4 Top Reasons To Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before They’re Gone

It goes without saying that once you’ve paid for something, you want to use it. But you may be surprised at how many people pay a monthly premium for dental insurance and either don’t use it or underuse it. In fact, the American Dental Association found that the average dental insurance benefit is $1,250, but that most people only get around $300 of dental work each year. That means that once your plan year ends, the insurance company keeps around $900 that could otherwise be used for your dental care! Keep reading to learn about 4 additional reasons to see a dentist ASAP, before your plan expires at the end of the year.

1. You Won’t Risk Having Less Coverage Next Year

Dental insurance plans can change a lot each year. You may have great benefits in 2019, but what you’ll have in 2020 is less certain. Not to mention that your premium and deductible may go up as well. One of the best things you can do to take advantage of your current plan is to schedule your appointments now, before it expires. By waiting until 2020, you may pay more for the same services you could get in 2019 for less.

2. You Can Take Advantage of a Paid Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money you must pay before your dental insurance “kicks in” (although it typically doesn’t apply to preventive services like checkups). If you’ve already paid your deductible for 2019, it’s a good idea to schedule any unfinished treatment now, rather than later. You’ll spend less out of pocket because you won’t have to pay your deductible again at the beginning of next year to get the same treatment.

3. You’ll Prevent Major Dental Problems

Dental insurance differs from medical insurance in an important way: It’s designed to help you avoid major dental problems by covering preventive care at 100% (or close to it). Seeing a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is not only essentially free, but also the best way to make sure problems are found when they’re small and easy to treat. If you wait until you’re in pain, the chances are good that you’ll need more extensive dental work like a dental crown or root canal.

4. You Won’t Lose Your Yearly Maximum

A yearly maximum is the amount your insurance plan will spend on your dental work each year. It’s usually between $700 and $1,500, which is quite a bit that can go towards improving the health of your teeth and gums. But don’t make the mistake of thinking it rolls over. If you don’t use it by the time your plan expires, you’ll lose it.

This year, use these 4 reasons as motivation to schedule your dental appointments and avoid losing end of year dental insurance benefits. You’ll not only greatly improve your oral health, but you’ll do it as affordably as possible.

About the Author

Dr. Alex R. Goodman is an award-winning general, cosmetic, and restorative dentist and a graduate of the University of Alabama. His office is in-network with Delta Dental, UMR, and BlueCross BlueShield, and his team is always available to help their patients get the most from their plans. If you have any questions about your dental insurance, you can reach Dr. Goodman via his website.