Annual Dental Benefits – Use It Or Lose It

It’s almost the end of the year again we know that your calendar is quickly filling up.

Having a limited time because of other commitments just take note that it might be worthwhile to add a dental appointment to your schedule.

Did you know that you may be throwing away hundreds of dollars? It’s true! Most dental insurances reset at the onset of the new year and any unused benefits will disappear. By using your dental insurance benefits before the new year starts, you could be saving yourself hundreds of dollars!

Some dental insurance plans run on a fiscal year but most run on a calendar year. If your dental insurance plan is on a calendar year, these are the 4 reasons you should definitely give us a call and make an appointment now.

1. Unused Benefits Get Wasted

Every dental insurance plan has a yearly maximum and this is the most money that the plan will pay for your dental treatment within one full year. While the amount varies among insurance companies, the yearly maximum usually renews each year on January 1st. These benefits do not roll over to the next year and must be used by December 31st. So, if you have unused benefits left for 2017, remember that by the 1st of January 2018 they will be forfeited and lost.

2. Take Advantage of Your Premiums

If you are paying your dental insurance premiums every month, then take advantage of them and use them to your benefit. If you do not use your benefits, your insurance company keeps it, and it will all be a waste. Even if you don’t need any dental treatment, it is still important to get regular dental cleanings to help prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and other dental problems.

3. Your Annual Deductible Resets

Your dental insurance deductible is the amount of money that you must pay to your dentist out of pocket before your insurance company will pay for any dental services. This fee varies from one plan to another and like your yearly maximums, they don’t roll over to the next year. If you have used your insurance at all this year, you’ve probably paid some towards your deductible already. In fact, you may have already paid your deductible and what’s left if your coverage.

4. Dental Conditions Can Worsen

Many patients need dental treatment, whether it’s a professional cleaning of your teeth, or restorations to treat bad decay. By postponing a dental treatment, you are risking more extensive and expensive treatments in the future. Addressing dental issues now, rather than putting off treatment can prevent problems from getting worse, which could save you even more money compared to waiting. What may be a simple cavity now, could turn into a tooth loss later or root canal later.

So request an appointment today or calls us to schedule and use those benefits. Do not wait until late December to reserve an appointment with Dr. Eddie Faddis.  Treat your teeth with care now and they will thank you for it in the long run.

Call us and we can work with your insurance company to see what you still have available for benefits this year. You can reach our office at 801-785-8835.