Where did 2018 go? We hope you had a great year, full of fun adventures and awesome achievements. Now, you can start looking forward to all the wonders of 2019. But before you greet the new year, you may still have some things you need to accomplish this year. For example, you should make sure to put a visit to your dentist in Sparks on your calendar. Going in for a checkup will help you maximize your dental benefits.
Insurance Expires on December 31
Dental insurance typically works on a calendar-year basis. On January 1, you may be given a specific amount that you’re allowed to put toward approved dental procedures. Usually, this annual maximum is between $1,000 and $1,500, though some plans have an even higher limit. If you haven’t used that entire amount by December 31, the leftover portion expires. It doesn’t rollover to the following year.
If you don’t take full advantage of your insurance policy, you could be losing out on hundreds of dollars’ worth of benefits each year. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should feel obligated to get dental work done just for the sake of using your policy. However, you should attend regular checkups and utilize your benefits to get any recommended restorative work taken care of in a timely manner.
How to Maximize Your 2018 Dental Insurance
Here are a few tips to help you ensure that you are getting the most out of your dental benefits:
- Schedule a checkup now. Many insurance plans cover preventive care at 100 percent, so you might be able to get a cleaning and checkup for nothing out of pocket. If your exam reveals that you need some minor restorative work, such as a filling, you may still have time to use this year’s insurance to complete your treatment. Your commitment to stopping oral health problems in their early stages will also help you avoid a future visit to your emergency dentist in Sparks.
- Plan for major work. If you need significant dental work, the cost of the treatment might exceed your annual maximum. One way to lower your out of pocket cost is to break up the procedure across two appointments — and across two calendar years. You’ll therefore be able to use two annual maximums rather than just one.
- Combine your insurance with your flexible spending account (FSA). An FSA contains tax-free money that you can use for dental or medical purposes. The funds may expire at the end of the year, so it is best to use them as soon as possible.
- Ask for advice. The staff in your dentist’s office are experts on insurance. They’ll be happy to offer tailored suggestions on how you can get more out of your policy.
Don’t let your 2018 benefits go to waste! Visit your local dentist soon so you can get more out of your insurance policy.
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas is an experienced general and cosmetic dentist in Sparks who is happy to accept most forms of dental insurance. To learn more about Dr. Thomas and discover how our team can help you maximize your 2018 benefits, contact us at 775-626-3535.