This crazy year is almost over, and if you’re still trying to figure out how it passed by so quickly, you’re not alone. The new year is almost here, and you might find yourself in the same situation that many other people are in, still needing to take advantage of your dental insurance benefits. The good news is, there’s still time! Your Carlisle dentist has five tips to share that can help you make the most out of your benefits and save more money for next year.
Five Tips to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits
The holiday season tends to be the busiest time of the year for most people, between plans and traveling, and self-care often gets left to the wayside. According to a survey taken by Oral Health and Well-Being, it is estimated that those who have dental insurance benefits are almost 60% more likely to visit the dentist? As a result, these people also have better oral health records. Here are five great ways you can get the most out of your dental insurance now and spend less going forward:
Maintain Oral Hygiene
This is probably the easiest and most affordable way to maximize your benefits. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is the best preventive care you can give them. Brushing and flossing every day helps remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, protecting your teeth from decay and your gums from infection. Plus, the holiday season often involves a multitude of sugary and starchy treats that can wreak havoc on your teeth, so why not pay a little extra attention to them this time of the year?
Practice Preventive Care
It might not seem like seeing your dentist on a regular basis is connected to your dental insurance, however, scheduled checkups and cleanings allow them the ability to catch issues before they get out of hand. For example, every time to see your dentist for a checkup, they conduct an oral cancer screening. Millions of people are saved from having to undergo expensive chemotherapy treatments each year as a result of early detection. Plus, many insurance plans mostly, if not fully, cover the cost of preventive care!
Make Sure Your Dentist of Choice Is in Network
Some insurance plans require that certain dental practices be within their network to qualify for coverage. Most plans have a website where you can view this list, and in some cases, the dental office you contact may be able to assist you. Make sure you know what to expect from your coverage before choosing your next dental home.
FSA – Use it or Lose It!
Flexible Spending Accounts are notorious for going unused by the end of the year. Many people make monthly investments into these accounts throughout the year, only to lose access to the funds they didn’t utilize. Make sure to check your FSA balance and take advantage of the dollars while you still can.
Be Aware of Updates to Your Plan
Many insurance companies make annual changes to their coverage, so it’s important for you to be aware of what to expect going into next year in terms of deductibles, maximums, co-pays, or anything else that could affect you.
Regardless of what your dental insurance entails, you have benefits available to you. Talk to your dentist about all the ways they can help you to make the most of your monthly investment and save more money.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Neslund loves leading the team of experts at Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. He is passionate about helping his patients maintain oral health by teaching them on how to – maximize their dental benefits. He prioritizes keeping his practice up to date with the latest technologies, allowing him to provide the highest level of care. Are you ready to make the most of your dental insurance benefits? Request an appointment online, or call (717) 258-5455.