The year is almost over, and your schedule is probably filling up with fun activities. Dental insurance may be the last thing on your mind during this busy time of year, but it’s important to keep your benefits from going to waste. From routine cleanings to root canals, maximize your dental coverage before your benefits expire.
Should I Use or Lose My Dental Benefits?
Your dental insurance policy allows for a certain dollar amount of coverage to be provided each year. If your maximum coverage dental benefit is not used during the year, you lose those dental benefits because unused coverage does not carry over to the next year.
Although treatment is never dictated by an insurance policy, our experience has shown that careful planning can help to maximize dental benefits. Most dental plans allow teeth cleanings two times a year. You may also participate in Flexible Spending (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to offset your out-of-pocket care costs. In most cases, any money left in those accounts at the end of the year is forfeit if it hasn’t been used.
When Should I Schedule an Appointment to Use My Remaining Benefits?
With the end of the year quickly approaching, it’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. This is a good time to schedule more expensive and involved dental treatments, especially if you’ve already met your annual deductible.
If you require extensive dental work but are close to hitting your annual maximum, your dentist may offer to divide treatments between the current year and the upcoming year, when your benefits are renewed.
According to MouthHealthy, 100 million Americans skip the dentist each year. Scheduling regular dental visits twice a year can minimize treatment costs and prevent more complex issues from developing.
If you haven’t maxed out your dental benefits for the year or have FSA or HSA benefits to use, we encourage you to make an appointment before the end of the year. Contact us if you are due for a cleaning, have dental treatment pending, or wish to schedule dental treatment.
End-of-year appointments fill up quickly, so call us today at 757-873-9000 or request an appointment online at www.drdenison.com. We can’t wait to see you!
