There’s something very comforting about having dental insurance. When problems with your oral health arise, you’ll know you can get it taken care of. However, there’s more to using it effectively than just handing your card over during a dental visit. You need to be aware of the best way to get every dollar of coverage out of it. To help with this, we’ve put together a guide that will show you a few ways you can maximize your use your coverage.
Making Effective Use Of Your Dental Coverage
One of the most important details to understand about insurance is that it’s on an annual cycle. Every year, often at the beginning of the calendar year, your coverage will reset. Anything not used from the previous year’s benefits is now lost. Your copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket amounts also reset, meaning you’ll be paying more cash for your visits. You should confirm with your coverage provider to find out when your end-of-year is. If it isn’t in line with the calendar year, it will typically coincide with the end of a fiscal quarter.
No matter when your benefit year ends, these five tricks can ensure you’re making the most of it:
- Yearly Maximum – Every plan has a maximum amount it will cover in dental expenses each year. $1,000 is a common amount, though it can vary from plan to plan. Any of this that isn’t used by the end of the year is lost. Making use of it before the year ends means you’re getting your premium’s worth.
- Deductible – Deductibles are an amount that must be paid by you before your coverage takes over. Your choice of dentist, the details of your plan, and the specific treatment you’re receiving will often impact the amount you pay. The deductible usually has a maximum amount you are required to pay per year. The amount you’ve paid into it resets at the beginning of your coverage year.
- Premiums – You’ll have to pay your premium each month, so make sure you’re getting two dental visits per year. This helps you by getting your premium’s worth and also helps prevent costly dental complications. Make sure everyone on the plan makes it to their yearly visits.
- Fee Increases – If your premium or fees associated with your coverage are going to go up, they’re going to do it at the beginning of your coverage year. By making sure you use your benefits before the year ends, you’re putting off having to pay these rates just a little longer.
- Limited Copay – Some dental plans have a limited amount you have to pay in copays. Copays are the dollar amount you have to pay at each visit regardless of coverage. This amount is usually on the low end, about $25 per visit. For plans with limited copays, every visit you take gets you closer to not having to pay any more that year. At the beginning of the year, this amount resets like everything else.
Following these points will help guarantee that you’ll be getting every cent worth out of your dental insurance each year.
Connect With Your Dental Care Provider For More Info
Most dental offices have a dental insurance expert in their clinic. By working with these team members, you can get answers to your most pressing dental insurance questions. It would be best if you also connected with your insurance provider to get more information. Staying vigilant about your dental insurance will help protect your teeth and your pocketbook.
