Believe it or not, the end of 2022 is only a few months away. As you get ready for the holidays, life is about to get busier, it can be difficult to fit in dental appointments. However, if you haven’t used all of your dental insurance benefits, time is running out. Despite 59% of Americans having insurance coverage, less than 3% meet or exceed their annual limits. If you’ve paid for your policy all year, why not use it? Here are 4 ways to maximize dental insurance benefits to invest in a healthy smile without breaking the bank.
1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup every 6 months, even if you don’t have any current oral health concerns. You can use your insurance to visit your dentist twice a year after a copayment. Research has shown that every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on restorative and emergency fees. A semi-annual appointment is an affordable solution to reduce your long-term dental expenses by preserving your natural smile.
2. Don’t Delay Dental Work
If your dentist finds anything concerning, you don’t have to delay getting the treatment you need, even if money is tight. After meeting your deductible, your dental insurance can pay 50% to 80% of common restorative procedures, like tooth extractions, root canals, or dentures. You can use your benefits to offset the cost to lower the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket.
3. Choose the Right Dentist
Your dental insurance recommends choosing a dentist in their network because they have pre-negotiated rates with certain practices. As a result, you’ll enjoy more coverage at the time of services; however, you have the freedom to choose any dentist that accepts your insurance. You’ll have to pay the difference between your insurance’s allowable coverage and the office’s fees when choosing an out-of-network dentist.
4. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Every month you pay premiums for your policy, giving you access to reduced rates for the services your smile needs to stay healthy. Unfortunately, your dental coverage doesn’t last forever. It will reset at the end of the year, which means you’ll lose anything you haven’t used. You won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductible, and nothing will carry over into 2023. If you don’t use your benefits before the end of the calendar year, you could be throwing hundreds to thousands of dollars down the drain.
Invest in a Healthy Smile
Dental insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to navigate your policy alone. Your dental team will help you maximize your coverage to achieve your best smile without costing you an arm and a leg.
About Dr. Hiren Patel
Dr. Patel graduated from the Government Dental College & Hospital in India before earning his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He regularly continues his education to provide up-to-date services. If you need to use your dental insurance before it expires, contact our office today to request your appointment.