It is now very close to the end of the year, and the holidays are approaching fast. Before things get too hectic, now is a good time to put “use your remaining dental insurance benefits before the end of the year” on your to-do list. Doing so can ultimately save you hundreds of dollars in dental care – and your teeth will be healthier as a result as well! Read on to learn why maximizing your dental insurance is so important and how you can get the most out of your plan.
Dental Insurance: Use It or Lose It
Each dental plan has what’s called an annual maximum. This is the absolute limit that your insurance carrier will pay for your care each year. However, policies that operate on the calendar year will reset in January; if you haven’t used all of the maximum by then, any remaining benefits will be lost.
Reasons to Use Dental Insurance
How does using your dental insurance now instead of letting it expire save you money? Here are a few different reasons:
- The Premiums: You need to keep up with the premiums in order to maintain your benefits. If you have done so, then it only makes sense to take advantage of the coverage that you’ve already paid for.
- The Deductible: If you have already met your deductible for this year and have extensive dental work that needs to be done, you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs by beginning the treatment now and paying for the rest once your benefits have reset.
- Oral Health: If you have a cavity or gum disease, the issue will only get worse as time passes. Treating oral health problems early on (or preventing them altogether with regular checkups) will make it less likely that you’ll need to pay for additional treatments later.
What Dental Insurance Usually Covers
Since dental insurance usually emphasizes prevention, many policies will cover two dental examinations and cleanings every year (and in many cases at least one X-ray). You should definitely take advantage of this particular benefit even if you don’t need any other kind of treatment. If it has been more than six months since your last appointment, you should schedule a dental visit as soon as possible.
If you need a crown or another kind of dental work to restore your oral health, you should have it done while your current plan is in effect. It’s also a good idea to start multi-stage treatments before the new year. Of course, you’ll need to review your plan to make sure the treatment is covered.
Your dentist can help you figure out the most cost-effective way to get the care you need. Don’t let dental benefits go to waste; use them to keep your smile bright!
About the Author
Dr. Alan Rauchberg has attended the Pankey Institute and the Dawson Center, and he is currently a member of the New Jersey Dental Association. His Parsippany practice, Rauchberg Dental Group, offers dental implants, crowns, periodontal therapy, and various other services to protect your pearly whites. He’s happy to help you find a way to maximize your dental benefits. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (973) 334-3777.