Dental insurance is an investment you make each month, and it can help you save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars on oral healthcare over the years. But in order to do this, it is crucial that you are utilizing your benefits to their full extent. Dental insurance doesn’t work the same way as the medical insurance that you’re used to, so it may seem confusing to navigate at first. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure that you are maximizing your dental insurance benefits.
Utilize Your Coverage for Preventive Care
When was the last time you saw your dentist for a cleaning? If you aren’t attending your routine cleanings and checkups, you aren’t even close to fully maximizing your benefits. By attending these regular appointments, you can prevent the development of dental health problems. During this time, your hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, and your dentist will take a look to make sure that you aren’t dealing with existing dental problems that need to be treated. When small issues are caught now, you may be able to avoid more invasive, costly treatments later. For example, if your dentist treats a tooth decay with a filling now, you may be able to avoid a cavity or root canal therapy in the future.
Prevent Other Medical Problems
Dental health and overall health go hand-in-hand. People who have gum disease are more likely to suffer from numerous series medical conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and pregnancy complications. When you see a dentist for preventive care, you can avoid gum infections and medical issues that require lots of time and money to treat.
Choose an In-Network Dentist
If you have a PPO plan, you have the ability to choose any dentist that you would like, even if they aren’t on your list of “in-network” dentists. By choosing an in-network dentist, you can benefit from increased coverage of your dental care and therefore a lower out-of-pocket cost.
Use Your Flexible Spending Dollars
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer, you should use these dollars before the year comes to an end because all of your funds may not carry over. Most of the time dental expenses are eligible FSA healthcare expenses. FSAs reduce your taxable income by putting aside money for healthcare. When you use tax-free dollars to pay for your dental treatment, you can save money!
Review Your Benefits
Now that the end of the year is approaching, it is a great time to look over your benefits again. By knowing exactly what’s covered under your plan and when it resets, you can better maximize your coverage. For most insurance plans, the benefits will reset at the end of the calendar year. This means that you will be responsible for paying your deductible again in the new year. Any unused benefits will not carry over.
If you haven’t been to your dentist in a while, there is no better time to schedule an appointment. If you need additional help navigating your benefits, talk to your dental team! They can guide you in the right direction.
About the Author
Dr. Julie Young is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over 23 years. She is committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, she is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on dental insurance or to schedule an appointment at her office in Corte Madera before the year ends, visit her website or call (415) 924-5300.
