, and cleaning.
Second, check your carrier's "find a dentist" tool. Search for Kokopelli or for Dr. Harveer Kaur, and make sure the office address matches the location you plan to visit. Because each office holds its own contracts, an office listed for one plan may not be listed for another.
Third, look at your card. Plan names matter. MetLife PDP Plus is in-network with us, for example, while the basic PDP is not. Cigna DPPO is in-network, while some other Cigna plan types are not. If the name on your card does not match the list above exactly, that is a reason to call, not a reason to give up.
If you do not have dental insurance
Plenty of our patients pay for their own care, and we have set things up so that is not a hardship. Our new-patient visit, which includes an exam, X-rays, and a regular cleaning when appropriate, is $99 in Ahwatukee and $59 in Chandler for patients without insurance. For ongoing care, each office has an in-house membership plan that covers your preventive visits for a flat yearly fee and discounts other treatment. The membership plan is only for patients who do not have dental insurance. If you are insured, we bill your plan instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do you take dental HMO plans?
We are a PPO practice. If your card says DHMO or "Dental Care" rather than PPO or DPPO, call us and we will tell you honestly whether we can be your dentist under that plan.
Will you file my claims?
Yes. We file claims for you at both offices and collect only your estimated share at the visit. If your insurance ends up paying more than expected, we refund the difference.
Is Dr. Thompson in-network on the same plans as Dr. Kaur?
Dr. Thompson sees patients at Ahwatukee; Dr. Kaur sees patients at both offices. For most plans, yes. A few carriers credential each dentist separately, and we will tell you if that affects your visit when you book.
My plan is not listed. Can I still come in?
Yes. We see out-of-network patients every week. We will give you a written estimate of what your plan is likely to pay before we do anything beyond the exam.
Next step
Pick the office that is easier for you. In Ahwatukee, call Kokopelli Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (480) 283-0733. In Chandler, call Kokopelli Dentistry of Chandler at (480) 895-3252. Or request an appointment online, note your insurance plan in the form, and we will do the checking for you.
Disclaimer: This article is general information from Dr. Harveer Kaur and is not a substitute for a dental exam, diagnosis, or treatment. Every mouth is different. If you have a concern about your teeth or gums, call our Ahwatukee office at (480) 283-0733 or our Chandler office at (480) 895-3252 and we will help you sort it out.
Dr. Harveer Kaur, DDS, BDS
Dr. Kaur is the founder of Kokopelli Dentistry, serving patients in Ahwatukee and Chandler, Arizona. She focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry.
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