You’re already making monthly payments, so why not maximize your coverage and make every cent count? If you have dental insurance, you should take advantage of your benefits while you still can. Most patients have dental insurance that covers up to 100% of the cost of preventive treatments as well as 80% of basic treatments (like fillings) and 50% of the cost of major restorative services (like dental crowns). Here are 3 helpful tips on making the most of your dental insurance.
#1. Take Advantage of Your Preventive Care Plan
Dental insurance typically is focused mainly on preventive care, so most providers will cover at least your standard biannual checkups and cleanings. As such, you should make sure you visit your dentist every six months to maximize the value of your dental insurance.
Getting regular cleanings, exams, and X-rays allows your dentist to catch any early signs of potentially larger issues, preventing costly fixes in the future. Making use of your dentist’s expertise and time is one of the biggest ways to get the most out of your insurance benefits.
#2. Read Through Your Plan Thoroughly
All dental insurance plans are unique to each patient, so it’s important to pay attention to the fine print and details of your coverage. If you have any questions about what your insurance covers, you can call your provider or review your plan to see what benefits are available. Here are a few questions to keep in mind so you understand what your plan has to offer:
- Do you have an annual spending limit?
- Will your unused benefits carry over to a new calendar year?
- What procedures are fully or partially covered by this plan?
- Can I choose my dentist?
#3. Use It or Lose It!
Your dental benefits may not carry over to the next year. While there are some plans that renew by plan year, most dental insurance re-ups by calendar year. You’ll have to pay your deductible again after January 1st, and your annual maximum will reset. You are already paying for dental insurance, so you might as well use it before you lose it!
If you’re overdue for your biannual checkup and cleaning, this is a great place to start. Not only will you utilize your preventive care benefits, but you can also use your remaining restorative coverage to address any problems your dentist finds during their exam, like tooth decay or gum disease. Plus, their team can review your dental plan to see if there are any other unused benefits you can use to help your smile!
About the Practice
At Lake Nona Dental Group, we welcome dental insurance and are here to help you maximize your benefits. It can be tricky navigating the fine print, but we are happy to walk you through your plan if you have any questions. The practice is proud to be in-network with Delta Dental to provide you with quality care at affordable price points. If you are interested in learning more about dental insurance, contact Lake Nona Dental Group through their website or by calling one of our two conveniently located offices.
