Knowing the ins and outs of dental insurance can be overwhelming. Are you covered? Have you met your deductible? What are my out of pocket expenses? While each plan is different and requires different premiums, deductibles, and annual maximums, one thing is the same – your benefits do not roll over with the start of a new year. In fact, most dentists will tell you to “use them or lose them” because it’s true. Anything remaining will be sent back to your insurer at midnight on December 31. If you avoid this potential pitfall, let a dentist share ways to maximize dental insurance benefits before they expire at the end of 2020.
Don’t Forget About Your Second Checkup
Preventive care is one of the most pivotal ways to avoid costly dental care in the future. Not only does it allow your dentist to check for abnormalities and remove plaque and tartar build-up around your teeth and gums, but it also minimizes your risk for future problems. Not to mention, you will pay little-to-nothing out of pocket for these twice a year visits if you have dental insurance, allowing you to get the care you need now instead of waiting until you have the available funds. One way insurers are making it more feasible for patients right now is by waiving their “six months and one day” policy. Because of COVID-19, you can schedule your second checkup and cleaning right now, even if your last visit was two months ago.
Schedule More Extensive Procedures Before the New Year
No matter if you need a dental filling, crown, root canal, tooth extraction, or dental implants, it is best to schedule these more advanced, complex procedures now while there’s still time. Your insurance company provides you with a designated amount of money (annual maximum), which you can use throughout the year to improve your oral health. By scheduling these services now, you can get the most from your yearly max and avoid any remaining balance going back into the hands of your insurance company come January 1. It might even be possible to spread out your lengthier treatments across calendar years, so you can use this year’s benefit as well as next year’s.
Use Your Flexible Savings Account
While not all patients have a flexible savings account (FSA), it can be helpful when paying for your dental care. Should you incur any out of pocket expenses, using your FSA will help you to avoid pulling money from your bank account and instead, use funds you’ve set aside throughout the year, which are considered tax-free.
Find a Dentist Accepting of PPO Plans
If you have a PPO dental plan, you will find it will save you more money in the long run. When looking at your policy, you will discover there are columns for in-network and out of network dentists. By choosing one who works with your insurer, you can expect your fees to be lower, allowing you to keep more money in your pocket each time you visit the dentist.
Using your dental benefits will not only keep your smile healthy, but it will also help you avoid losing thousands of dollars each year. If you’re unsure what you should do to make the most of your policy, reach out to a member of your dental team for help.
About the Practice
The dental team at Indy Dental Group want you to feel confident about your upcoming visit. They also want you to get the most out of your dental insurance plan, which means scheduling a second cleaning, moving forward with complex treatment, and even using your flexible spending account to minimize your out of pocket costs. If you want to be sure you save the most money and avoid losing big to your insurance company, contact us at (317) 846-6125 and let us help you find ways to maximize your plan.