Unsure how to maximize dental insurance benefits? You’re not alone. Each year, millions of people forgo valuable components of their dental plans because of time constraints, fear, or just an apathetic mindset. Paying for a policy every month should cause individuals to find ways to improve their oral health while also saving money in the process, but the reality is thousands of unused dollars are returned to the insurance company at the end of the year. How can you avoid falling into this trap? Here are three reasons to get the most out of your plan before 2022 arrives.
Preventive Care Leads to Fewer Oral Health Problems
When looking at your dental insurance plan, you’ll likely notice they offer to pay 80-100% of the total cost for preventive services. While each policy is different, these can include dental checkups and cleanings, digital X-rays, fluoride treatments, and possibly even dental sealants. Because it is common for insurance companies to cover two regular dental checkups, it is in your best interest to see your dentist twice a year. Not only do these visits ensure your teeth and gums are decay- and disease-free, but it allows your dental team to professionally treat your smile and identify any problems early on before they progress.
Also, by using your dental plan, you can receive preventive care now instead of having to wait until you get paid.
Your Dental Benefits Don’t Rollover
At midnight on December 31, you won’t only be ringing in the New Year, but your dental benefits will expire. The moment 2022 arrives, your plan will renew, resetting your deductible to $0. Also, any unused funds found in your annual maximum will be returned to your insurance company. Because your benefits don’t roll over, you can lose out on money that is rightfully yours. Remember, you agree to pay each month for a plan that gives you access and money to take better care of your oral health. Don’t let the insurance company take these funds back from you. Find ways to maximize your policy before the year is over.
A Healthier Mouth Means Greater Overall Wellness
You may not realize it, but the status of your oral health can have a great impact on your total body wellness. This means what is going on inside your mouth can often help or hinder your brain, heart, gut, lungs, and other areas. By using your dental insurance to help you maintain healthier teeth and gums, you can save money on various types of chronic and systemic diseases (i.e., diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s, respiratory illness).
Knowing how to navigate your benefits, especially this time of year, can be rather overwhelming. Find a dental team member who can walk you through how to maximize your plan and avoid more costly treatments next year after your policy renews.
About the Author
Dr. Venn Peterson attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry, graduating in 2000. Practicing in Lacey since 2001, he and his colleague, Dr. Spenser Cammack, who earned his dental education at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, understand dental care of any kind can be costly. Equipped with a team of experts who are eager to help patients remain on track when using dental benefits, they can identify ways to help people save while also ensuring clients improve their oral health. Visit our website or call (360) 459-4420 to find out how we can help.