You pay for your dental insurance policy every month, so it makes sense that you want to derive as much value as possible from it. How can you do that? Well, every dental plan has its own unique details, so you will need to examine yours to see how to use it to your greatest advantage. In the meantime, you can read the tips in this blog post. They provide generalized advice on how you may be able to maximize your dental insurance benefits.
Do Not Neglect Preventive Care
Dental insurance plans are designed to encourage preventive care. That is why most policies completely cover the cost of two cleanings and exams each year. They may also cover routine X-rays and other basic services. Try to make a commitment to visiting your dentist every six months so you can prevent future oral health problems.
Remember that Benefits Expire
Most dental insurance policies work on a calendar-year basis. On January 1, you may get a set amount of benefits that you can use throughout the year. After December 31, any unused benefits expire. They are gone forever. For example, if your policy will cover $1,000 in preventive care each year, and you only used up $200, there is still $800 that you could use toward necessary services. However, that money will disappear if you wait too long to book your appointment.
Schedule Restorative Work as Soon as Possible
Dental insurance usually offers greater coverage for minor procedures than it does for major procedures. For example, if you need a filling for a small cavity, it is likely that you will only have to pay about 20% of the cost of your treatment.
However, if you keep delaying treatment and your cavity becomes very large, a filling might not be enough to treat it. You could end up needing root canal therapy and a crown. Your insurance may cover only 50% of your total bill, up to the amount of your policy’s annual limit.
Understand Your Network Status
Dental practices can be in-network or out of network with your plan. If you have a PPO policy, that simply means they have a contract with in-network providers that controls pricing. However, you can still use your benefits at any dental practice, even if they are out of network.
On the other hand, if you have a DHMO policy, you may be required to visit an in-network dentist in order to use your benefits.
Shop for the Right Plan
Many dental insurance policies have the same basic coverage, but they can vary greatly in their details. If you are thinking about switching plans for 2024, make a list of what you want to get out of your benefits. If your oral health is sound, you may do just fine with a lower-priced policy. However, if you need advanced services, such as dental implants or orthodontia, you may need to invest in a premium policy.
Are you doing all you can to maximize your dental insurance? Use the tips in this article to get more value out of your benefits.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Brad Weiss and Ali Fulreader lead the team at Weiss Dental Arts. They provide top-quality care for patients of all ages. Our team strives to charge fair prices for every service we offer. We also welcome insurance, and we are always happy to assist patients as they navigate their benefits. To learn more about how we can help you to enjoy a healthy smile without breaking your budget, contact our Skokie office at 847-864-0188.