Dental insurance can be confusing, but we’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of your investment in oral health. Your dentist in Pasadena wants to remind you that most dental insurance plans are set on a calendar year, meaning that any unused benefits are set to expire when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve in two short months.
You and your family may be eligible for up to $1,500 worth of dental care per year after you have met your deductible. That’s a lot of money to put toward your smile — don’t let it go to waste!
How Dental Insurance Works
Most dental insurance plans are fee-for-service, meaning you are eligible for a certain amount of care in exchange for a payment you make monthly. Preventive care — like dental checkups, cleanings, and x-rays — is fully covered. The majority of basic restorative treatments is usually covered up to 80%. That includes fillings, periodontal therapy, and other services. You are usually responsible for 50% of the cost of more complex treatments or prosthetics, like crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, and dentures.
How We Help You Maximize Benefits
We want to make sure you get the most out of your investment in oral health! When you partner with us to maximize your dental insurance benefits, we will begin by performing a verification of benefits. That’s when we contact your dental insurance provider to determine whether or not you have any money left to use for the year. If so, we’ll examine your overall treatment plan to find out whether or not you need to complete or begin any restorative care.
Taking care of preventive services this year can also help you save money later on. It’s true that checkups and cleanings are 100% covered by your plan, but the cost of them will usually also count toward your annual maximum. If you don’t need any other treatment for the year, scheduling a preventive visit in 2017 can help you save money for next year — when you may need it more.
Act Now to Save!
November and December are always the busiest months of the year for a dentist’s office, as people get serious about improving their smiles before the holidays while also trying to maximize their dental insurance benefits. Act now to get the most convenient scheduling! And because many treatments take place over the course of several appointments, acting today can also help to ensure you complete your treatment plan before your benefits expire at the end of the year.
About the Authors
Dr. Kimber Holmes and Dr. Erica Revel are trusted providers of family dentistry for patients in and around Pasadena. To learn more about how dental insurance works at Pasadena Family Dentistry or to get started maximizing your benefits before the year ends, you are invited to contact the office at 713-946-5171.