In a blink of an eye we have gone from triple digit weather to leaping right into the fall and winter months. What does this have to do with your dental plan? Most dental insurance plans run on a calendar year. If you have such a plan your benefits will run out by Dec 31st 2017. So you have only a short time to schedule and get in to use the remainder of your benefits. Below are some key reasons why scheduling now could actually save you hundreds of dollars by using your dental benefits before the end of 2017!
6 Reasons to use Your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year
- Yearly Maximum
The yearly maximum is the most money that the dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by insurance companies. The yearly maximum usually renews every year (on January 1 if your plan is on a calendar year). If you have unused benefits, these will not rollover.
- Deductible
Your deductible starts again when your plan rolls over into the new year. The deductible is the amount of money that you must pay to your dentist out of pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services. This fee varies from one plan to another and could be higher if you choose an out-of-network dentist. However, the average deductible for a dental insurance plan is usually around $50 per year. So you want to get the most out of your insurance before you have to pay a new deductible.
- Premiums
If you are paying your dental insurance premiums every month, you should be using your benefits. Even if you don’t need any dental treatment, you should always have your regular dental cleanings to help prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and other dental problems.
- Fee Increases
Another reason to use your benefits before the end of the year are possible fee increases. Some dentists raise their rates at the beginning of the year due to the increased cost of living, materials and equipment. A fee increase can also make your copay higher.
- Dental Problems Can Worsen
I’ve seen too many people have the unfortunate experience of delaying dental treatment only to find out when they do finally come in for treatment that the condition has worsened and is much more expensive. Take the example of a simple filling needed a few months ago being neglected turning into a very expensive a root canal. So using every penny of your dental now before the end of the year even if for just regular teeth cleaning, x-rays, etc. to save you lots money down the road.
- Use Up Your Existing FSA Contributions
Another good reason to take care of medical and dental work now is to spend any remaining balance in your flexible spending account (FSA). This is an account that you establish through your employer, and that you may have elected to have some of your pre-tax pay put into. If you don’t use all of your FSA contributions by the end of the year, you lose them.
So there are lots of good reasons to schedule now. And if you are not sure what you have available on your dental plan we can help. Call us today and schedule to come in (916) 780-3900.
Dr. Ruth Kenworthy, DDS
