Millions of Americans get their dental insurance benefits from a private employer. However, all too often, these very same people do not make the most of their dental benefits, despite the fact that a small portion of their paycheck is going towards it every month out of the year. If you haven’t been to the dentist yet this year, it’s important that you understand what’s at stake, especially before the new year is up. To learn how you can benefit from using your dental insurance and which treatments you should consider, keep reading!
Your Benefits are Set to Expire in 2020
Many people assume that if they don’t use benefits in the current year that those very same benefits will be available to them in the following year. However, this is very rarely the case. Instead, what happens is your leftover benefits vanish and your plan resets. For example, some plans allow for two checkups and cleanings per year. If you only visited the dentist once this year for a checkup and cleaning, you won’t get access to that second set of benefits once the new year comes around. That’s why dentists all over the country are imploring their patients to visit before January 1st, 2020.
Dental Insurance Plans Change Every Year
It’s no surprise that your dental insurance company is likely to make notable changes to your dental plan once the new year comes around. Not only are the benefits you paid for not likely to remain in place, but the type of coverage you receive can easily change. If you’re used to having a set of treatments covered at a certain percentage, it’s possible that you won’t get that same coverage come 2020.
Don’t Waste Your Annual Maximum and Deductible
Annual maximums refer to the amount of money an insurance company is willing to pay for treatments in a given year, while a deductible is the amount you need to pay out of pocket before any insurance coverage actually kicks in. With the average annual maximum reaching $1,250 and the typical deductible being about $50, failing to take advantage of benefits now means you’re essentially leaving money on the table. Not only is getting your most basic preventive care one of the most affordable methods for achieving long-term oral health, but you can actually save on other expensive dental treatments later.
Which Benefits to Take Advantage Of
When considering which treatments to complete, start by utilizing your basic preventive services. This includes exams, cleanings, X-rays, and in some cases fluoride therapy. All of these services are typically covered at or close to 100 percent by dental insurance. This is because insurance companies want people to be able to afford the treatments that will reduce their overall costs in the long-term. It’s also why more complex and restorative treatments, while covered, are done so at a lower percentage.
Ready to make the most of your benefits? Schedule an appointment with a dentist today, protect your oral health, and don’t leave money on the table!
About Oakbrook Dental & Orthodontics
Not only do the dentists at Oakbrook Dental & Orthodontics accept all PPO plans, but their practice is an in-network provider with most major insurance plans and even accepts Medicaid. Making your dental care affordable is extremely important to them, which is why they’ll make sure you maximize all of your benefits before the year is up. To schedule your next appointment, you can contact them through their website.