For people who are worried about fitting the cost of dentistry into their budgets, dental insurance is an invaluable tool. But how can you make sure that you’re taking full advantage of it? Many dental insurance plans reset annually, which means you only have so much time to use your benefits before losing them. If you want to maximize your dental insurance benefits, try following the 3 tips below.
1. Know Your Plan Inside and Out
Is your dental insurance company willing to help pay for a specific service you might need in the near future? What is your annual maximum? What level of coverage can you expect for certain treatments? To answer these and other questions you might have about your dental insurance, it’s always worth taking a close look at your plan to make sure that you fully understand it. The team at your dentist’s office may be able to help if there’s anything you want to clarify about your insurance benefits.
2. Use Your Preventive Coverage
Chances are that your insurance plan will pay for at least two preventive dental checkups and cleanings every year. Some insurance companies are even willing to offer 100% coverage for these visits. As such, oftentimes simply scheduling an appointment with your dentist every six months can be one of the best ways to put your dental insurance to good use. These visits could also potentially help you avoid major oral health issues, thus lowering the chances that you’ll need to pay for complex restorative care.
3. Have Necessary Dental Procedures Performed as Soon as Possible
If you have an oral health issue that requires treatment – such as a cavity or a tooth that has been damaged in an accident – you should have it treated as soon as possible. There are two major reasons to do this if you want to maximize your dental insurance benefits:
- First, dental insurance generally offers higher coverage for basic procedures like fillings than it does for more advanced treatments. Most dental issues will grow worse if you leave them alone for too long. By acting quickly, you can make it more likely that your issue can be resolved with a basic treatment.
- Second, your insurance company will only start paying for your care once you have met your deductible. Assuming you have already taken care of your deductible for the year, you will save money by having any necessary treatments performed before your plan resets. Waiting too long could mean having to take your deductible into account again.
When it comes to your dental insurance benefits, it’s important to be proactive. Now is an excellent time to take a closer look at your dental insurance plan and start thinking of ways you can put your benefits to the best possible use.
About the Author
Dr. Toufeek Dabah studied dentistry at Midwestern University in Downers Grove. His approach to dentistry is to give his patients an experience that has been personalized according to their specific needs. His Schaumburg practice, The Smile Standard, accepts a number of dental insurance plans including Cigna, Guardian, and United Healthcare. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dabah, visit his website or call (847) 882-8387.