Since it’s November, now is a good time to start thinking about your dental insurance benefits. Does your carrier’s plan run on the calendar year? If it does, then you are running out of time to utilize those benefits to the fullest – and both your wallet and your smile could end up paying a hefty price for it! Read on to learn why you should make an appointment with your dentist in Salem and start putting your dental insurance to good use.
Unused Dental Benefits
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for 12-month periods based on the calendar year – that is, from January 1 to December 31. These plans also usually have an annual maximum, which is the amount of money that is set aside for your dental care. However, once the calendar year is finished, any unused money is kept by the insurance company; in other words, it does not roll over into the next year.
The National Association of Dental Plans has found that only 2.6% of people with PPO dental insurance plans will use the entire amount allowed by the annual maximum. In most cases, that’s hundreds of dental dollars that you could be losing.
The Importance of Using Dental Benefits
If you want to keep your pearly whites healthy and bright in the most cost-effective way possible, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t let dental benefits go to waste:
- The Premiums: You need to pay the premiums to keep your dental benefits. If you want to get the most out of what you’ve already paid for, it should be your goal to utilize as much of the annual maximum as possible.
- The Deductible: The deductible is the amount you need to pay for dental care yourself before insurance coverage kicks in. If you have met your deductible for the year, having appointments now can lower your out of pocket costs; don’t put it off!
- Preventive Care: Your plan will likely cover most, if not all, of the cost of preventive checkups, cleanings and X-rays. These services can prevent oral health issues from becoming worse; ignoring them could lead to needing root canal therapy, tooth extractions, periodontal treatments, and other treatments that you would need to pay for.
- Dental Rates: Your dentist’s rates may go up next year, and since dental coverage for a given service is usually based on a percentage, that means your copay could go up too.
It’s important to schedule at least two appointments with your dentist each year for regular checkups and cleanings. During your visit, ask about any other procedures that you might need. Being proactive with oral care and using your insurance can ultimately save you a lot of money and dental trouble!
About Cochell Family Dentistry
At Cochell Family Dentistry, the husband and wife team of Dr. Travis and Dr. Christel Cochell works to create a “dental home” that helps patients of all ages feel comfortable and relaxed. We provide a wide range of services for the whole family and are in-network with several dental insurance companies. To make an appointment and start utilizing your benefits, visit our website or call (503) 585-8688.