As we near the holiday season, many people are trying to scrimp and save any way they can. Unfortunately, very few people are aware of how much money they can save if they maximize their dental insurance benefits. If you’re paying your monthly premiums, it would only make sense that you want to get the most out of your coverage. Read on as a dentist in Moses Lake shares three tips to help you make the most of your dental insurance benefits and save money!
Don’t Fear the Dentist
As many as one-fifth of Americans have avoided their regular dental checkups due to anxiety or fear. However, most dental insurance plans will pay for two of these appointments per year at no extra cost to you. Twice a year, your dentist can professionally clean your teeth and examine your mouth for small signs of oral health problems you may not have even noticed yet. If they detect anything, you can get the issue fixed right away with a conservative treatment rather than waiting until your mouth started hurting and having to pay more out of pocket for pricier procedures.
Get Any Treatments You Need ASAP
If you end up needing a treatment that goes beyond a simple checkup and cleaning, your wallet will thank you if you schedule that appointment sooner rather than later. Otherwise, the dental issue could worsen to the point where treatment becomes more expensive. For example, putting off a filling might cause the cavity to grow so large that it needs a root canal instead.
Generally, the more extensive the procedure, the less coverage insurance is likely to provide. So, minimize your out-of-pocket expenses by taking care of any additional treatments you need as soon as possible.
Don’t Let Your Coverage Go to Waste
Every year, your insurance company sets aside a specific amount of money – called your annual maximum – that it will put toward your care. In most cases, this amount resets when the year ends, and your unused benefits will not carry over. Since about 97% of Americans don’t even come close to meeting their annual maximums, billions of dollars in dental coverage are thrown down the drain every year. To avoid wasting coverage that you’ve already paid for, make sure to schedule all of the dental treatments you need before 2021 ends.
Maximizing your dental insurance benefits may not provide you with a quick buck for the holiday season, but it’s an incredibly cost-effective solution in the long run. By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy a healthier smile – and a lighter wallet – for many holidays to come!
About the Author
As a dentist in Moses Lake, WA, Dr. Craig R. Harder has 20+ years of experience helping patients feel confident in their smiles. He provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages. His team will file insurance claims for virtually all plans, and he’s even in-network with Delta Dental. If you’re looking for a “dentist near me” who will help you make the most of your insurance benefits, reach out to Dr. Harder by calling 509-765-4351.