Tag: dental insurance

6 Year-End Tips for Using Your Dental Insurance

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to evaluate how you’ve utilized your dental insurance benefits. Many insurance plans reset on January 1st, and any unused benefits often do not roll over into the following year.

To maximize the value of your plan and maintain your oral health, follow these essential tips.

1. Review Your Plan Benefits

Start by understanding your dental insurance coverage. Most plans have an annual maximum — the total amount your insurance will pay for dental treatments within the year. If you haven’t reached this limit, now is the time to schedule treatments or procedures you’ve been postponing.

Check for Preventive Care Coverage: Many plans fully cover preventive services like cleanings and exams. If you missed your bi-annual appointment, schedule it now.

Understand What’s Covered: Some plans offer partial coverage for procedures like fillings, crowns, or root canals. Knowing this can help you prioritize treatments.

2. Schedule Pending Treatments

Delaying dental care can lead to more serious (and expensive) issues down the line. If you need treatments like fillings, crowns, or periodontal care, take advantage of your remaining benefits to address these issues before the year ends.

Some extensive treatments require multiple appointments. Starting now may help you use this year’s benefits while planning follow-ups under next year’s coverage.

3. Utilize Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

If your insurance is paired with an FSA, remember that these funds also often have a “use it or lose it” policy. FSAs can cover out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays or treatments not fully covered by insurance.

Check FSA Balances: Use the remaining balance for treatments like whitening, sealants, or orthodontics.

Plan Ahead: Ensure you’re booking appointments in time to use these funds before the deadline.

4. Plan for Major Treatments

December can be a strategic month to begin if you’re considering significant dental work, such as implants, bridges, or veneers. You may split costs across two benefit years, using this year’s remaining benefits and next year’s freshly renewed coverage.

5. Book Early

Dental offices get busier toward the end of the year as patients rush to use their benefits. Secure your spot by booking appointments well in advance.

Act Now: Call your Bravo! Dental office to check availability and prioritize your needs.

Set Reminders: Create reminders for any required follow-ups in January.

6. Plan for Next Year

Take the opportunity to evaluate your dental needs and insurance plan for next year. Are you maximizing benefits or paying for coverage you don’t fully use? Discuss with your dentist or insurance provider to adjust as needed.

Don’t Let Benefits Go to Waste

Your dental insurance is a valuable resource for maintaining your oral health, but it only works if you use it. Reviewing your plan, scheduling treatments, and acting promptly ensures your smile is cared for without leaving benefits on the table. Book an appointment at Bravo! Dental and make the most of this year’s coverage before it’s too late.

Use it or Lose it: 6 Tips to Avail Your Insurance Now

 

Millions of people each year ring in the New Year by leaving money on the table when it comes to dental benefit programs. That is definitely not a good way to end the year, is it? 

You probably aren’t aware that making use of your dental benefits before the year’s end will save you hundreds of dollars! While most dental plans are based on a calendar year, others are economically based on certain circumstances. 

If you have dental insurance, make sure to read your policy to see if it contains a “use it or lose it” clause. If you don’t know where to go for this information, you can contact us at Bravo! Dental office or can also contact your insurance provider or employee benefits department, depending on your insurance and who provides it. 

Maximum for the year 

Your dental insurance plan most likely has a yearly limit, which is the maximum amount that your dental insurance policy has agreed to pay for the entire year. The typical annual premium for most people is $1,000, but this varies depending on the insurance company. Because unused schemes do not roll over to the following year, it is prudent to plan before the calendar or fiscal year ends. 

Deductible 

Before your insurance company would pay for any services, most insurance companies ask you to pay a deductible to your dentist. Your deductible will differ depending on your plan and the dentist you choose; however, the average deductibles are roughly $50 per year. In addition, your deductible will be reset when your plans roll over to a new year. 

Healthcare costs 

Every month, you pay dental premiums, and you should use them to their full potential. Coming in for an oral check-up every six months, even if you don’t think you need dental treatment, is a fantastic way to preserve your oral health and avoid future dental problems. 

Increases in Service charges 

Dental fees may get raised at the start of the year to account for rising costs of living, equipment, and materials. Therefore, it would be prudent to take advantage of all of your benefits before the end of the year; you might save money! When the premium time ends, all of the previously offered services for free or at a reduced charge are no longer available. The payments will not roll over once the new year begins. 

Take Care of Your Teeth 

Many people postpone receiving dental treatments until it is essential. By fixing a minor problem promptly, you can avoid it becoming a larger problem. Your dental insurance policy provides you with an annual budget for the procedures you need to keep your teeth healthy. Your coverage may cover up to 100% of the costs after you pay your yearly deductible, ensuring to restore your smile without breaking the bank. 

Use your insurance now to save future out-of-pocket expenses. 

Dentists emphasize the importance of bi-annual dental check-ups because untreated oral problems only get worse. Complications with your teeth or gums would necessitate expensive, time-consuming treatments that would exceed your insurance coverage.  

If your dental plan has a “use it or lose it” clause, now is the time to make your next visit. Don’t throw away your hard-earned dental dollars. Instead, book your appointment now at  Bravo! Dental. 

Why is it necessary to have regular dental check-ups?

If you feel compelled to avoid your routine dental appointment by inventing another ridiculous excuse, you’re certainly setting yourself up for trouble! Yes, dental check-ups are just as vital as other physical checks.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At least once every six months, you should visit the dentist. Regular dental appointments are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

At least twice a year, as would be recommended by your dental professional, get regular dental check-ups to avoid other medical complications.

Getting your teeth regularly checked offers several benefits:

Prevents future problems

One of the advantages of regular dental appointments is that the dentist can detect nascent stage problems that could develop into larger problems later on. For example, if they find a little cavity, they can treat you right away. Many people suffer from plaque accumulation and gum disease that go undiagnosed because they don’t see a dentist soon enough. A dentist can also look for signs of mouth cancer or other severe disorders.

Prevents gum disease

The early phases of gum disease, for the most part, are symptomless. This makes it difficult to identify gum disease in a person’s mouth. On the other hand, dentists can quite easily detect early on-set gum disease. The dentist will evaluate the gums for firmness during a routine check-up. Swelling, receding gums, and deep gum pockets will all be examined. If the dentist notices any of these concerning symptoms, the underlying reason will be addressed.

Prevents bad breath

It’s not a mere case of morning breath or eating too many onions when you have persistent foul breath. After consistently practicing poor oral hygiene habits, a condition known as halitosis might develop. This is not a problem you should ignore or try to solve on your own. Regular visits with your dentist help identify what is producing the odor and how to address it. It could be a medical emergency that has to be addressed right away.

Prevents oral cancer beforehand

A dentist will examine the teeth and gums and look for indicators of oral cancer invariably during your every visit. This is excellent news because oral cancer can quickly progress to a life-threatening condition if left unnoticed. Thus, a person who visits the dentist every six months has a low risk of developing late-stage oral cancer.

Are you prepared to reap the benefits of routine dental visits?

For some people, picking up the phone and making a dentist appointment can be daunting and downright terrifying. Consider all of the advantages of regular dental check-ups and how skipping too many might affect your general health and well-being.

Is it time to see a dentist once more? Are you looking for compassionate professionals to help you overcome your dental phobia?

Do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Bravo! Dental if you have any questions, concerns, or require medical assistance. Keep your oral health on track with our comprehensive dental check-up plans. Call us now!