Many insurance plans include provisions that try to shift the cost of dental care back onto you. However, the end of the year presents an opportunity for you to get the most out of your plan. If you want to get the most value out of your dental benefits, here’s why you should schedule a dental appointment with Drs. Paul Davis, Dakota Davis and Laura Drennan at Davis Family Dental Care in Bedford TX before the New Year.
- The Yearly Max
The average dental insurance plan has an annual maximum coverage cap. Usually, this amount is somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500 per insured, with the coverage amount renewing every year on the first of the year. Since this amount resets on January 1st, it makes sense to use up to your maximum if you can.
- Overlapping Years
If your dentist is recommending a series of costly related dental procedures lined up, it is possible to reduce your out-of-pocket costs by dipping into the maximums of two benefit years by scheduling them to start before – and complete after – the start of the New Year.
- Taxes
If your employer extends a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to its’ employees to contribute to out of their pay on a pre-tax basis, it’s in your best interest to use your entire deduction amount for the year. If not, you will be forfeiting any FSA contributions you haven’t use by the end of year deadline. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can also improve your oral health without suffering any tax penalties by using the balance.
- Deductibles
Most dental plans require you to pay a specific out-of-pocket amount before your benefits start paying. Once you’ve met your deductible, consider scheduling an appointment with Drs. Davis and Drennan for any procedure you may have been putting off. After all, once the benefit year changes, you’ll have to meet a brand new deductible.
- Monthly Premiums
If you have to pay monthly premiums for your dental insurance, you should be using your benefits. Many people treat their dental insurance like a safety net against high costs related to unexpected dental emergencies. But, even if you don’t currently have any serious dental concerns, you should still use your benefits to pay for routine services such as cleanings to treat minor issues before they become serious.
- Fee increases
Stemming from the increasing costs of materials or equipment, practitioners must raise their fees from time to time. As the New Year begins, it is standard for providers to review their pricing to ascertain whether fee increases are needed. If you wait until after the New Year, you may be saddled with a higher co-pay. It is recommended you schedule your appointment in December, before any potential fee increases.
- Dental Problems Will Get Worse
While it’s natural to delay doing things we don’t want to do, especially when it’s dental work that might be uncomfortable, the vast majority of dental issues will only get worse with time. Procrastination can lead to more discomfort and higher costs when you finally break down and seek treatment. If you go sooner rather than later, you may pay less for your treatment. On the other hand, if you wait, you may end up paying more and your dental insurance provider may not be willing to contribute as much.
To learn more about the insurance and payment options we accept at Davis Family Dental Care, call our offices at 817.382.8869.
