If you have dental insurance, you’ve wisely chosen to invest in your pearly whites; however, it’s still up to you to schedule those visits and take full advantage of your coverage! And many patients unfortunately feel lost when trying to navigate the complexities of their insurance plans—but if you fall under this category, you have no reason to panic. Here are four helpful tips from your dentist to make sure that you’re maximizing your insurance benefits before the end of the year.
1. Seek Regular Preventive Care
You should be visiting your dentist at least twice a year for routine preventative care, including checkups and teeth cleanings. After all, these visits are covered by most insurance plans since they often prevent future oral health issues from occurring in the first place! During these checkups, your dentist will thoroughly inspect your mouth and ensure that there aren’t any hidden problems. They will also spend time cleaning your teeth of stubbornly built-up tartar and plaque, which is notorious for causing oral health issues! Not to mention, your oral health and overall health are very closely linked, meaning that these visits also benefit your wellness! Be sure to attend all of your routine dental checkups before the year ends.
2. Know the Details of Your Coverage
Typically, dental insurance plans operate on a calendar-year basis, meaning that when your plan activates at the beginning of the year, you’re given an annual maximum amount. This figure represents the most that your plan will pay for approved services, and it carries through the end of the year—without rolling over to the next! It’s also worth knowing the specifics of your plan; usually, preventive and restorative care is covered by most plans, as issues like gum disease and compromised teeth are accompanied by certain health risks.
3. Schedule Major Dental Work Accordingly
In some cases, major dental work can take multiple visits to complete, and the costs can quickly begin to pile up, meaning that it’s often wise to schedule all of the required appointments while you’re covered. If there’s a certain treatment that you need but it exceeds your annual maximum, you might consider scheduling part of it for the following calendar year. This allows you to take advantage of two separate annual maximums, rather than just one.
4. Consider Using Your Flexible Spending Account
If your employer offers a flexible spending account (FSA), you might be able to use it in tandem with your dental insurance! There are several benefits to using your FSA to pay for healthcare expenses, as it will reduce your taxable income and increase your take-home pay, giving you more control over your budget. Just keep in mind that this money needs to be used by the end of the calendar year!
Following these tips can help you to make the most out of your benefits so that your pearly whites continue to look white and bright for the foreseeable future.
About the Practice
The team at Hiner Family Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of the Houston area under the leadership of Dr. Matt Hiner and Dr. Reagan Hiner. Their practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. If you have any questions about how to maximize your dental insurance benefits, their team is happy to assist you; feel free to reach out online or over the phone for assistance: (713) 667-6478.