Since the end of the year is just around the corner, it’s crucial that you make the most of your dental appointments, especially if you have dental insurance. Many people don’t realize that any benefits they don’t use will not be available to them come the new year, which means any money you put into your plan will have gone to waste if you don’t attend soon. When you visit a dentist in Big Pine Key, you can bet that they’ll help you maximize benefits however possible, (not to mention help you take care of that unfinished treatment you haven’t had time to address.)
Make the Most of Your Annual Maximum
Every dental insurance plan comes with an annual maximum, which refers to the amount that a dental insurance company will pay to cover dental treatments. With the average annual maximum reaching about $1,250, and the average American with dental insurance only spending about $323 worth of treatment in a given year, that’s over $900 going directly back to the insurance company.
Instead of helping insurance executives get richer, you can start making the most of your treatments, especially preventive care, which in many cases has the best coverage overall.
Don’t Let Your Monthly Premiums and Deductible Go to Waste
Most dental insurance plans require you to pay a monthly premium before they can be properly utilized. If you are paying a monthly premium, but aren’t taking advantage of your benefits before they expire on January 1st, 2020, then why pay for your insurance in the first place?
Furthermore, dental plans require you to pay a deductible, which refers to the minimum out-of-pocket expenses you need to cover before insurance kicks in. The good news is these deductibles are relatively low in most cases, so you don’t have to pay too much to start receiving coverage. However, it won’t matter if you don’t schedule an appointment soon!
How Dental Insurance Typically Breaks Down
Regardless of where you get your insurance, it’s likely that the treatments you receive will be broken down into three distinct categories. This includes preventive, minor restorative and major restorative care, all of which are covered by insurance at different rates.
For example, preventive care is typically covered at or close to 100 percent, while minor and major restorative care are generally covered at 80 and 50 percent respectively. While minor and major restorative care refer to dental fillings, root canal therapy (minor), crowns, bridges and dentures (major), preventive care is often the most heavily recommended form of care for two main reasons.
Not only is preventive care the most affordable (and therefore the most often covered by dental plans), but it’s also the most important form of care you can receive from dentists. Whether you need an exam, cleaning, X-ray or fluoride treatment (in some cases), you can get it done affordably and protect your long-term oral health in the process.
With that said, now is the time to visit a family dentist in Big Pine Sky. Don’t let the benefits you paid for go to waste!
About the Author
Dr. Amanda Cobb is happy to file claims for your dental insurance on your behalf. Her and her team will do everything they can to help you maximize and save through your dental insurance plan. She makes every step as smooth and simple as possible, so you can feel confident during your next appointment with no financial surprises. To schedule your next appointment, you can contact her through her website.