You’ve paid your dental insurance premiums all year long. Every single month, money came out of your check to pay for those benefits. Yet right now, you might be sitting on hundreds or thousands of dollars in unused benefits that will vanish at the end of December.
Here’s how to take advantage of your benefits:
- Check your remaining insurance benefits now
- Schedule an appointment before December 31st
- Complete any treatment plans you’ve been putting off
- Call Dentistry @ University Pointe at (513) 772-4000
Understanding Your End-of-Year Dental Benefits
Most dental insurance plans are based on a calendar year structure. Meaning that your plan likely has an annual maximum, a monthly premium, a deductible you have to meet before coverage kicks in, and preventive care covered at 100%. Although each plan differs and you should log into your insurance portal or call your insurance company to find the specifics of your plan.
Here’s what matters most at this time of year. Your benefits expire on December 31st. The new year means you start over in regard to meeting your deductible. You can think about it in this way. If your play covers $1,500 annually and you’ve only used $400 worth of benefits, you’re leaving $1,100 on the table. That money won’t roll over to next year. You can’t save it for later. January 1st may bring a fresh start, but it also brings a new deductible.
Many people assume that their benefits roll over like cell phone minutes or frequent flyer miles. They don’t. Insurance companies count on people not using their full benefits.
Smart Ways to Use Your Coverage Now
You can start by calling your insurance company or checking your portal. Find out exactly how much of your annual maximum remains. You might discover that you have more benefits available than you thought.
After you’ve done that, think about what dental work you’ve been putting off. Maybe your dentist mentioned a few months ago that you need a crown. Or you’ve been living with tooth pain that you’ve been hesitant to deal with.
Schedule your appointment now! The appointment books of dental offices across West Chester fill up quickly as the end of the year gets closer. You don’t want to scramble at the end of December to get a cavity filled. Calling now gives you better options and more flexibility.
If you’ve already met your deductible this year, you’re in an especially good position. Every treatment you get now includes maximum coverage without you having to pay the out-of-pocket deductible. Waiting until January means you’ll pay the deductible all over again before your insurance covers anything.
You may even consider bundling treatments when possible. If you need more than one procedure, getting them done at the same time before the end of the year means using your current benefits more efficiently. Your dentist can help you decide what to prioritize so that you can create a timeline that works with your schedule and budget.
Why Acting Now Protects Both Your Health and Wallet
Postponing dental work almost never saves you money. Small problems that could have been resolved easily become more complex and expensive the longer you wait to deal with them. Let’s say you have a small cavity but decide not to get a filling. That could turn into a much more expensive crown procedure if enough of your tooth decays. Untreated gum inflammation might turn into periodontal disease. Early interventions almost always cost less than emergency treatment down the road.
Using your end-of-year dental benefits means saving money, and it also means starting off the new year with better oral health. You won’t start the new year with ongoing dental issues. Also, know that your insurance premiums don’t go down if you don’t use your benefits. You pay the same amount whether you use them or not. Letting your benefits expire basically means you’re donating money to your insurance company.
Give Us a Call to Use Your End-of-the-Year Dental Benefits
You work hard for your benefits, so let them work for you. Check your coverage today, figure out what dental needs you’ve been putting off, and schedule an appointment to use your end-of-the-year dental benefits before they vanish. The team at Dentistry @ University Pointe can help you get the most out of your insurance benefits. Call (513) 772-4000 now to schedule an appointment and maximize your benefits.