Where did the time go? It seems we were welcoming 2018 just yesterday, but now the year is almost over. As you prepare for 2019, you might have a lot on your to-do list, whether you’re planning parties, preparing to receive visitors, or just trying to set goals for the new year. However, you should also put a visit to your dentist in Buckhead on that list. Going in for a checkup as soon as you can will help you make sure that your dental insurance benefits don’t go to waste.
Dental Insurance: Use It or Lose It
Most dental insurance policies operate on a calendar-year basis. On January 1, you’re given a specific amount of money that you’re allowed to put toward approved services. For most plans, this annual maximum is between $1,000 and $1,500. If you don’t use that entire amount by December 31, the remaining portion disappears. It doesn’t roll over to the following year.
Most people do not regularly meet or exceed their annual maximum. In effect, they’re losing out on hundreds of dollars’ worth of benefits each year! Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should get unnecessary dental work done just so you can use your insurance. It does, however, mean that you should attend regular preventive appointments and use your policy to pay for any restorative work that your dentist recommends.
Maximizing Your 2018 Dental Insurance
Here are a few more tips to help you get all you can out of your 2018 dental insurance benefits:
- Schedule a checkup now. If you haven’t already had two routine preventive appointments this year, schedule one ASAP. Your insurance will likely cover most (if not all) of the cost of your visit. The dental exam will reveal whether you need any further work. You might even still have time to get any minor restorative services done before the end of the year.
- Plan for major services. If you’re concerned that a major service will exceed your annual maximum, you might be able to break it up across two appointments between 2018 and 2019. You’ll therefore be able to use two annual maximums rather than just one.
- Understand your policy. Does your policy have a waiting period? A deductible? How much of a difference is there between the fees at in-network and out of network providers? Familiarizing yourself with the fine print of your policy can help you make wise decisions about how you use it.
- Ask for advice. The folks at your dentist’s office are used to dealing with the nitty gritty details of insurance. They’ll be happy to help you understand your policy and use it to your greatest benefit.
Time is running out in 2018. Are you getting all you can out of this year’s dental insurance?
About the Author
Dr. Jane Puskas is an accomplished dentist with decades of experience in her field. She and Dr. Refai are happy to work with dental insurance companies and help patients get the most out of their coverage. To learn more about our practice and our policies, contact us at 404-261-7488.