There is no doubt that 2020 has been a crazy year so far. Hopefully, 2021 will bring happier times. Before you turn our calendars over, however, you may have a list of things you still want to accomplish this year. One of the items on that to-do list should be to visit your local dentist. Not only will your appointment benefit your oral health, but it will also help you maximize your dental insurance benefits. Let’s talk about how that is so and how you can make sure you are getting the most out of your insurance policy.
Dental Insurance Expires on December 31
Most PPO dental insurance policies work on a calendar year basis. At the beginning of the year, you’re given an annual maximum. That’s the limit on the amount of money that your insurance company will pay out for approved services throughout the year. Usually, it’s around $1,000. Any unused portion of that annual maximum expires on December 31. It does not roll over into the next year.
Most people do not even come close to fully utilizing their annual maximum. In fact, according to one estimate from the National Association of Dental Plans, only 2.8 percent of people meet or exceed their annual maximum. That amounts to countless benefit dollars left on the table every year!
Of course, you should not request dental treatments that you do not need just for the sake of using your insurance. However, you should know what your insurance covers and be diligent about following through with any procedures that your dentist recommends.
Using Your Policy to the Full
Here are a few tips to help you get as much as possible out of your 2020 dental insurance plan:
- Schedule a checkup. Most PPO insurance plans allow patients to attend two preventive appointments each year at little to no out of pocket cost. If you have not yet attended your second cleaning and checkup this year, now is the time to schedule it.
- Start planning for major treatments. If your dentist determines that you need a major procedure that will require multiple appointments, you might be able to schedule part of it before the end of 2020 and part of it in 2021. You’ll thus be able to use two annual maximums rather than just one.
- Ask for help. Dental insurance can be confusing sometimes. If you need help to understand the finer points of your insurance policy, the folks at your dentist’s office will be more than happy to assist you.
Are you using your 2020 dental insurance policy to the full? Scheduling an appointment with your dentist ASAP will benefit both your smile and your wallet!
About the Author
Dr. Timothy Vacek opened Amberly Dental more than a decade ago, after which he quickly established a reputation for providing high-quality care in a comfortable environment. He routinely completes more than 100 hours of continuing education per year. Dr. Vacek understands that many patients are concerned about the cost of dentistry, which is why our practice is happy to work with many different insurance companies. To learn more about us and how we can help you maximize your benefits, contact our team at 402-786-2007.