Many people do not give much thought to their dental insurance policy. They pay their premium month after month, but they may see their coverage just as a backup plan that will help them out if they ever face an oral health emergency. However, that view of dental insurance actually deprives you of the opportunity to take advantage of its real value. How can you maximize your dental insurance benefits? A dentist in Meriden is here to share five simple and useful tips.
1. Regularly Attend Preventive Appointments
Most dental policies allow you to attend two cleanings and checkups each year, usually with paying little to nothing out of pocket. These preventive appointments can be vital when it comes to safeguarding your oral health because they give your dentist the chance to diagnose most problems before they pose a serious threat to your teeth and gums. If you have not yet been to your second checkup of 2020, the prime time to schedule it is now.
2. Schedule Restorative Treatment as Soon as Possible
During your checkup, it is possible that your dentist will diagnose you with a small cavity, mild gum disease, or another oral health problem. It would be wise to schedule any recommended restorative treatments as soon as possible. Doing so will benefit you financially because insurance policies typically provide a higher level of coverage for minor care. For example, your plan may cover 80% of the cost of fillings. However, if you allow a cavity to worsen to the point where you require a major treatment, your insurance might cover only 40% – 50% of the cost.
3. Remember that Benefits Expire
Dental insurance plans tend to work on a calendar-year basis. At the beginning of the year, you are given an annual maximum. This maximum is the highest dollar amount that your insurance company is willing to pay out for treatments during the year. On December 31, any unused portion of that maximum will disappear. Therefore, if you know you require a particular treatment, it is best to schedule it sooner rather than later. You may still have time to get it taken care of before your 2020 dental benefits expire.
4. Be Strategic with Major Procedures
Many major dental procedures require multiple appointments to complete. You can use this to your advantage by scheduling a portion of a treatment this year and the rest of it in 2021. You can thereby use two annual maximums instead of only one.
5. Utilize Your FSA
Do you have a flexible spending account (FSA) in addition to your normal dental insurance? Most FSAs expire at the end of the calendar year, so it would be wise to think about how you can combine your FSA with your insurance to pay for any necessary oral health treatments.
It will not be long before 2020 dental insurance benefits are nothing but a memory. Now is the time to consider how you can take full advantage of your coverage.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Venu Chimmiri, Lauren Aber, and Ledjo Palo are proud to provide comprehensive, high-quality oral healthcare to the Meriden community. Meriden Dental Group is an insurance-friendly practice, and we are in-network with several major plans. To learn more about us and how we can help you maximize your dental benefits, contact us at 203-235-3539.