If you don’t have a toothache or other pressing concern, it can be easy to forget about your dental insurance benefits. However, insurance is a monthly investment, so it makes sense to take advantage of your coverage while you can. Although the holidays are always a busy time of year, it’s not too late to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Lawrenceville. Here are five helpful tips to maximize your dental insurance benefits and save money.
#1: Understand Your Plan
The first step to maximizing your insurance benefits is to understand what your plan covers. While every plan is slightly different, many insurance providers follow the “100-80-50” coverage structure. Depending on your specific policy, your coverage may include:
- Preventive Services: 100% covered, including cleanings, checks, and X-rays.
- Basic Dental Services: 80% covered, such as fillings, root canals, extractions, and periodontal therapy.
- Advanced Dental Services: 50% covered, like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
#2: Schedule a 2nd Dental Checkup
One easy way to take full advantage of your insurance benefits is to schedule a routine checkup before the end of the year. Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive dental exams and cleanings per year at 100%. So, even if you visited your dentist in the spring or summer, fitting in one more checkup soon likely won’t cost you a penny!
#3: Choose an In-Network Dentist
If you have recently moved and are looking for a new dentist in Lawrenceville, be sure to choose one that is in-network with your insurance. This means that the dentist has signed an agreement with your insurance company to provide services at a set rate. In addition, your insurance company will likely pick up a larger portion of the bill with an in-network dentist than an out-of-network one.
#4: Split Treatment Costs Over Two Years
If you are considering extensive dental treatment, such as an extraction followed by a dental implant, then now may be an ideal time to get started. Most dental insurance benefits reset at the beginning of each year. If you start treatment now, you can split the cost of treatment over two years. First, you’ll use your remaining annual benefits then take advantage of your renewed benefits once you have met your 2022 deductible.
#5: Act Before Your Plan Changes
Dental insurance plans often change slightly on a year-to-year basis. This means that your deductible, co-pay, and annual maximum could all be higher once the calendar flips over. If you like your current plan, don’t wait until next year to get the oral care you need.
Don’t let your monthly investment go to waste! Take advantage of your dental insurance benefits by following the five tips above.
About the Author
Dr. Bruce Carter has over 30 years of experience providing comprehensive oral care to Lawrenceville residents. He is an in-network dentist with Delta Dental and Cigna but also works with out-of-network patients to keep dental care affordable. To learn more ways to maximize dental insurance benefits, visit Dr. Carter’s website or call 770-995-7616.