If you’re like most people, you pay a monthly premium for access to dental insurance but don’t think much about using it except when you need regular checkups or an emergency occurs. This mindset is what causes policy owners to lose thousands of dollars each year. The reason is the adage of “if you don’t use them, you lose them.” Dental benefits do not roll over, which is why insurance companies receive billions of dollars back at midnight on December 31. To avoid becoming one of the many who will find less money in their wallets come January 1, a dentist explains how to maximize dental insurance benefits before they expire.
Get in For Your Second Appointment
If you haven’t seen your dentist for a second checkup and cleaning, don’t wait. Because of COVID-19, many insurance companies are waiving their policy stating patients much wait six months and one day between preventive visits. This means if you saw your dentist last month for your first checkup, you can schedule your second appointment before the end of the year. This not only ensures you get the treatment you need right now with little-to-no out of pocket expenses, but you also minimize your risk for future dental problems.
Schedule Complex Treatments Before the End of the Year
Need a dental crown for a weakened tooth? Discovered you require a root canal to avoid a more serious tooth extraction? No matter the type of major (or minor) restorative care, it is best to have it done before the end of 2020. This will allow you to use your annual maximum and avoid sending as much, if any, back to your insurance company come midnight on December 31. If you require multiple visits to complete your full treatment, you and your dentist in Tukwila can discuss if it’s possible to spread it out over calendar years to help you avoid out of pocket costs.
Take Advantage of Your Deductible
Any money you’ve put toward your deductible will quickly be gone when January 1 arrives. Whether you’ve met this threshold or not, it will reset to $0 at the start of the new year, so don’t let what you’ve accrued go to waste. Talk to a member of your dental team about what you can do to meet your deductible and ensure you’re getting the most out of your plan.
Don’t let 2020 be in the rearview mirror before you realize you need necessary dental care. Take advantage of your benefits now while you still have time!
About the Author
Dr. Lance Timmerman is a Kirkland native who believes in providing patients with smiles that resemble works of art. Earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Oral Health and Sciences University, he continues to pursue continuing education courses and training, focusing on the areas of dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and sleep apnea therapy. Since opening his private practice, he and his team offer an array of available services, each designed to repair, restore, and help patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. Understanding dental work can be costly, he urges his patients to use their insurance benefits before the end of each year and avoid losing valuable money. To find out how we can help you maximize your plan, contact us at (206) 241-5533.
