Dental insurance comes with monthly fees, but it's designed to make treatment more affordable. However, those plan benefits have a limit and usually expire every year. How do you get the most from your investment? These dental coverage tips ensure your premiums don’t go to waste.
Understand Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Every dental insurance plan has different coverage and benefit limits. Maximizing insurance comes down to understanding the type of coverage you have, your deductibles and co-pays, and excluded services.
Review your plan and check your annual limits, including any deductible maximums you must cover before the additional cost savings kick in. Keep track of how much you’ve used for the year and schedule services accordingly. Knowing the details and monitoring your benefit usage can help you maximize your coverage while avoiding out-of-pocket expenses.
Schedule Regular Preventative Care
The best way to maintain oral health is to use your benefits. Most plans cover 100% of preventive services, such as cleanings and exams. Yet, only about 65% of adults get a cleaning or checkup every year, even though 90% have a dental plan.
These regular appointments keep your teeth and mouth healthy and help your dentist spot issues while they’re small and simple to fix. That means you may be missing out on benefits you already pay for. One way to stay ahead is to pre-book appointments so your benefits and fees don’t go to waste.
Book Restorative Treatment in Advance
Your Bloomington dentist can help you get the most from your dental insurance by planning major or restorative treatments. Together, you can strategically schedule appointments throughout the year and into the upcoming year to maximize your benefits.
However, this works best for non-urgent dental procedures that your dentist can do in stages or delay for a few months. If you know you’ll need extensive work, consult with your dentist.
Use Your Insurance Benefits Before They Expire
Dental insurance is not a pay-as-you-go scheme, meaning premiums are not based on how often you visit the dentist. Generally speaking, plans are annual contracts. You pay premiums for an agreed benefit package for a specific period.
Those allotted benefits are available through that period, usually the calendar year, and up to a maximum amount. If you don't use your benefits, they don't roll over, and you lose them.
So, dental insurance is designed to be used, especially for routine and preventive services. Otherwise, leaving unused coverage on your plan wastes your valuable premiums. A better strategy is to review your insurance and schedule any treatments you’ve put off, whether small fillings, crowns, or other work.
Consider Dental Payment Plans and Alternative Funding Options
Sometimes your dental needs exceed your plan coverage. Rather than avoiding treatment and developing more problems, consider alternative funding and payment options.
A flexible spending account is one solution. You and your employer can pay into the account, and you can use those funds tax-free on dental expenses, deductibles, and co-pays. In addition, most dentists offer dental payment plans to provide flexibility and ensure you get the treatment you need.
Expert Care with the Most Trusted Dentist in Bloomington
Dental insurance protects your oral health while reducing your costs. Take advantage of your investment and benefits and get the care you deserve. Our dental team at Liberty Family Dentistry prioritizes your comfort, personalizes treatment to your individual needs, and offers comprehensive payment plans. Book an appointment today to learn more.