How are you using your dental insurance? Many people view their coverage as a backup plan in case they ever face an urgent oral health problem. However, that approach to insurance is financially unwise. It deprives you of the opportunity to derive the greatest value from your coverage. How can you maximize your dental insurance benefits? A dentist in Abington is here to discuss five useful tips.
1. Keep Up with Preventive Care
The majority of PPO dental insurance plans allow policyholders to attend two cleanings and checkups each year at a minimal cost — perhaps even for nothing out of pocket. For some policies, you do not even have to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in for these basic services. Not only do preventive appointments make your mouth feel clean and fresh, but they also give your dentist an opportunity to diagnose and treat oral health issues before they become serious.
2. Schedule Restorative Treatment ASAP
Dental insurance plans provide different levels of coverage for various treatments. For example, while they often offer 100% coverage for preventive care, they might cover only 70% – 80% of the cost of fillings. If decay worsens to the point where a filling is no longer an adequate treatment and you must undergo a major procedure, such as root canal therapy and a crown, your insurance might cover just 50% of the cost. Hence, both your oral health and your budget will benefit if you schedule recommended treatments as soon as possible.
3. Remember that Benefits Do Not Roll Over
Most insurance plans work on a calendar-year basis. On January 1, you are given an annual maximum — that is the highest dollar amount that your insurance company will pay out for approved treatments within a 12-month period. At the end of the year, any unused benefits disappear forever. Hence, if you know you need a certain treatment, the time to schedule it is now — before your 2020 policy expires.
4. Be Strategic with Major Procedures
Some major dental treatments require multiple treatments to complete. If you worry that a certain procedure might exceed your annual maximum, ask your dental team if you can schedule it across 2020 and 2021. This strategy enables you to use two annual maximums rather than just one.
5. Utilize Your FSA
In addition to normal dental insurance, many people also have a flexible spending account (FSA). An FSA lets you set aside tax-free money that you can use for medical and dental expenses. Most FSAs expire at the end of the calendar year, so now is the time to think about how you can apply those funds to caring for your teeth and gums.
Are you using your dental benefits to the full? The tips listed above will help you protect both your wallet and your oral health.
Meet the Practice
The team of five dentists and specialists at Abington Family Dental Care are proud to offer top-quality services at reasonable prices. Our practice is insurance-friendly and is pleased to help patients make full use of their coverage. To learn more about us and our policies, contact us at 781-878-2190.