It’s one thing to have dental insurance and know that it can help you save on treatments, but it’s another thing entirely to fully utilize your benefits. Unfortunately, far too many people with dental insurance end up wasting money by not using all of the coverage their plans provide. Since you’re paying monthly premiums, you might as well take full advantage of your plan. Keep reading to learn three simple ways that you can maximize your dental insurance benefits!
1. Attend Two Dental Checkups Per Year
Brushing and flossing every day at home will do wonders for your teeth and gums, but regular visits with your dentist are also essential. After all, the hygienist can clear away plaque buildup that would otherwise cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, your dentist can detect potential emergencies and other oral health problems that could be expensive to treat if they were left to worsen.
Luckily, your insurance plan should fully cover two dental checkups and cleanings each year. Not only can you attend these visits at no additional cost, but they can also save you from costly and painful dental problems. However, any unused coverage won’t carry over into the next year, so be sure to attend two routine appointments per year!
2. Spend Your Remaining Coverage on Recommended Treatment
When your dentist examines your mouth during your checkup, they may find a small cavity, a damaged tooth that needs a crown, or signs of infection in your gum tissue. Taking time out of your schedule for an additional dental procedure is probably the last thing you want to do, but you could potentially save money by getting it done sooner rather than later.
Your insurance provider allocates a fixed amount of money (called the annual maximum) for your dental expenses each year. If you haven’t spent all of this money when your plan resets, the unused coverage will not carry over into the next year. Most plans reset on January 1st, meaning now is a great time to check whether you’ve met your annual maximum yet. If not, schedule any necessary dental treatments before December 31st in order to prevent your coverage from going to waste!
3. Use Your FSA Dollars for Out-of-Pocket Costs
Often, employers will set aside a pre-determined percentage of your paycheck for medical-related expenses. This is known as a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). All too often, patients are unaware that they can put their FSA dollars toward dental care, or they forget it exists altogether! There are often limitations as to when and how much you can use on your dental treatments, so be sure to ask your HR rep or whoever handles benefits at your workplace.
Dental insurance may seem complicated at first, which often causes patients to lose valuable coverage. Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your benefits – your wallet and your smile will both thank you!
About the Practice
As one of the first dental offices in Southlake, TX, Huckabee Dental has been serving generations of smiles for several decades now. With three dentists and one oral and maxillofacial surgeon on staff, our team can handle virtually all of your dental needs under one roof. We’re an insurance-friendly dental practice that is in-network with a variety of leading PPO plans, and we’ll even file your claims on your behalf. To learn more about how to maximize your dental insurance benefits with us, contact Huckabee Dental by calling (817) 329-4746.