Dental insurance is a key player in making dental care accessible, but not everyone realizes that benefits often hit the reset button at the end of the year. With the end of the year approaching, let’s look at what you should be doing to make the most of your dental insurance benefits. It’s important to note that these strategies are important for your oral health no matter the time of year.

Understand Your Annual Maximum Benefits

Maximizing your dental insurance coverage involves understanding the terms and limits of your dental insurance policy to make the most of the benefits available to you. The yearly cap, also known as the annual maximum, is the maximum amount your dental insurance plan will pay for covered services in a calendar year. Knowing this limit will help you understand the total benefits you can receive that year. 

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Common covered services include preventive care such as cleanings and exams and restorative care like fillings, crowns, and bridges. If you’re planning dental work, like getting fillings, crowns, or bridges, now’s a good time to use your remaining benefits. Check your plan for the specifics to keep your out-of-pocket costs low. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), think about using those funds for your dental bills. They let you use pre-tax money for medical and dental costs, giving you extra financial help.

Dental Treatment Plan Phases

Splitting your dental procedure into phases is a smart way to make the most of your insurance benefits before the year ends. By talking to your dentist about breaking down the treatment into separate stages, you can use your insurance coverage for each part of the process before the annual reset. This not only provides a practical and cost-effective approach but it also allows you to maximize your insurance benefits, helping you save on potential out-of-pocket expenses. 

Prioritize Preventive Dental Care

If major treatments aren’t in the cards, steer your remaining benefits towards preventive care. Use your remaining benefits for routine check-ups every six months, which are typically covered by dental insurance and include cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride treatments. This approach not only supports your everyday oral health but it also helps you catch any potential problems early, saving you from bigger problems and a lot more money down the road. 

Chat with Your Dental Team

Reach out to your dental office for details on your remaining annual maximum, and work with them to plan and schedule treatments or preventive services. If your insurance benefits fall short, work with your dental team to space out treatments and have a discussion about breaking down costs. While this cost-breakdown strategy may not be suitable for every situation, if applicable, it can significantly trim your overall bills.

Final Reminder: Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits

As the year comes to a close, it’s important to acknowledge and take advantage of your remaining dental insurance benefits. Taking proactive steps to maximize these benefits will help your oral health and your wallet!
At Perimeter Dental Group, we encourage you to make the most of your dental insurance benefits before the year ends. Don’t let your valuable benefits go to waste. Schedule an appointment with us today to receive the necessary treatments and step into the new year with a healthy, beautiful smile!