As the end of 2023 approaches, it’s an excellent time to take a closer look at your dental insurance plan. Dental insurance is a valuable asset that can help maintain your oral health without straining your finances. However, many people fail to fully utilize their benefits, leaving potential savings on the table. Here’s how you can maximize your dental insurance before the year ends.
Understand Your Benefits
1. Know Your Plan: Start by understanding the specifics of your dental insurance plan. Look at your annual maximums, deductibles, and the coverage percentages for various treatments. Most dental insurance plans have a maximum amount they will pay within a calendar year. If you haven’t reached this limit yet, it’s wise to make use of the remaining benefits.
2. Check the Coverage: Different plans cover various dental procedures differently. Preventive care like cleanings and check-ups are often covered at higher rates, sometimes even 100%. On the other hand, major procedures like crowns or bridges might be covered at a lower percentage. Knowing what’s covered can help you plan your treatments better.
Plan Your Treatments
3. Complete Pending Treatments: If you’ve been postponing dental work, now is the time to schedule it. Whether it’s a filling, a crown, or more extensive work, using your remaining benefits can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
4. Preventive Care: If you haven’t had two cleanings this year, schedule one now. Preventive care is not only fully or mostly covered by most dental insurances, but it also helps in avoiding more extensive and expensive treatments in the future.
Coordinate with Next Year’s Benefits
5. Treatment Plans Across Years: For more expensive treatments, consider splitting them across two benefit periods. Start a procedure in December and complete it in January to use two years’ benefits, thereby reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
6. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): If you have an FSA, check its balance. Some plans require you to use the funds by year-end, while others may offer a grace period or allow a certain amount to roll over.
Don’t Forget the Basics
7. Regular Appointments: Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining oral health. Even if you don’t need extensive treatment, use your benefits for regular check-ups and cleanings.
8. Update Your Information: Ensure your dental office has your current insurance information to avoid claim issues.
Other Payment Options
The final cost of your dental treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. Your dental provider should discuss with you the potential cost of care and your available payment options before you begin treatment.
Here at Angstadt Dental Lancaster, besides accepting a number of dental insurance providers, we also offer Wells Fargo Health Advantage, as well as allowing payment with most major credit cards. We also feature both individual loyalty and corporate loyalty plans to help you defray the cost of your dental treatment. Please contact our office regarding currently accepted insurance providers and other financing options.
Final Thoughts
Your dental insurance is a resource that you’ve already invested in. By understanding and strategically using your benefits before they reset at the end of the year, you can maintain your dental health cost-effectively. Remember, proactive dental care is not only good for your health but also for your wallet. So, schedule those appointments and make the most of your dental insurance!
This guide aims to help you navigate your dental insurance benefits effectively as the year draws to a close. Taking action now can lead to significant savings and a healthier smile! Contact our office in Lancaster today to schedule your appointment.
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