Each time you get paid, a portion of your check goes to your dental insurance. If you’re making a monthly investment in your health, why not utilize the services you’re paying for? Depending on your insurance plan, most preventive services are 100% covered like your semi-annual checkups and cleanings with a dentist in Fort Smith. Taking advantage of these can help keep your oral health in tip-top shape and prevent small issues from turning into large ones. Read on to learn what treatments your plan covers and how you can save yourself money in the long run by using your benefits before they expire in January.
What Services Are Typically Covered By Dental Insurance?
Most dental policies cover preventive services your dentist offers such as regular checkups and cleanings, fillings, and root canals. Some policies may also cover orthodontic treatments, periodontics, and prosthodontics as well. It’s best to call up your insurance provider before you schedule an appointment to double check what services they contribute to.
Most dental plans cover 100% of preventive care, 80% of any basic procedures you may have, and 50% of major treatments. While insurance can cover most preventive treatments, they may not cover services such as sealants, so double check to know if you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket.
Why Is It Important To Use Your Benefits Before The End Of The Year?
Most dental plans expire at the end of every year, so what does that mean for your coverage? It’s best to utilize your benefits in order to get the most out of your investment for the following reasons:
- Maximum—Every year, your insurance plan pays for a certain amount of your services. Typically, the average is $1,000 per person each year. Because it renews every January, any unused benefits won’t roll over and will go left unused.
- Deductible—Your deductible is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance will begin paying for your services. It’s best to call your insurance provider to see what your deductible is because it can vary. After you pay this amount, your insurance picks up the rest, but your deductible restarts at the end of the year.
- Premiums—If you’re making a monthly investment in insurance premiums, use them! Even if you don’t need any specific procedures or treatment, be sure to attend your routine checkups and cleanings.
- Worsening Dental Problems—When you delay treatments and don’t get regular checkups and examinations with your dentist, it can open the door to a variety of oral health problems. Issues that go left untreated can become expensive and involve invasive treatment down the road. It’s best to take care of it while it’s still manageable and your insurance can pay for the services you need.
If you have insurance benefits, why aren’t you taking advantage of them? Most preventive treatments are covered by your plan and can save you hassle and money in the long run, so give yourself the peace of mind you need by getting a clean bill of health. After all, your visit is probably covered!
About the Author
Dr. Gilberto Lopez is passionate about helping each of his patients achieve optimal oral and overall health. He is an active member of several professional organizations so he can stay on top of the latest advancements in his field. He has been giving his patients high-quality and individualized care for over 2 decades and looks forward to improving even more smiles than he already has. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit New Smile Dental’s website or contact 479-434-4277.