Believe it or not, the end of the year is only a few weeks away, which means your dental insurance is about to expire. If you’re like 97% of Americans, you likely have several benefits remaining that you’re about to lose. Don’t throw money down the drain. Here are 5 tips to maximize your dental insurance benefits before 2020 ends.
1. Focus on prevention.
Dental care is designed with prevention in mind because research shows it lowers your overall oral health expenses. You can save as much as $50 on restorative or emergency dentistry fees for every $1 spent on prevention. Your dental insurance allows you to visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup for only a small co-payment. If it hasn’t been 6 months since your last visit, don’t worry. You can still schedule your second hygiene appointment before your policy expires.
2. Treat oral health issues quickly.
Your dental insurance can be used to help offset the cost of common restorative treatments, like fillings, root canals, or dentures. After reaching your deductible, you can use your policy to reduce the amount you need to pay for procedures by as much as 80%. You can quickly rehabilitate your dental health without draining your wallet.
3. Choose the right dentist.
You have the option to choose an in-network or out-of-network dentist in Memorial. Your insurance carrier recommends a dentist who is in their network because they have pre-negotiated rates. Although this can reduce out-of-pocket expenses, it can also limit your treatment options. You can enjoy more freedom with an out-of-network dentist; however, you’ll need to pay the difference between the office fees and your insurance’s allowable coverage. It’s best to consider your specific needs to choose which dentist is right for you.
4. Maintain your general health.
Your oral and general health are linked to one another. In fact, your mouth is referred to as the “gateway to your body.” Maintaining your dental health supports your overall wellbeing to reduce your medical costs.
5. Don’t let your benefits expire.
At the end of the calendar year, your dental insurance will expire. Anything you don’t use won’t carry over into 2021 for accumulation. In addition, you won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductible if you don’t use all your coverage. You could throw thousands of dollars down the drain if you don’t use all of your benefits before they expire.
Use It or Lose It
Although the next few weeks will be busy, take the time to visit your Delta Dental dentist in Memorial. They’ll help you utilize your coverage to achieve a healthy smile without costing you an arm and a leg.
About Dr. Mark Gray
Dr. Gray earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental School. He regularly continues his training to offer modern services and technologies, like CEREC. His office accepts many leading insurance carriers to provide affordable dental care. If you need an appointment before the end of the year, contact our office today to schedule your visit.