Dental insurance can help you save a lot of money on oral health care, but are you sure you’re getting the most out of your plan? Many insurance policies reset at the end of the year, and any benefits that are left at that time are typically lost instead of being carried over. As such, it’s important to have a plan to maximize dental insurance benefits and get your money’s worth. Here are 5 tips for utilizing your coverage to the fullest extent.
1. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months for a Checkup
Most dental plans provide 100% coverage for preventive dental care, with many even waiving your deductible for checkups and cleanings. As such, one of the easiest ways to use your dental insurance benefits is to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These regular appointments also make it more likely that cavities and other oral health issues will be caught early, letting you avoid dental emergencies that might require costly care.
2. Find an In-Network Provider
Many dentists are in-network with a wide variety of insurance companies. This simply means that they have agreed to provide their services at a predetermined, usually discounted price. If there’s a difference between the usual dentist’s fee and the fee set by your insurance company, you won’t be responsible for paying it. As such, choosing an in-network provider could ultimately save you money on a variety of treatments.
3. Schedule an Appointment Right Away if You Have a Dental Problem
Generally speaking, insurance plans offer about 80% coverage for basic restorative care like fillings. Meanwhile, major procedures like root canal therapy and tooth extraction usually only receive about 50% coverage. You’ll therefore want to have any dental issues treated as soon as possible so that you’re less likely to need a major treatment that will carry a higher out-of-pocket cost.
4. Be Strategic with Lengthier Procedures
If you need a dental treatment that will require multiple appointments, you might ask about having the first part performed during 2022 and completing the rest in 2023. That way, you can use this year’s benefits along with next year’s benefits to pay for your care.
5. Use Your FSA If You Have One
Do you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer? If so, you have another option for covering your dental expenses. Check with your employer to confirm the details of your account and what services it can help pay for.
Are you not sure that you’re maximizing your dental benefits? In addition to following the tips above, you can also talk to your dental team; they can review your plan with you and help you come up with a strategy for saving money.
About the Practice
Here at Distinctive Dentistry, Dr. Bobby Shirley, Dr. Clay Cannon, and Dr. Jack Bickford all work alongside our experienced dental team to provide comprehensive care for patients in Dallas and nearby areas. We’re in-network with several dental plans like MetLife and Cigna Dental Discount, and we accept out-of-network plans as well. We work with new patients and returning patients alike to help them maximize their dental insurance benefits. To schedule a consultation with us, visit our website or call (770) 445-6606.
