Maximizing your Insurance Benefits

We are almost halfway through the year and according to most dental surveys 58 percent of patients said they visit their dentist at least one time each year. Many avoid visiting a dentist unless they have severe pain. If you have dental insurance, your plan will most likely renew on January 1^st. Any benefits that you haven’t used will go to waste, and you won’t be getting the most from your investment. Learn to maximize your benefits before they expire.  Otherwise, you are leaving money on the table and actually paying more for your benefits. 

Use Your Two Checkups and Cleanings

Most dental insurance plans include two checkups and cleanings covered at 100% every year. If you’re not using these visits, you’re not even scratching the surface when it comes to maximizing your benefits, because these exist at no out-of-pocket cost to you. You have already paid for them with your monthly premium to the insurance company. Keeping up with the health of your teeth and gums is also a great way to keep small problems from turning into more severe ones down the road, saving you from needing an emergency appointment and experiencing pain.

Don’t Put Off Oral Treatments

The typical dental insurance plan is structured based on a 100-80-50 model. All this means is that they pay for 100 percent of preventive care, including your two semi-annual cleaning visits, 80 percent of basic treatments like cavity fillings, and 50 percent of major procedures such as tooth extractions, root canal therapy and crowns. To save yourself from the burden of hefty out-of-pocket costs and to get your insurance to pick up the majority of the cost of your treatments, it’s important to address oral health issues sooner rather than later.

Exceed or Match Your Yearly Maximum

Your dental insurance company sets a yearly maximum, which is a capped amount that they will pay for dental treatments. The average annual maximum falls anywhere from 1,250 dollars to 1,500 dollars. Because your dental insurance plan resets on January 1^st (in most cases), any unused amount won’t rollover. That means that instead of that money going towards keeping your smile healthy, it’ll go back into the pockets of the insurance provider. To take advantage of your benefits before they expire, be sure to match or exceed your yearly maximum.

Don’t Wait Until You Have to Pay Your Deductible Again

Annual deductibles are an amount that your insurance requires you to pay out of your own pocket to your dentist before your benefits kick in. Each year, upon renewal, this fee will reset. The average deductible is 50 dollars, but it’s a good idea to call your provider and double check because it can fluctuate. After you’ve paid the amount, you’ll want to get all the dental treatments you need before you need to pay it again.

Navigating the ins-and-outs of dental insurance can be difficult, but with a dental team that will locate the answers to all your questions by your side, it should be a breeze. A dental office that will help you maximize your benefits before they expire is one worth keeping.

About Green Oak Dental

Here at Green Oak Dental, we have a staff of dental professionals that are ready to help patients maximize their dental insurance benefits before it’s too late. Our team is more than happy to help find the answers to any questions you may have and give you the quality dental treatment you need to keep your smile healthy. We also offer several flexible payment options to fit any kind of budget. Don’t have dental insurance? Ask about our in-office discount program. For questions or to schedule an appointment for a routine checkup and cleaning call us at 281-358-6330.