It’s that time of year again when your dentist begins to send reminders that encourage you to use your dental insurance benefits before they expire. With only a few months left before the end of the year, you’ll want to take advantage of any unused funds while you still have them. But why? What is the reason for such urgency? Can’t you just put off those dental fillings until 2024? Read on to discover why it’s in your best interest to use your available benefits now before it’s too late.
The Truth About Unused Dental Insurance Benefits
According to researchers, it is believed that those in the United States who have a dental insurance policy lose an estimated 100 billion dollars in unused benefits each year. This is an alarming fact – one that should catch your attention. In fact, it is likely to be the main reason your dentist is reaching out, as they do not want you to be one of these unlucky or uninformed individuals.
Instead, they want you to take advantage of the available benefits you do have while there is still time. And here’s why!
Why Using Your Benefits Now Is in Your Best Interest
The way dental insurance works is that you are required to pay a premium every month for access to your benefits. Once you meet your annual deductible, the insurance company agrees to pay more for the preventive and restorative care you receive. Many plans also provide an annual maximum, which is the total amount your insurer will pay during a single calendar year.
Since most insurance companies build their plans so that the benefits are good for 12 months, patients like yourself must use all available funds within that timeframe or else risk losing money at the end of the year – money that will be returned to the insurer.
If you don’t want to find yourself losing out on funds that are rightfully yours, here are a few things you can do:
- Don’t miss out on your preventive checkups and cleanings. Some insurance companies will offer 80-100% coverage for these twice-yearly visits, so you not only pay little to nothing out of pocket, but you also enjoy better oral health year-round.
- Don’t delay in getting those tooth-colored fillings you need (or any other minor or major restorative service). If you’ve already met your deductible, your insurance company may agree to pay more for your treatment (between 50-80%). If you wait until 2024, you’ll be required to meet your deductible again.
- Inquire about services you can start now that will ultimately benefit both your mouth and body. Depending on your dentist, they may be able to spread out treatments over calendar years so that you pay less in the long run by using back-to-back annual maximums.
Don’t be one of the many who miss out on available benefits. Take advantage of it now so that you can enter the new year with a healthier smile and have more money in your wallet.
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry. Opening Aegis Dental in 2012, she and her team strive to deliver high-quality services that are easily accessible and affordable. When choosing to use your dental insurance benefits, we will work to maximize any available funds you have so that you avoid losing unused dollars at the end of each year. If you need help to determine how best to use your policy, visit our website or call (972) 492-6700.