Take Charge of Your Dental Health
As the year draws to a close, it’s a crucial time to reflect on many things, including your health and wellness routines. One important aspect often overlooked is dental insurance. If you’re covered under a dental insurance plan, you might have benefits that are about to expire. At French Smiles in Snellville, we encourage our patients to make the most of their dental insurance benefits before they reset at the end of the year. Here’s why it’s essential to use your dental insurance benefits and how you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your plan.
1. Yearly Maximums
Most dental insurance plans have a yearly maximum, which is the most money that the dental insurance will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by insurance company but typically resets every year on January 1st. If you haven’t used up your yearly maximum, those funds will not roll over into the next year. Using these benefits before the year ends is a smart financial move to ensure you do not lose out.
2. Premiums
If you are paying premiums for your dental insurance, you should be utilizing your benefits. Even if you don’t have significant dental issues, you should still visit French Smiles for regular checkups and cleanings, which are usually covered by dental insurance plans. These preventative visits can help to avoid dental issues that can become more serious and costly if left unattended.
3. Fee Increases
Another reason to use your benefits before the end of the year concerns potential fee increases. At times, dental offices adjust their rates at the start of the new year due to the increased cost of living, materials, and equipment. Additionally, your dental insurance may also change the terms of coverage. Utilizing your benefits before these potential increases can save you money on dental care.
4. Dental Problems Can Worsen
Postponing dental treatment is risky. What might currently be a minor issue could worsen if not addressed promptly. For instance, a small cavity can turn into a root canal problem or a severe infection if ignored, leading to more extensive and expensive treatment. Using your dental insurance to address issues early can prevent more severe health problems and save money in the long run.
5. Fully Utilize Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount of money you pay out-of-pocket for your dental expenses before your insurance kicks in. Once your deductible is met, your dental insurance covers any subsequent dental work for the remainder of the policy year. If your deductible resets at the start of the calendar year and you’ve already met it, any additional dental work done before the year’s end may result in lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
6. Flexible Spending Accounts
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) tied to your dental insurance, remember that these funds often expire at the end of the year. Check the specifics of your FSA, as not all plans allow you to carry over unspent money to the next year. Scheduling an appointment at French Smiles can help you utilize these pre-tax dollars before you lose them.
7. Peace of Mind for the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for joy, not for dental emergencies. By using your dental insurance benefits to perform routine check-ups and address any outstanding dental issues now, you can enjoy your holidays without worrying about unexpected dental pain or complications.
How to Make the Most of Your Insurance
Here’s how you can ensure that you are maximizing your dental insurance benefits:
- Schedule an Appointment Soon: With the end of the year approaching, now is the time to schedule a check-up or necessary procedures at French Smiles.
- Review Your Benefits: Take a moment to understand what your dental insurance covers. If you have questions, our staff at French Smiles can help you understand your benefits better.
- Prioritize Your Dental Needs: Discuss with your dentist what treatments you might need and prioritize those that are urgent or can be covered before your benefits reset.
Don’t Wait!
Remember, dental health is a crucial part of your overall health. If you haven’t yet taken full advantage of your dental insurance benefits at French Smiles, now is the time to do so before they expire. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and ensure that you enter the new year with a healthy, bright smile. Don’t let your 2023 dental benefits go to waste – your smile will thank you!
