Dental insurance is an invaluable way to save money on oral healthcare costs; but for maximum returns it must be utilized correctly in order to maximize savings.
Group plans are generally less costly than individual policies, providing access to dentists in-network with lower annual maximums and knowing their frequency and limitations.
1. Schedule Your Cleanings and Checkups Regularly
Have you seen your dentist recently for a checkup and cleaning? With life being so hectic, it can be easy to put off this important visit, yet regular dental visits are important not only in keeping teeth and gums healthy but also in early detection and treating any potential issues before they become difficult or more expensive to address.
If you have dental insurance, preventive visits are likely covered in full. Now is an excellent time to schedule your second preventive visit of 2023; don’t delay! When visiting, make sure that each time, track your treatment by reviewing your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). This will give you an accurate picture of when your annual maximums are being reached.
2. See an In-Network Dentist
Dental insurance providers like Secure Dental generally only work with dentists listed as in-network. This means they have agreed to work with them at a pre-established fee for certain procedures.
An advantage for patients is that fees tend to be significantly less than what a dentist would charge at their office, although it should be noted that not all dentists accept all types of insurance policies and you must verify eligibility before scheduling an appointment.
Start by visiting your insurance provider’s website or calling directly the dentists to see if they accept your plan. Many insurers also include lists of participating providers on their websites, making this an efficient way of narrowing down the field of choice.
3. Keep a Close Eye on Your Deductible
Many patients fail to fully utilize their dental insurance benefits due to not fully understanding coverage limits and deductibles.
A deductible is the initial out-of-pocket expense you incur before your dental plan covers costs for treatments and procedures. Most plans also contain annual maximums to limit how much will be covered each year by certain procedures.
If you’re uncertain when your deductible resets or annual maximum is, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist! They’re experts at making the most out of your benefits. Also, keep in mind that dental insurance policies typically operate either on a calendar year or fiscal year basis and keeping track of when both resets can save money from being wasted on covered services.
4. Schedule Treatment as Soon as Possible
Many people pay for dental insurance but don’t really understand how best to use it. If you have a PPO dental plan with an annual maximum limit, then tracking treatment and claim costs is crucial in order to not exceed them before the year has concluded.
Since most dental plans operate on a calendar-year basis, unused benefits will expire at the end of 2021. If you know you’re close to reaching your annual maximum benefit limit, schedule any remaining treatments early next year so as to maximize their use by 2021 and gain maximum value from each dollar spent. This way, your benefit dollars go further!
5. Take Advantage of Your Flexible Spending Account
Many people obtain their dental coverage through their employer, but you can also buy it on your own. To find a plan that meets both your budget and oral health needs, it’s essential to understand how dental insurance works.
Once your annual coverage maximum has been met, any remaining costs will become your responsibility. In some cases, deductible or coinsurance payments must also be made before insurance will cover treatment.
To determine the right plan for you, begin by taking into account how much dentists charge for routine care such as twice-a-year cleanings and X-rays. Compare that cost against the premiums of various plans to see which offers more value for your dollar.
