It’s no secret the end of the year is quickly approaching. Have you considered meeting with your dentist to discuss ways to maximize your dental insurance benefits before 2021 is over? Although you’re likely to answer “no,” you should seriously think about getting in for that second dental checkup or recommended procedure, especially if you want to avoid losing valuable money in the process. If you need an added incentive to call your dentist’s office, here are 3 reasons using your dental benefits will be to your advantage.
You Can Avoid Costlier Care in the Future
Preventive care is one of, if not, the most advocated form of dentistry. Designed to help patients reduce their risk for serious oral health problems, most dental insurance companies offer to pay 80-100% of the cost associated with these services (i.e., dental checkups and cleanings, dental X-rays, fluoride treatments, etc.). By choosing to see your dentist for that second checkup in 2021, you can receive necessary dental care at little to no cost to you and avoid the potential for serious, complex, and extensive treatment down the road.
Your Dental Benefits Expire
If you have a dental plan that offers benefits for one calendar year, you can expect it will expire at midnight on December 31. What does this mean? Well, it means your insurance company will renew your plan on January 1, but your deductible will be reset to $0 and any unused funds (i.e., annual maximum) will be returned to your insurer. This is the allotted amount your insurance company provides each year. Choosing not to use it means you could lose out on money that is rightfully yours. While it is true that this maximum will also reset at the beginning of the year, you don’t want to be one of the millions of people who give up thousands of dollars just because it means going to the dentist.
You Won’t Have to Meet Your Deductible Again
Depending on your insurance plan, your deductible is likely very low. However, once it is met, your insurance company will begin paying more for the services you receive in-house. If you learn you need a restorative treatment of some kind (i.e., dental filling, crown, root canal, tooth extraction), it is in your best interest to move forward with the procedure before the end of the year. Because your deductible is met, you’ll pay less for your dental treatment while your insurance company pays more! If you wait until 2022, you’ll be required to meet your deductible first before your insurer steps in.
There are many advantages to using your dental benefits before ringing in the new year. Make sure to talk to your dental team if you want tips to maximize your plan before it’s too late!
About the Author
Dr. Brad Mitchell earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma. As a dentist in Oklahoma City who provides a wide array of comprehensive services, you can trust that he and his team will be there for you when it comes to identifying ways to take advantage of your dental insurance plan. We want you to take charge of your oral health and will help you get the most out of your policy, so you don’t lose money that belongs to you. If you would like assistance in navigating your insurance, contact us at (405) 755-2670.
