If you have dental insurance, you likely view it as a big investment. Any plan holder would want their monthly premiums to “pay off” at some point, right? With that said, you’d do well to maximize your plan’s benefits from now on and save your hard-earned money. The good news is that your Morgan Hill dentist can help, ensuring your dental work is truly cost-effective. Just keep reading to learn four great ways to maximize dental insurance benefits.
Read Up on Your Plan
You can’t take advantage of dental insurance you don’t understand. Given that fact, your first move should be to learn the details of your plan.
Amidst all your reading, you’ll need to look into several key points. First is whether your dental plan has a spending limit or “maximum,” as that issue impacts how much your provider will cover. You should also learn what network you use and any nearby dental providers who accept it. Perhaps most crucial is grasping your coverage type; DPPOs and DHMOs have different prices involved, after all.
Get Regular Dental Checkups
If you really want to maximize your plan’s benefits, get regular dental checkups. These periodic sessions will make great use of your coverage.
You see, most dental plans fully cover preventive oral care. They’ll practically pay the full cost of your oral exams, teeth cleanings, routine dental X-rays, etc. By getting dental checkups at least twice yearly, you’d save money otherwise spent on pricier procedures that only enjoy partial coverage. Examples of the latter include tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, or even root canals or tooth extractions.
Budget for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
While amazing, dental insurance isn’t all-encompassing. Getting the most out of it requires that you budget for out-of-pocket expenses.
Note that dental insurance doesn’t get rid of all dental expenses. Depending on which procedures you get, you’ll need money for the co-pay that your policy doesn’t handle. Bigger treatments could also exceed your annual maximum, forcing you to use your own funds. You should thus leave room for out-of-pocket costs; your plan will then be truly helpful to you.
Don’t Wait Until Next Year
It’s not a good idea to delay dental care you need until next year. If you do, you’ll really miss out on the savings your dental plan can provide.
Unused dental benefits don’t just “roll over” from one year to the next. After December 31st, they essentially reset; you’ll have to meet your annual deductible before they “kick in” again. That means even a simple cleaning could cost more than usual if you get it in early January. So, make sure to address any dental issues where coverage applies before the new year.
Would you like more help to maximize your dental insurance benefits? If so, consult your plan provider – they’ll gladly assist!
About the Practice
Timeless Smiles Morgan Hill is based in Morgan Hill, CA. Led by Dr. Jenny Hong, our practice is always aiming to give you the best dental care possible. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative treatments, as well as dental sedation and help with oral emergencies. Our office is also in-network with a wide range of insurance providers, including Guardian and Aetna. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (408)-763-3008.