The year is quickly coming to an end with only three months left. A new year for some people usually means another attempt to lose weight, find a new job, start saving money, or take that trip they’ve been planning for a decade now. Once the clock strikes midnight, it means putting the old behind you and embracing what lies ahead, essentially, starting fresh. While this is great in most situations, it also means that when it comes to your dental insurance, everything goes back to “0.” Find out why your dentist in Boiling Springs wants you to get the most out of your benefits before January 1.
Dental Insurance Benefits: What You Need to Know
It can be a real headache navigating your dental insurance coverage, but when you have a clear understanding of how to use it to your benefit, you’ll find that your oral health is in better shape and there’s more money in your wallet. Take a look at the different aspects of your plan that you should maximize before the year is up:
Yearly Maximums
If you have attended your regular six-month appointments, had a filling placed, and are in need of a tooth extraction, you’ll probably be wondering if you’re close to your yearly maximum. This designated amount is set by the dental insurance company to alert you to the price they’re willing to pay within a calendar year. Should you have a procedure that costs more than the allotted amount, you’re responsible for paying the rest.
In these situations, it is always best to have your dental team review your policy to determine how you can keep out-of-pocket costs as minimal as possible. It might even be possible to spread out your treatment over several years as long as there is no negative impact on your oral health.
Deductibles
No one likes to hear that they owe when leaving an appointment, but it’s a fact that dental companies require you to pay a deductible to the dentist before they will step in. If you’re wondering if your deductible is the same as your colleague, it’s possible, but remember, all plans are different, which means deductibles, annual maximums, and even premiums are different.
In-network providers typically have a smaller deductible than out-of-network, so if you’re unsure if your dentist accepts your dental insurance, feel free to give them a call to find out.
Premiums
If you’re paying for something, it’s because you want to use it, right? You wouldn’t buy a lamp only to continue sitting in a dark room, would you? The same goes for dental insurance. Each month, you pay a premium to maintain access to a wide range of benefits. These aren’t designed for emergency situations, although they can come in handy should problems arise. Dental insurance is geared to encourage patients to seek preventive care to keep costs low and issues at bay.
If you have a tooth that’s been bothering you, go get it checked. If you need a cavity filled, make an appointment. If you have been putting off that root canal, don’t wait any longer. It’s always best to use your dental insurance each year to get the maximum benefit.
The Benefits of Dental Insurance
Too often, people forgo a dental insurance policy because they don’t deem it “necessary.” If their teeth are intact, that’s all they care about, but the truth is, problems can exist when symptoms do not, so even if your teeth look pristine and solid, you could be facing everything from gum disease or oral cancer. These dental problems are ones that should not be left untreated, as they can lead to serious diseases and conditions developing in your body.
Most companies charge a small premium each month for coverage, so if you’re having trouble deciding on buying a drink every morning from your favorite coffee bar or taking care of your oral health, let us strongly encourage you to choose the latter. Your smile will thank you for it years from now.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Neslund earned his bachelor’s degree in natural sciences from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He then went on to achieve a DMD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. As a dentist alongside his colleague, Dr. Eric Weed, the two offer patients a wide array of comprehensive services to meet their individual needs. At Carlisle Family & Cosmetic, it is our goal to ensure you are happy with your smile each time you leave our office. To learn more about us or our services, contact us at (717) 258-5455.