The End of 2024 Is Nearly Here!
Every year, countless individuals unknowingly let their dental insurance benefits expire without fully utilizing them. At Advanced Dental Professionals, we emphasize the importance of maximizing your dental insurance to ensure you get the most out of your coverage. Understanding and using your dental insurance benefits before they reset can save you money and keep your oral health on track. Here’s why you should make sure to use your benefits and not let them go to waste.
1. Yearly Maximums
Most dental insurance plans have a yearly maximum, which is the most money that the insurance company will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by insurance company but typically resets at the beginning of each year. If you have unused benefits, these will not roll over to the next year; they simply expire. It’s essential to know your maximum so you can plan your treatments accordingly and ensure you’re receiving all the benefits you’ve paid premiums for throughout the year.
2. Premiums
You pay your insurance premiums every month, whether you need dental work or not. Failing to use your dental insurance benefits essentially means you’re leaving money on the table. If you don’t visit the dentist, your premiums are wasted. Remember, even if you don’t have pressing dental issues, regular check-ups can prevent future problems and help you use your coverage effectively.
3. Fee Increases
Another reason to use your insurance benefits before the year ends is the potential for fee increases. Dental offices occasionally raise their rates for various services due to increased costs of materials, equipment, or labor. If your dental office plans an increase in fees, your current benefits could cover more now than they will after costs go up.
4. Deductibles
Your deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Like maximums, these deductibles reset every year. If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, any additional dental work will be covered in part or full by your insurance, depending on your plan. This makes the end of the year the optimal time to handle any other dental needs you have, as it could be more costly to wait until after your deductible resets.
5. Dental Problems Can Worsen
Postponing dental treatment is risky. What might currently be a minor issue could develop into a more serious condition requiring more extensive and expensive treatment in the future. Using your dental insurance benefits to address issues early on can save your health and your wallet.
6. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in addition to your dental insurance, keep in mind that these funds also typically expire at the end of the year. FSAs are use-it-or-lose-it accounts; unused money does not roll over. Many dental treatments, including cleanings, dental crowns, and orthodontia, can be paid for with FSA funds, making it a great complement to your dental insurance.
How to Use Your Dental Insurance Wisely
- Understand Your Benefits: Take some time to understand what your dental insurance covers. Look into your plan’s specifics regarding preventive care (like cleanings and routine exams), major procedures, and any other benefits you might have.
- Schedule an Appointment: Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your appointments, especially towards the end of the year when everyone else is trying to use up their benefits too. Call Advanced Dental Professionals today to book a consultation or treatment.
- Plan for Major Treatments: If you require more extensive dental work, start planning now. Some treatments can be initiated in one year and completed the next, utilizing two years’ worth of maximums. Discuss this strategy with your dentist to extend your benefits further.
- Preventive Care: Most dental plans offer extensive coverage for preventive care. These services often include exams, X-rays, and cleanings, and are sometimes covered 100%. Not only do they keep your mouth healthy, but they also use benefits that are completely covered, ensuring you don’t pay out-of-pocket.
Schedule Your Appointment Before Time Runs Out!
At Advanced Dental Professionals in Rapid City, we’re committed to helping you navigate your dental insurance benefits. Let us help you maximize your insurance coverage before the end of the year to enhance your dental health without letting any benefits go to waste. Remember, your dental insurance is a valuable resource for maintaining dental health; make sure to use it fully! Don’t let your hard-earned benefits expire. Contact us today to make the most out of your dental insurance.
