Think back to the last time you had a dental appointment. Did you receive a dental cleaning and an exam? Was this the first exam and cleaning you had this year? If you have dental insurance and you’ve only visited the dentist once this year, then it’s time for you to take another look at your plan and confirm your remaining benefits. With the end of the year right around the corner, you don’t want the insurance you paid for to go to waste!
Today, a dentist in Marlton is prepared to make using your insurance much easier.
Why You Need to Use Dental Benefits Now
Whether you get your dental benefits from the private marketplace or your employer, chances are they’re going to expire on January 1st. Any money you spent on your insurance plan will go to waste if it goes unused, as is often the case for dental insurance. According to a report from the National Association of Dental Plans, only 2.8 percent of PPO dental plan participants met or exceeded their annual maximum.
Furthermore, the average annual maximum is about $1,250. Based on a report from the American Dental Association, the average American with dental insurance only received $323 worth of dental insurance. That means over $900 is going nowhere other than back to the insurance company. To make the most out of these funds, you’ll want to schedule an appointment now while you still have time.
The First Steps to Maximizing Insurance
Start by contacting your insurance company or employer, depending on where you get it. Speaking to a representative, whether they be an insurance employee or HR manager, can help you clear up any questions you have about your plan. Clarify what benefits you have left as well as how far away you are from meeting your annual maximum.
You can also get in touch with a dental practice employee, particularly a treatment or insurance coordinator who’s experienced with dental plans. Once you know which treatments you need to get done, you can start planning the treatments effectively.
Start with Prevention and Go From There
Prevention is essential to avoiding expensive and extensive restorative treatments later on. These treatments include cleanings, exams, fluoride varnishes and X-rays to name a few. These alone can make a big difference in you and your family’s long-term oral health.
One of the best ways to maximize treatments is by creating a treatment plan with the dentist that extends into the following year. This way you can use the rest of your benefits from this year and continue your treatments going into the following year. Practices do this on a regular basis, especially for plans that typically require multiple visits anyway. Treatments like crowns, fillings and periodontal therapy can all be staggered to maximize your insurance and help you save money in the process.
Maximizing your insurance benefits is easy when you have experts to help. Schedule an appointment today to get started!
About the Author
While Dr. Kristin B. Petulla is not in-network with any insurance provider, she’s more than happy to file claims on your behalf and help you maximize your remaining benefits. To learn more about her practice, you can contact her through her website.