Many patients don’t bother learning the ins-and-outs of their dental insurance plan because it seems like a hassle. They’ll just visit their dentist in Melbourne in case of emergencies to avoid filing claims or finding out what is and isn’t covered. While this seems easy now, it’ll cause them to lose hundreds of dollars on January 1st, when their plan renews, and their benefits don’t roll over. Read on to learn what you can do to maximize on your investment in insurance.
Reach Your Yearly Maximum
Many dental insurance holders aren’t aware that when their plan restarts on January 1st, their unused benefits won’t roll over. Instead, they’ll vanish, leaving hundreds of dollars that could have been used on important dental treatments, in the insurance company’s pocket. This includes the yearly maximum, which is a capped amount that your providers will pay for your dental treatments every year. The average maximum is 1,250 dollars. It’s best to get as close as you can or exceed this amount so you can get the most out of your plan.
Get All the Treatments You Need Once Your Deductible Has Been Met
Most HMOs require an annual deductible to be met before they’ll begin chipping in for your dental treatments. This is a typically small fee of about 50 dollars that needs to be paid to your dentist out of your own pocket. To find out how much your yearly deductible is, it’s best to contact your insurance provider directly to ask. When your plan rolls over on January 1st, you’ll have to pay this fee again, so it’s best to take advantage of your coverage while you don’t have out-of-pocket costs.
Use Your Investment, Especially If You’re Paying Premiums
If you’re paying premiums, you’re probably having a portion of your paycheck automatically going towards your dental insurance every month. This is an investment in your health and wellbeing, and while it can seem like a hassle to use it regularly, to get the most out of it, that’s what you have to do. Even if you don’t need specific treatments, it’s best to visit your dentist every six months to prevent oral health problems from developing.
Avoid Potential Fee Increases
Every insurance policy can change when it renews. These adjustments often include fee increases that cause higher copayments and deductibles. That’s why it’s best to visit your dentist while your rates are still low. It’s best not to take a gamble on them decreasing, because chances are, they’ll be raised.
Get the Small Problems Treated, Don’t Wait Until They’re Severe
Dental insurance rewards patients who are proactive and diligent about keeping up with their oral health. This is shown through their 100-80-50 model. Basically, what this means is that they cover 100 percent of preventive care, including two free checkups and cleanings each year, 80 percent of basic treatments such as fillings, and only 50 percent of major services like root canal therapy. That means that the best way to save yourself from out-of-pocket costs is to visit your dentist routinely to take care of the small problems, because your insurance will cover the majority of those treatments.
Although dental insurance can seem like a hassle to navigate, it’s an investment in your oral and overall wellbeing, and you’ll want to make the most out of it while it’s there. With a helpful dentist in Melbourne by your side, you’ll be able to maximize your benefits and keep your mouth as healthy as ever without having to touch your wallet.
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose is passionate about restoring and maintaining the health and happiness of her patients by providing them with high-quality comprehensive dental care. She believes that nobody’s budget should have to stand in the way of their confidence and oral health, which is why she offers additional financing options with CareCredit. With decades of experience and advanced studies under her belt, her patients always feel comfortable and well cared-for in her hands. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit Exceptional Dentistry’s website or call 321-259-4666.