5 Easy Ways to Maximize Dental Insurance Benefits

The end of the year is approaching quickly, and do you know what that means? Your dental insurance benefits may be expiring soon. Since keeping your smile healthy is a monthly investment, it only makes sense that you’d want to make the most of your coverage while you can. By doing so, you can maintain good oral health while saving plenty of money down the line. That said, a dentist in Rochester shares a few ways you can maximize dental insurance benefits.

Don’t Neglect Regular Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dentistry is critical for maintaining good oral health. Visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning allows them to prevent, detect, or treat any problems before they become complications. With early detection, you can avoid needing more extensive and costly procedures down the line. Since preventive services are essential for a healthy smile, most dental insurance plans will cover oral examinations, teeth cleanings, and routine X-rays at little or no cost to you. That means getting the care you need doesn’t have to break the bank!

Get Restorative Treatment Before the End of the Year

While most dental insurance plans cover preventive dental care at 100%, restorative treatments like fillings may only be covered at 70-80%. If you allow a cavity to go untreated for too long, you risk needing a more extensive service like a root canal or crown down the road. With both of those services, your insurance may only cover as little as 40-50% of the cost. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get your restorative treatment done as soon as possible to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Find Out When Your Benefits Expire

Even though every dental insurance plan is unique, most tend to operate on a calendar-year basis. At the beginning of each year, you’re given an annual maximum, which is the most your insurance will pay for approved treatments throughout the year. If you have any benefits left unused by December 31^st, they’ll disappear and won’t roll over into the new year. That said, it’s best to schedule outstanding dental work before your benefits expire.

Schedule Major Procedures in Advance

Major dental procedures can take multiple appointments to complete. If you have dental work that exceeds your annual maximum, you should ask your dental team if you can schedule part of it this year and the rest the next. With this strategy, you can use two annual maximums instead of one and significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Use Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Dollars

In addition to their dental insurance policy, some people have a flexible spending account (FSA). The account allows you to put aside tax-free money for healthcare expenses. Since most funds expire at the end of the year, it’s best to use them for necessary treatments before they’re gone.

If you haven’t made the most of your insurance this year, don’t worry – there’s still time to do so. By following the tips outlined above, you can maximize your dental insurance benefits and walk into the new year with a healthier smile and thicker wallet!

About the Practice

At Vollo Dental Group, we combine old-fashioned hospitality with modern technologies and techniques. Our highly skilled and dedicated team is passionate about helping every patient achieve their happiest, healthiest smile. If you have any questions about your dental insurance, we’re more than happy to help. Visit our website or call (585) 225-9114 to speak to a member of our team.