The end of the year is fast approaching, and January is almost here. That means that you’re probably taking a little time to renew your insurance, or to enroll into another one through the exchange.
As you take a look at what you’re paying for coverage, you might want to think about whether you’re getting the most out of your dental benefits. It’s estimated that Americans leave around 100 billion dollars’ worth of dental benefits unused every year—that’s money you’re spending, but not using. Here are a few things you can do to make sure that you’re taking full advantage of your insurance coverage.
Understanding Annual Maximums
One of the things that distinguishes dental insurance from other forms of coverage is the annual maximum. This represents the maximum amount that your dental plan is willing to pay out over the course of a year.
If you have a large treatment, or are in need of several small ones, it can be a good idea to begin getting this care at the end of the year. Planned well, this can allow you to split the cost of care across two years, ensuring you don’t hit this annual maximum.
Move Quick, Before Deductibles Roll Over
As you may also know, dental insurance also usually entails a deductible. This means that you’ll usually need to pay for a certain amount of care before your coverage kicks in.
If you’ve already paid off your deductible, this will reset on the first of next year. For that reason, it may be a good idea to get any care you need now so that you don’t have to pay next year’s deductible as well.
Get Preventive Care Early
While you’ll usually need to pay your deductible before getting care, preventive appointments are often an exception to this rule. Dental insurance companies tend to pay for most, if not all, of the cost of checkups and cleanings regardless of whether or not you’ve paid your deductible yet.
For that reason, it’s often a good idea to make use of these services early in the year, before you’ve had time to pay your deductible.
About Our Practice
At EyeSmile Dentistry and Optometry of Belmont, we know how easy it can be to leave certain aspects of your health on the back burner. We make it as easy and convenient as possible to get both dental and eye care, giving you the opportunity to take charge of your health no matter your schedule. Our husband-and-wife practice will make you feel at home from the moment you step in the door.
If you have any questions about how best to make use of your dental insurance, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (617) 484-7869.