When talking about the benefits of dental insurance, the cliché phrase “use it or lose it” really applies. Most dental insurance allows a certain dollar amount per calendar year, and any money not used is lost. Additionally, the same philosophy applies to Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts, which force you to forfeit any excess money you have paid. Therefore, it is in your best interest to use these benefits each year before they expire and you lose your money.
With the end of the year quickly approaching and only a few months left to maximize your dental insurance benefits, I thought some tips would be valuable to help educate patients.
Before scheduling a dental appointment, call your insurance provider to find out the exact amount of your unspent dental benefits. Also, ask them what their policy covers. Typically, preventive procedures such as cleanings, x-rays, and dental exams are covered, while cosmetic procedures such as whitening and veneers are not. Although most dentists have staff members who check this for you, it’s always nice to walk into the office knowing what your out-of-pocket expenses may be.
When you call your dentist’s office, be sure to schedule not only for yourself but also for eligible family members. However, don’t forget that many dental offices may be seeing an influx of patients right now and the sooner you call, the more likely your dentist will be able to schedule your families’ appointments.
Sometimes it is possible and beneficial to complete dental treatment in phases. This works very well at the end of the year and the beginning of next year. Depending on your individual needs, careful planning to maximize your remaining benefits for 2013, while completing the remainder of your treatment in early 2014, may provide you with greater reimbursement than waiting to complete treatment next year. But it’s important to keep in mind that when insurance renews, there may be changes in coverage, including changes to covered procedures and co-pays.
Saving money shouldn’t be your only motivation when visiting the dentist. Routine dental visits can detect early problems such as gum disease and oral cancers. Additionally, it is important to remember that even a small cavity left untreated can turn into a larger, more costly dental problem in the future.
Make sure you use your dental insurance benefits before you lose them!
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