At Cornerstone Family Dental, we understand that dental care can be an investment, and we want to help you make the most of your dental benefits. As the year draws to a close, it’s easy to forget about the benefits you’ve already paid for, mainly if you haven’t used them. The good news is that there are ways to stretch your benefits and ensure you get the most out of your coverage before the year resets. Here are some helpful tips to maximize your dental benefits and save money.
Understand Your Coverage
The first step to stretching your dental benefits is understanding precisely what your insurance plan covers. Many dental insurance plans cover preventive care such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays. These services are usually covered 100%, so now is the time to schedule your appointment if you haven’t used them this year.
In addition to preventive care, your plan might cover a portion of treatments for cavities, crowns, or other dental procedures. Understanding your plan’s coverage limits and deductibles can help you decide whether to schedule any needed treatments before the year ends. For example, if you’ve already met your deductible, your insurance might cover a larger portion of the cost for treatments like fillings or root canals, helping you save on out-of-pocket expenses.
Schedule Treatments Before the Year Ends
If you have any dental treatments you’ve been putting off, now is the time to take action. Many insurance plans cover a portion of procedures such as fillings, crowns, or even more complex treatments like root canals. If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, you could save money by scheduling these treatments before your benefits reset.
By getting the care you need now, you can ensure that your insurance covers a larger portion of the cost. Waiting until the new year could mean starting over with a new deductible, leaving you paying more for the same treatment.
Spread Out Treatments to Maximize Benefits
If you need multiple treatments, consider spreading them out over the year. For example, if you need fillings, cleanings, or crowns, you can plan to have some treatments done before the end of the year and others scheduled for the new year. This way, you can use your benefits for some treatments this year and save others for next year, helping you stay within your insurance limits and avoid paying more out of pocket.
While this may require some planning and coordination with your dental office, it can be a smart way to stretch your benefits and ensure you get the care you need without exceeding your coverage limits.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
As the year comes to a close, dental offices can become busier, with patients trying to use their benefits before they expire. To avoid the last-minute rush, it’s a good idea to schedule your appointments early. The sooner you book, the more likely you will get an appointment that fits your schedule.
Waiting until the last minute could also result in limited appointment availability, so you might only get in after your benefits reset. By planning and scheduling your dental visits now, you can avoid the stress and uncertainty of waiting until the last minute.
Start the New Year Off Right
By making the most of your dental benefits before the year ends, you’re setting yourself up for success in the new year. Starting the year with a clean bill of oral health can give you peace of mind and help you stay on top of your dental goals. Plus, you can enjoy the upcoming year confidently with a healthy smile.