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You Can Afford Orthodontic Care with CareCredit

Posted by Dr. Sal on 7/23/13 12:27 PM

No longer put off orthodontic treatment for your children because you cannot afford it.  Many doctors in our area have started to offer CareCredit payment options as an alternative to consumer credit cards, cash or checks.

CareCredit smile confidently, smile brightly with the healthcare payment option

What is CareCredit?

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card for medical treatments and procedures such as LASIK & vision, cosmetic treatments & surgery, dentistry, veterinary, hearing care, and other specialties. It allows you to pay for medical treatment over time for your entire family, including your pet. 

Dr. Salvatoriello’s offices in Hanover, New London, and Claremont are enrolled in special financing options.  You can call or visit our practice and ask for Todd, our CareCredit representative, to explain which financing options are available for you. 

This does not replace your insurance policy. 

CareCredit is not an insurance policy, but it does help you pay out-of-pocket costs that may not be covered.  If you have insurance, use it.  We highly recommend to continue using available dental coverage towards your bill.  The remaining balance can be paid off over time using CareCredit.  

The Application Process

The entire process is private, fast and simple.  You have a couple options for applying for CareCredit financing.

Option 1:  Ask to apply at your provider’s office.

Most local providers offering CareCredit will have an in-house representative or trained staff to walk you through the process.

It is very similar to applying for a Kohls or Macy’s credit card.  A staff member can assist you through each question, or you can quietly fill out a printed application on your own.  After you submit the app, it will run through the system, and you will learn if you are approved within minutes. 

At this point, you can initiate the treatment you need immediately by using funds at any location that offers CareCredit.  For example, you can use CareCredit to pay for your first orthodontic appointment, and use your remaining funds at the vet's office for vaccinations.

Use CareCredit’s doctor locator in the state of New Hampshire to check who is offering. 

Option 2:  Go to CareCredit’s website and apply online or print the application from home.

CareCredit’s website is user friendly, and they provide great resources.  Below is a screenshot of their application window.  You can begin by searching for a doctor, and then you will be prompted to fill out a one-page application.  They have representatives available to instant message chat if you click on the green button “Live Chat” on the right hand side of the window. 

You also have the option of printing the application and taking it to your healthcare provider.  

You will need the following information to complete your application:

  • Two forms of ID that can be verified.  One primary ID (drivers license, government issued ID, non-driver state issued ID, passport, military ID or government issued green/resident alien card) and one secondary ID (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, department store or an oil company credit card with an expiration date), or two primary IDs.
  • All forms of income from all full and part-time jobs, bonuses, commissions, and investments.  
  • You must reside in the U.S. and be 18 years or older to apply.

Financial Options 

Depending in the financial options your healthcare provider offers,CareCredit works by setting up a desired promotional period.  This is a pre-determined time period during which your account has special financing terms.  For example, when you make purchases for $200 or more, CareCredit offers two types of special financing options:

1) No interest if paid in-full within 6, 12, 18, or 24 months.  You will not have to pay interest unless the purchase you made is not paid in full within the agreed promotional period.  The 6, 12, or 18 month promotion have fixed monthly payments until the total is paid in-full.  

If you are seeking a orthodontic treatment, the first scheduled visit is also known as an initial comprehensive consultation.   Our doctor would examine the hard and soft tissues in your child’s mouth, then look at the needs of their teeth and jaws.  This opportunity will allow us to recommend a personalized care plan within a fixed price.  

2) 14.90% APR and fixed monthly payments required until paid in full.  

Please note that not all healthcare providers offer all special financing options.  Ask your provider to explain which ones are available for your care plan.

Overall benefits to using CareCredit

When it comes down to using third party financing to pay for health care costs, it is important for the patient to be able to initiate the treatment they need immediately.  You can get approved for CareCredit within minutes, and you do not have to wait to receive a physical card in order to access funds.  

Another benefit is that you can make small monthly payments over a period of time.  Most people do not have a large sum of cash to drop at one time. 

Also, their website is designed to help you manage your account at your convenience.  You can view your bill online and make payments if you are logged in or if you call a CareCredit representative.  

 What to do next?
Get orthodontic treatment you can actually afford with our free guide:
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Topics: cost of orthodontics, CareCredit

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Dr. Sal Says

Dr. Salvatoriello brings healthy, beautiful smiles to New Hampshire and Vermont. For nearly 40 years, adults and children have relied on Dr. Sal for compassionate care using the latest techniques. This blog allows us to share Dr. Sal's expertise with everyone, not just his patients.

Find out everything you need to know about healthy smiles and how orthodontic treatment can help, then schedule your initial appointment to become one of "Dr. Sals' Pals."

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