Don’t Let Your Insurance Benefits Expire; Call Your Dentist Today!

Your calendar is probably going to get very busy by the end of the year. Before you’re completely booked, it’s important to make sure that you’ve used your dental plan before it expires. Many insurance policies will reset after December 31st, and consequently any benefits unused by that date will be lost instead of rolling over. If you don’t want those dental dollars to go to waste, read on to learn how to maximize your benefits.

Why Use Dental Insurance Benefits Before 2021?

Since your dental insurance is going to be reset regardless of whether you use your benefits, the advantages of using your benefits now might not be immediately obvious. Here are just a few reasons to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Norwood before 2021:

• If you have unused dental insurance benefits, that means you most likely haven’t had at least two regular dental checkups this year. This could put you at higher risk for cavities and gum disease.
• Unused money from your annual maximum (the amount set aside to help pay for dental care during the year) doesn’t roll over, so you’ll have to act now to take advantage of it.
• If you’ve already paid your deductible for the year, having necessary dental care performed now will reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
• Your dentist might need to increase their fees at the start of next year, so you might have to pay more for the same services next year.

How Can You Maximize Your Benefits?

The easiest way to use your dental insurance benefits is to schedule a checkup if you haven’t already had two this year. Unlike regular health insurance, dental insurance is specifically constructed to emphasize preventive care. As a result, checkups and cleanings typically receive the most coverage; in fact, under many policies, the insurance company will cover the entire cost. Not only will you put your benefits to good use, but you’ll also give your dentist a chance to find and treat cavities and gum disease long before they inflict severe, permanent damage.

Patients who are in need of extensive dental procedures that require multiple visits also stand to save a significant amount of money by scheduling the first visit before the end of the year. This lets them use their remaining benefits while also ensuring that they still have all of next year’s benefits to help pay for the rest of the procedure. Talk to your dentist about any treatments your smile might need in the near future so that you can start planning ahead.

Maximizing your dental insurance can save you hundreds of dollars in dental care; make use of the time you have before the holiday season to prevent your benefits from going to waste!

About the Author

Dr. John T. Michaels graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and since then, he has accrued over a thousand hours of continuing education so that he can bring his patients the best care possible. His office, Norwood Dental Care, accepts a number of insurance plans. If you have questions about your dental insurance or would like to schedule an end-of-the-year visit, you can get in touch with him through his website or by calling (781) 769-6140.