Understanding dental insurance can feel overwhelming. What exactly is covered? How often should you be seeing the dentist? Have you met your deductible? While the answers to these questions can vary from plan to plan, one thing is the same across the board: once January comes around, your unused benefits will expire. Anything you haven’t taken full advantage of will reset for the new year! Here are five ways you can save money and maximize your dental insurance benefits before next year.
1.) Schedule Your 2nd Checkup Before January 1st
Preventive care in the form of routine checkups and cleanings is the best way to avoid costly dental care. Not only do these semi-annual visits allow your dentist to spot and stop any potential issues as early as possible, but they also go a tremendously long way in avoiding problems altogether! The best part is that nearly all dental insurance plans will cover 90-100% of the cost for two dental checkups and cleanings each year. If you haven’t had that second checkup yet, make sure to squeeze it into your schedule before January 1st.
2.) If You’ve Hit Your Deductible, Don’t Put Off That Treatment You Need
Do you need a crown or a filling? Have you been meaning to replace a missing one with a dental implant? Whether it’s a big or small treatment, you should schedule it now if you’ve hit your deductible! Your deductible is an amount set by your insurance policy. This is how much you need to pay out-of-pocket before your benefits start to cover your treatments. However, your deductible will reset in January, and any unused amount of your annual maximum (hot much your insurance is willing to pay for your dental care) will not roll over.
3.) If You Haven’t Hit Your Deductible, Plan Out Your Treatments
Generally, you don’t want to put off any type of dental treatment you need for any longer than you have to in order to save yourself time, trouble, and money in the future. However, if you haven’t met your deductible yet and are considering treatments like orthodontics or dentures, you should get in touch with your dentist. Depending on your specific case, they may recommend you wait to begin your treatment until after January 1st. That way, any out-of-pocket expenses you do pay won’t go to waste towards a deductible that will expire in just one month.
4.) Plan Your Dental Care for Next Year
Will you be changing insurance companies or policies going into the new year? Has it been a while since you’ve been to the dentist? Now is the best time to set yourself up for success and pick out a dental home! Take a look around your area for a dentist who accepts your insurance. You should also check to see what their office hours are, how far they are from your work or home, and what kinds of treatments they offer. Once you’ve picked a dentist who fits your criteria, call to schedule a checkup early next year to get the ball rolling on your routine oral healthcare.
5.) Talk to Your Dentist
Already have a dentist you see every year? Don’t be nervous to give their office a call and ask if they have any personalized recommendations on how you can best maximize your dental insurance benefits. They will be more than happy to walk you through what you need to know to make the most out of your policy.
About the Practice
Limestone Dentistry is a family-owned dental office that provides quality dental care to Jeffersonville and the surrounding communities. We are proud to have an honest and trustworthy team that can help you navigate the ins and outs of your insurance coverage, as well as alternative payment options. Our practice is in-network with numerous common dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Humana, Anthem, Teamcare, and many more! To learn more about how to maximize your dental insurance benefits, visit our website or call us at (812) 288-9300.