Dental Bites: 4 Reasons to use Your Dental Insurance before the End of the Year
Did you know that you could actually save hundreds of dollars by using your dental benefits before the end of the year? While some dental insurance plans run on a fiscal year, most run on a calendar year. If your dental insurance plan is on a calendar year, these 4 reasons will show you why you should make a dental appointment now.
1. Yearly Maximum
The yearly maximum is the most money that the dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by insurance company, but the average is around $1,000-$1,500 per year, per person. If this amount is not used, the insurance company starts over when your annual plan expires and sets a new maximum for the upcoming year.
It does not require a lot of the dental work to reach your insurance maximum for the year. It is wise to get diagnosed work done this year in case something unforeseen happens next year which causes you to exceed your insurance maximum. This will result in you having to pay that amount out of pocket.
2. Premiums
If you are paying your dental insurance premiums every month, you should be using your benefits. Even if you don’t need any dental treatment, you should always have your regular dental cleanings to help prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and any other dental problems.
If you have any dental care that you need to complete, you should make your appointment now to make sure that you take advantage of the dental coverage that you or your company has already paid for.
3. Dental Problems Can Worsen
By delaying dental treatment, you are risking more extensive and expensive treatment down the road. What may be a simple cavity now could turn into a root canal later. Call your dentist and schedule an appointment to use those benefits.
4. Most Plans Don’t Allow Roll Over of Unused Yearly Maximum
Most dental plans don’t allow you to roll over your benefits that you don’t use into the next year. Others, like some Delta Dental plans, will not allow you to use their rollover unless you have had at least one cleaning and oral exam in the plan year. So, either way now is a good time to schedule your next dental appointment.
