Dental insurance remains the most effective way to save on your oral healthcare needs. Maximizing your available benefits can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses each time you visit. However, if you are unsure how to get the most out of your insurance, you could end up losing thousands each year. Don’t let this happen to you. Instead, here are four ways you can ensure every dollar counts.
Don’t Skip Your Preventive Six-Month Appointments
Most dental insurance companies agree to cover most or all (80-100%) of the cost associated with six-month dental checkups and cleanings. As preventive services that reduce the risk of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and more, you can avoid costlier restorative treatment in the future, all while keeping more money in your pocket throughout the year.
Understand the Art of Scheduling
Your dental insurance plan has an annual maximum, which is the most your insurer will pay in a single calendar year. If your dentist recommends a costly, more extensive form of treatment that will cause you to exceed your annual maximum, schedule the procedure for the following year. This will ensure the total amount is reset so that you can take advantage of the full amount.
You can also ask your dentist to spread the treatment across calendar years so that you use what is left in the current year and continue to benefit from the full amount the following year.
Know What is Covered/Not Covered By Your Plan
Most dental insurance companies cover preventive and restorative treatments. Knowing what is and isn’t included in your benefits can help you budget for any out-of-pocket expenses you might incur.
For example, your insurance may cover 50-80% of the total cost for dental fillings, dental crowns, oral surgery, dentures, root canals, tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, and more. If you want custom veneers, teeth whitening, or another similar aesthetic service, you will need to inquire about alternative payment methods to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.
Use Benefits Before They Expire
Dental insurance benefits are usually good for one calendar year. This means that once January 1 arrives, your deductible and annual maximum reset. Any unused funds are returned to your insurance company. This causes countless policyholders to lose thousands of dollars each year.
If you need a dental crown and have met your deductible, don’t wait. Move forward with treatment and save more.
It is your decision to invest in dental insurance, so make the most of it while you can.
About the Practice
Brown, Reynolds, Snow, and LeNoir Dentistry consists of five compassionate dental professionals who deliver award-winning care with a personalized and patient-focused approach. We recognize our services can add up quickly, especially if you are without dental insurance, which is why we urge you to use your benefits to help you save. Contact us via the website or by calling (804) 348-1110 to let us help you maximize your coverage.