Do you know how much money is wasted on unused dental insurance benefits each year? It might shock you to find out that American’s collectively allow billions of dollars to slip down the drain. That is money that could go to important preventive and restorative dental care — but there is a way to make sure it does not happen in 2018! Keep reading to learn more about why it is important to act now, and how to take full advantage of your insurance coverage. An in-network dentist can help!
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
Dental insurance works like medical insurance except with more of an emphasis on preventive care. By incentivizing checkups and cleanings, the idea is to make it easy for you to avoid the need for more expensive and complex restorative treatments — like fillings, extractions, and root canals.
The important thing to know about dental insurance is that most plans run on a calendar year. You start building up to your deductible in January and, by the time December 31 comes around, any unused benefits will expire — and you will have to meet your deductible all over again come the next year. That is why it is important to get as close to your annual maximum as possible during the years you meet your deductible.
How Can I Stretch My Coverage?
The best way to take full advantage of your dental insurance coverage and prevent unused benefits from slipping down the drain is to schedule and attend your two free checkups and cleanings per year. If you have not already had 2 in 2018, that is a great place to start.
Additionally, November is a good time to make sure you do not have any outstanding approved treatment plans. These may be eligible for coverage up to your annual maximum if you still have significant funds left to your name.
What to Do Today
- Call your in-network dentist OR contact your insurance provider directly to find out how much money you have remaining in 2018
- Schedule a checkup and cleaning or an appointment to complete any unfinished treatment plans (or book an appointment in the beginning of January if necessary to reduce out-of-pocket costs)
- The same basic rules apply to an HSA (health savings account) — find out how much money you have left in your account and schedule an appointment to ensure it won’t go to waste.
- Continue taking excellent care of your teeth at home to reduce the chances you will need more complex treatment altogether!
Now is the time to act to rescue your insurance benefits. Dental offices fill up in November and December, so don’t wait to book a visit with your dentist in Jacksonville!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Rose Johnson and Wayne Barker offer comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. They are pleased to be in-network with most major dental insurance providers and encourage insured patients to book a visit before the year is up. To do that, go ahead and get your call in to Jacksonville Complete Dentistry at 904-746-4069.