Before you get too excited about ringing in the new year and welcoming 2020, you might want to think about all the money you could potentially lose if you forgo using your dental insurance benefits. If going to the dentist in Waverly hasn’t been at the top of your priority list, it’s time to reconsider if you want to get the most out of a plan you’re already paying for each month. With more than $152 billion falling to the wayside each year, find out what you can do to keep from adding to that number.
Use It or Lose It: That’s the Name of the Game
You’ve probably heard the term, “Use It or Lose It” more times than you can count, but when it comes to dental benefits, the phrase couldn’t be more true. When midnight arrives on December 31, you can officially say goodbye to everything you’ve accrued on your dental plan throughout the year because there are no rollovers. That means, whether you’ve accumulated $10 or $150 toward your deductible, any money left behind is quickly sent back to the insurance company, and you start over at $0. Sounds fair, right? Unfortunately, while it may seem unfair, it’s a reality, and although nothing can be done to stop it, you can make the most of your benefits by simply using them!
You’re already paying for them each month through your premium, so instead of letting your dental plan just sit and gather dust, take the time to review your policy, speak to a team member at your dentist’s office, and get in to receive the care you need and deserve.
Ways to Maximize Your Benefits
Want to know how to make the most of your benefits before it’s too late? Here’s how you can do it:
Preventive Care
All dental plans offered different types of coverage, but for the most part, dental checkups and cleanings are typically paid for by your dental insurance company. Each year, you’re allotted two visits to the dentist and can expect to pay nothing out of pocket. Not only does this give you an opportunity to take care of your smile right now, but it reduces the risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease, and it enables you to get the care you need without it costing you a single penny.
Take Advantage of Your Deductible
If you’ve been fortunate to meet your deductible and learned you need a more costly procedure, use this to your advantage. Your dental company is expected to pay for more of your treatment whether it’s 70-80% for minor services or 50-70% for major services. So, if you need a dental filling, crown, tooth extraction, or root canal, make sure you schedule to have it done before the end of the year. Not only will this get you the treatment you need, but it will have you keeping more money in your wallet.
Be Mindful of Fee Increases
It’s no surprise that your insurance company might possibly increase your fees, eliminate benefits, or raise premiums with each new year. Instead of waiting to see what might happen to your policy in 2020, use what you have available to you right now.
Dental insurance is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make but only if you use it. While you shouldn’t look for ways to worsen your oral health just to use your benefits, it’s important that you are mindful of ways you can take advantage of a policy that’s available to you. Unsure what you can do to save more money and get the care you need? Talk to your dental team and discuss possible treatment options you can receive in 2019.
About the Author
As an established dental professional in Waverly, Dr. Tim Vacek encourages all his patients to use their dental insurance benefits before it’s too late. Since nothing rolls over into the new year, preventive care, as well as necessary dental treatments and procedures, are important aspects of a dental plan that patients should understand and take advantage of in order to save the most money. Dr. Vacek and his team at Amberly Dental will work to help you maximize your plan’s benefits in a way that not only gets you the care you need now but has you seeing more money staying in your wallet. If you have questions about your coverage and how you can make the most of it before December 31, contact us at (402) 786-2007.