The end of the year has almost arrived, and you’ve just realized you still have dental insurance benefits remaining. You might think that waiting until your benefits reset next year won’t make much of a difference, but the truth is that decision could cost you hundreds of dollars in savings! If you’re not sure whether making an end-of-the-year dental appointment is worth it, here are 5 reasons why you should always strive to get the most value out of dental insurance.
1. Treating Dental Problems Sooner
First, it’s important to realize that “using dental benefits” equals “seeing the dentist.” In other words, putting your insurance to good use means having dental issues liked cavities and gum disease checked and treated. Oral health problems tend to get worse over time; delaying treatment will typically only result in more pain and will require more complex – and more costly – treatments. Utilizing benefits to receive treatment now will always be the less expensive option.
2. Meeting the Yearly Maximum
This year’s insurance coverage has a cap called the yearly maximum; you can think of it as the amount that your policy has set aside for dental care. This amount will not carry over to next year, so if you want to get the most out of your benefits, you should use the money while it’s still available to you.
3. Not Letting the Premiums Go to Waste
Paying your premiums to retain your insurance benefits only saves you money if said benefits are actually spent on dental care. Even if you don’t have any sort of oral disease or condition that needs immediate attention, you should at least be scheduling two cleanings and exams each year. (These appointments are often paid for in full by insurance companies since they help prevent cavities and other dental issues.)
4. Considering the Deductible
The deductible is what you need to pay the dentist yourself before any kind of coverage kicks in. You only need to meet the deductible once during the year; once you have, you can start fully enjoying your benefits. Take the opportunity to schedule any necessary dental procedures now before the deductible becomes a factor again!
5. Potential Changes
Your insurance policy might not be the same next year; some services might not receive the same coverage. Also, some practices raise their rates in January, and that in turn could increase your copay (since the amount of coverage your insurance provides is usually based on a percentage). It’s better to schedule an appointment in November or December if you don’t want to risk paying more out of pocket.
Ready to start taking advantage of your plan? Make an appointment with your dentist today; they can help you figure out what services you would benefit from and how dental insurance could help you cover the cost.
About Prime Dentistry
At Prime Dentistry in Denton, Dr. Dhiren Ahir believes that the key to providing excellent dental care is building great relationships with his patients. They also don’t think having a great smile should mean sacrificing your budget, which is why they are in-network with many different dental insurance plans. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (940) 514-0333.
