As the year winds down, it’s crucial to take full advantage of your dental insurance benefits before they expire. Most dental plans reset on January 1st, and unused benefits often don’t roll over. At iSmile Dentistry, we’re here to help you understand how to make the most out of your insurance to maintain your oral health and save money.
Understand Your Dental Benefits
Start by reviewing your dental insurance policy to understand what treatments are fully or partially covered. Many plans cover two preventive visits per year, which may include cleanings, exams, and X-rays at no additional cost to you.
Schedule End-Of-Year Check-Ups
Use Preventive Care Benefits
Don’t miss out on the preventive benefits your dental insurance provides. If you haven’t used them up, make an appointment for a cleaning or a check-up. Preventive care is not only covered by most insurances but also crucial for spotting potential problems early on.
Family Appointments
If your benefits cover family members, consider booking back-to-back appointments. This ensures that all family members take advantage of the preventive care benefits before the year’s end.
Plan For Major Procedures
If you need extensive dental work like crowns, bridges, or implants, consider starting these treatments now. You can use the remaining annual benefits for this year and continue treatment in the next year to use your renewed benefits, thus minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.
Consider Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
If you have an FSA, remember that these funds also expire at the end of the year. You can use these pre-tax dollars to pay for deductibles and copayments, so schedule any necessary treatments or preventive care now.
Use Or Lose Your FSA Funds
Flexible Spending Accounts are another benefit that typically does not roll over into the next year. Review your balance and consider using these funds for any co-pays or dental treatments not covered by insurance.
Eligible Expenses
Many people don’t realize that FSAs can often be used for a variety of dental expenses including deductibles, co-pays, and even some procedures not covered by dental insurance. Check with your plan administrator to confirm which expenses are eligible.
Take Advantage Of Remaining Benefits
If you’ve been considering cosmetic procedures that your insurance may cover, like certain types of orthodontics or dental veneers, now is the time to decide. Utilize your benefits before they reset.
Make The Most Of Your Benefits & Schedule With iSmile Today!
Your dental benefits are part of your compensation package—failing to use them is like leaving money on the table. Contact iSmile Dentistry, serving Pearce & Tucson, AZ and Kaysville, Ogden, & Salt Lake City, UT, to schedule your end-of-year dental appointment, and ensure you’re maximizing your insurance benefits. Let us help you maintain your healthy smile without breaking the bank!
