When it comes to your oral health, do you consider it to be a priority? If you have dental insurance, it’s clear that you believe it is important, but if all you’re doing is using it as an “emergency only” safety net, you will become one of the millions of people who will lose hundreds, if not, thousands of dollars in benefits each year. It’s time to stand out from the crowd and listen to your dentist in Canton who explains why it’s in your best interest to maximize your insurance before the year is over.
What Happens When January 1 Arrives?
As you’re preparing to ring in the New Year, your dental insurance company is counting down the seconds until your benefits expire. The moment the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2019, everything you’ve accrued toward your deductible and annual maximum will go back to the insurance company, leaving you back at zero to start 2020. If this sounds unfair, it’s the reality when it comes to all types of insurance.
There are no rollovers with dental benefits, which is why more than $150 billion is lost from individuals not using their private dental insurance to their full advantage during a calendar year. If that sounds like a lot of money to you, it’s because it is! If you want to keep from being one of those people who are paying for a policy only to have unused benefits returned to the insurance company, here’s how you can keep more money in your wallet and still get high-quality dental care.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Benefits
When reviewing your policy, it’s likely that you’re looking at the premium, deductible, annual maximum, and how much individual services will cost. Although each insurance policy is different, it’s likely that your plan will cover:
- 100% preventive care (i.e. checkups and cleanings, x-rays)
- 70-80% minor services (i.e. dental fillings)
- 50-70% major services (i.e. root canal, dental crown, extractions)
Understanding exactly what your plan offers will only benefit you when it comes to planning for your dental needs. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your insurance plan, here are a few things to be mindful of:
Get Your Regular Checkups and Cleanings
The ADA recommends that individuals see their dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Since most insurance companies will pay 100% for these visits, you are not only saving money by paying little to no out of pocket expenses, but you’re also ensuring no problems develop in the future, and you’re able to take care of your oral health now instead of waiting until you can afford to do so.
Avoid Fee Increases
With each calendar year, insurance companies have no problem raising the price of premiums or changing your dental benefits. To avoid this, make sure that if your dentist recommends you move forward with a particular procedure that you get it scheduled before the end of the year. Otherwise, it may not be covered in or will cost you significantly more if you wait.
Take Advantage of Meeting Your Deductible
Once you’ve met your deductible, your insurance company must pay more for the services you receive, so why not take advantage of that by getting the dental care you need? By allowing them to pay more, you get to keep more money in your wallet and improve your oral health before the new year.
Don’t let your hard-earned money go to waste! If you’re concerned you might lose valuable benefits as 2019 comes to a close, call your dentist’s office and speak to a team member who can help you maximize your coverage while there is still time.
About the Practice
At Dentistry at Hickory Flat, we understand that dental work isn’t always affordable. Whether you need a general cleaning or dental crown, the cost for these services can add up, causing you to make a choice between your oral health and other necessities. This is why dental insurance is one of the most recommended and beneficial investments you can make. Our team of dentists want you to feel confident and comfortable about receiving high-quality dental care in a compassionate environment. As an in-network provider for many insurance companies, we also offer discounted pricing and financing options for uninsured individuals. To learn more about us, visit our website or call (770) 213-8166.