Did you know that your dental insurance plan renews every year on January 1st? Unfortunately, on that day, everything will restart, including your annual maximum and deductible. Instead of letting those unused benefits go to waste, get the most out of your monthly or annual investment in your dental insurance plan by maximizing them. Here are four ways a dentist in Collinsville recommends getting the most out of your plan.
Save Money with Preventive Dental Care
Some people wonder why it’s necessary for them to visit their dentist every six months when they brush and floss their teeth at home. If you didn’t know, your dental insurance plan covers 100 percent of the cost of preventive treatments, like two checkups and cleanings every year. This allows your dentist to diagnose and treat small oral health problems that may have arisen since the last time you saw them, like cavities, to keep them from becoming worse. If you require more invasive and advanced treatments for progressed oral issues, like root canal therapy or a tooth extraction, your insurance likely won’t cover the entire cost, making you pay out-of-pocket. That’s why it’s best to stay ahead of the ball with routine visits.
Visit an In-Network Dentist
If you have Delta Dental, you’re free to go to any dentist you want. However, you’ll save yourself from hefty out-of-pocket expenses by visiting someone who’s in-network with your plan. What this means is that they’ve negotiated discounted rates with your insurance company, allowing them to pass on savings to you and stretch your benefits even further.
Get the Care You Need Before Your Deductible Resets
If you’ve already paid your deductible, don’t let it go to waste! On January 1st, your deductible will reset, meaning you’ll have to pay it again before your insurance will begin contributing to the cost of any dental treatments you need. Instead of waiting, you can save money by getting them now, while you still know what your rates and fees will be.
Reach Your Maximum to Minimize Unused Benefits
Did you know that most people never reach their annual maximum set by their dental insurance company? This is a capped-off amount of money that they’ll pay for your treatments every year. If you don’t use them all by January 1st, you’ll lose them. To get the most out of your insurance allowance, contact your provider and find out what services are covered and see whether you could benefit from getting any of them before the new year.
Making monthly and annual investments in dental insurance is a lot financially, which is why dentists always recommend getting the most out of your plan and optimizing your oral health by maximizing your benefits. If you still have leftover allowance on your maximum or want to learn more ways you can utilize your insurance before the end of the year, call your dental insurance provider or financial coordinator at your dentist’s office today!
About the Author
Dr. Jessica Quach is passionate about providing her patients with the high-quality dental care they deserve. She regularly expands her dental education by participating in advanced learning and strives to create an environment that’s stress-free and feels like a second home. She focuses on preventive dental care that allows her patients to maintain beautiful, healthy smiles that they feel proud of. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning and learn how to get the most out of your dental insurance benefits before they expire, visit Collinsville Dental Associates’ website or call 276-647-1494.