If you have dental insurance, you should view it as more than a backup provision for urgent oral health problems. Rather, you can get more value out of it if you actively use it! How can you do so? Continue reading this blog post to discover five tips that will benefit both your smile and your wallet.
Attend 2 Checkups and Cleanings Each Year
Most dental insurance plans completely cover the cost of two checkups and cleanings each year — that means you may have to pay nothing out of pocket! During these routine appointments, your care team can remove harmful biofilm from your teeth and identify oral health issues while they are still in their early stages.
Keep Up with Recommended Treatments
If your exam reveals that you have some minor oral health issues, get them treated as soon as possible. For example, if you have a cavity, you may need a filling. Most dental insurance plans cover up to 80% of the cost of fillings. But if you neglect treatment and the cavity worsens to the point where you require more extensive care, your insurance might cover only 50% of the cost.
Remember That Benefits Do Not Roll Over
Most dental plans work on a calendar-year basis. Each January, you get a specific amount of benefits that you can use throughout the year. Depending on your plan, this annual maximum may be anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. At the end of the year, any unused portion of that maximum disappears. It will not roll over into the new year. Therefore, if you still have benefits left as the end of the year approaches, do not hesitate to use them for needed treatments.
Strategize for Major Treatments
Some major treatments will exceed the value of your annual maximum. You can reduce your out-of-pocket cost through strategic scheduling. You might be able to complete one portion of the treatment in the current year and then finish it the following year. This can allow you to use two annual maximums instead of only one.
Consider Your Network Status
If you have a PPO dental plan, you can use your insurance at virtually any dental practice. However, choosing an in-network provider may result in lower fees overall. In-network dentists have a contract with your insurance that manages prices and helps patients to save money.
Important note: If your favorite dentist is not in-network, stay with them! It is more important to have a provider whom you trust than to adhere to network restrictions. Plus, your insurance could still help you save a significant amount of money.
Are you using your insurance to its fullest potential? Ask your dental team to help you maximize your benefits.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Rashmi Barr is a compassionate, highly skilled dentist who strives to provide reasonably priced care for the Fort Worth community. She is proud to be in-network with many popular dental insurance plans. If you would like to learn how to use your benefits in our practice, contact our knowledgeable team at 817-259-0356.