Insurance Reminder: Don’t Lose Your Dental Benefits

Believe it or not, the end of the year is only a few months away. As the leaves begin to change and we head into the holiday season, don’t forget to see your dentist for a cleaning and checkup or to have your damaged tooth repaired because your dental insurance will expire on December 31^st. If you don’t use your remaining benefits before then, you’re going to lose them. Now is the ideal time to maximize your coverage.

Understanding Your Dental Insurance

More Americans than ever have private dental insurance; however, less than 3% meet or exceed their annual allowance. Despite having coverage, many people don’t visit their dentist regularly because they believe they still can’t afford to schedule an appointment, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Your policy is designed to keep your smile healthy and lower your overall dental expenses.

Each month you pay a premium for your specific insurance plan, which gives you access to 80% to 100% preventive coverage for the cleanings, checkups, and other services. If a complication arises, it doesn’t need to go untreated. After reaching your annual deductible, you’re given a yearly allowance to help offset the cost of restorative treatments, such as fillings and crowns. Although each plan is unique, most will pay 50% to 80% depending on the procedure.

To make the most of your benefits, your insurance carrier will recommend you choose a dentist who is in their network because they have pre-negotiated rates with one another. You can still visit any dental practice that accepts your plan, even if they are out-of-network. This gives you the freedom to choose the perfect dental team to meet your specific needs.

Don’t Lose Your Dental Benefits

At the end of the year, your policy will expire. Any benefits you haven’t used won’t carry over. Whether you have $50 or $500 left on your annual maximum, it will disappear if you don’t use it before New Year’s Day.

Invest in a Healthy Smile

Although you might be a little busier over the next few weeks, it’s best to take the time to visit your dentist for your semi-annual appointment. Research shows routine dental care reduces your long-term oral health expenses because it keeps your smile healthy. In fact, you can save as much as $50 on restorative and emergency services for every $1 spent on prevention.

Scheduling an appointment will ensure your smile and your wallet are in great shape for the upcoming holidays. Don’t wait until it is too late to see your dentist.

About Dr. Bob Koenitzer

Dr. Koenitzer is a trusted source for award-winning dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the University of California at San Francisco, one of the top-rated dental schools in the country. He regularly continues his training to provide advanced solutions to meet his patients’ needs. He keeps his services affordable by working with leading dental insurance companies. If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, contact our office today to schedule your appointment.