The year is slowly coming to an end, and do you know what that means? Your dental insurance benefits will expire soon. Because it’s a monthly investment, it only makes sense that you’d want to make the most of your coverage while you still can. Not only will it save you plenty of money, but it can help keep your smile in optimal condition. With that in mind, here are four simple ways you can maximize dental insurance benefits.
Get Regular Preventive Care
A healthy smile requires more than just brushing and flossing. You must also visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth and gums are in good shape. At every routine checkup, your dentist will spot and treat oral health issues before they turn into painful complications down the line. Fortunately, getting the care you need does not have to break the bank. Most dental insurance policies will cover preventive services like oral examinations, teeth cleanings, and routine X-rays at little or no cost to you.
Schedule Major Treatments in Advance
Complex dental procedures often take multiple appointments to complete. If you need any major dental work, it’s a good idea to schedule your visits in advance to make the most out of your coverage. You can ask your dental team to schedule a part of this and the rest next year! That way, you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by using two annual maximums instead of just one.
Know When Your Benefits Expire
Every dental insurance policy is unique, which is why you should review the details of your specific plan to find out when your benefits will expire. If your plan works on a calendar-year basis, your benefits will renew on January 1, meaning you’ll have to pay your deductible again after the first of the year. Anything left unused will not roll over into the next one, which is why it’s a good idea to schedule any outstanding dental treatments as soon as possible.
Use Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Dollars
Some people have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in addition to their dental insurance. It allows you to reduce your taxable income and set that money aside for healthcare expenses. When you use that money to pay for your dental bills, you’ll have more take-home pay, significant tax savings, and more control over your budget. Keep in mind that your funds may expire before the year ends, so you should use anything that’s remaining.
Don’t worry – there’s still time to maximize your dental insurance benefits! With these tips, you can kick off the new year with a healthier smile and a thicker wallet.
About the Practice
At Hyland Dental, we’re passionate about helping every patient achieve their happiest, healthiest smile. Our team enjoys educating patients to ensure they make confident and well-informed decisions for their oral health. If you need help maximizing your dental insurance benefits, we’re more than happy to offer our assistance. You can reach a member of our team via our website or call (507) 387-3249.