Reminder: Use Your Dental Insurance Before It Resets!

You are probably already aware that your dental benefits will reset at the beginning of 2021 (assuming your plan is based on the calendar year). But did you know that you stand to save hundreds of dollars by using your benefits to the fullest extent possible before then? Many patients don’t realize this and end up losing money that they could have put to good use in protecting their smile. Since the end of the year will be here before you know it, now is the time to review the importance of using your dental insurance benefits while you have them!

How Dental Insurance Works

Your dental insurance company will set aside a certain amount of money called the maximum that can go towards your dental care during the year. If you keep up with the premiums and have already paid the deductible, your plan will pay a certain percentage for the dental services you receive. Normally, preventive care is paid for in full while restorative procedures usually receive about 50 to 80 percent coverage depending on whether or not they’re considered a “major” procedure.

Why It’s Important to Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits

If you don’t use the entire annual maximum before the end of the year, the insurance company will simply take back the money that was left over when your policy resets. In other words, if you don’t use your benefits, you lose them. Thus, it’s important to make sure you’ve gotten as much as you can out of your policy while this year’s money is still available.

Here are a few other advantages to using your dental insurance benefits now:

• You can save money on a procedure that you know you’ll need in the near future by scheduling it before you have to pay your deductible again.
• Your co-pay might be higher next year if your dentist is forced to raise their rates due to the cost of living and other necessary expenses.
• Dental problems tend to become more severe – and more expensive to treat – the longer they go unaddressed.

How to Use Your Benefits

The easiest way to use dental insurance is to schedule regular checkups and cleanings. Doing so will reduce the need for additional treatments in the future, which is why most insurance policies are willing to completely cover these services. In the event that you need a treatment that requires multiple appointments, it’s best to schedule the first one before the end of the year so that you can still use your current benefits; then, once your policy resets, you’ll have all of next year’s benefits to help you pay for the rest of the treatment.

There are still a few months between now and January 1st. If you haven’t already taken care of all your dental needs for the year, call your dentist today to schedule an appointment and start taking advantage of everything your dental insurance has to offer.

About the Author

Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky has had a successful dental career of almost 35 years so far, and he still loves the chance to see the wide smiles on his patients’ faces once they what their teeth look like. His practice is in-network with Delta Dental and can also help file claims for patients with other policies. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (215) 348-2224.