When you have dental insurance, it can make paying for your dental treatments, especially preventive care, much more affordable. Unfortunately, many people don’t think much about the details of their plan until it’s time to use them. This often leads to people believing they have coverage for certain treatments, when in reality they have already reset. Most dental plans have their benefits reset on January 1st, and that is more than likely going to be the case next year as well. Instead of wasting your benefits, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Millersville!
Now is the Time to Use It, Not Lose It!
Regardless of the dental plan you use, it likely has what is called an annual maximum attached to it. This refers to the amount a dental insurance provider will pay up to when covering dental treatments in a given year. While the average annual maximum reaches about $1,250, it’s extremely rare that any patient ends up spending this amount on dental care in a given year. In fact, only 3 percent are projected to do so.
The bad news is this leftover does not roll over into the next year when the plan resets. Any money leftover goes right back to the insurance company. Instead of leaving this money on the table (and allowing dental insurance executives to get richer), here’s how you can maximize your benefits.
Schedule Your Second Checkup and Cleaning
Every dentist in Millersville will tell you that you need to have two annual cleanings and exams performed to maintain long-term oral health. Doing this helps you prevent the majority of dental issues and emergencies. However, most people will only visit once a year, despite the fact that their dental insurance often covers these services 100 percent! If you’ve only been to the dentist once this year, now is the time to schedule an appointment and maximize your coverage.
Don’t Waste the Deductible!
Deductibles refer to the amount of money you pay out-of-pocket before you can access your current dental benefits. This will also reset at the beginning of the year, which means you’ll need to pay it again to use your benefits. If you’ve already met your deductible, which is often low for dental insurance, you should schedule your next appointment to get that treatment that you seriously need. Whether it’s a dental crown, filling or other treatment, you don’t want to have to pay out-of-pocket in the process.
Your Plan Details are Likely to Change
It’s common for a dental plan to change more dramatically than what you’d find with medical insurance. Not only can premiums go up and certain benefits can vanish, but deductibles can change, making it more difficult to access your benefits. The last thing you want to do is miss out on your plan’s benefits not before they change.
Are you ready to take advantage of your dental plan’s benefit before 2020? Check with your dentist in Severna Park; they’ll be able to help you save money and stay on the right path towards long-term oral health!
About Conklin & Ward Dental Group
The dentists at Conklin & Ward Dental Group are experienced in helping patients maximize their current dental benefits. Not only will they file claims on your behalf, but have many years of experiencing treating patients and making treatments affordable to working families. To learn more about maximizing your dental plan, you can contact them through their website.