3 Ways to Maximize Your 2021 Dental Insurance Benefits
November 12, 2021
There is no denying it: prioritizing your oral health is important. After all, healthy teeth help you smile confidently, chew pain-free, and communicate clearly. Not to mention the direct link between your oral health and overall well-being. Fortunately, dental insurance helps make your care more affordable – if you use it properly, that is. If you’re unsure how, keep reading to learn a few tips to maximize your dental insurance benefits in 2021.
Tip #1: Schedule Your Second Checkup and Cleaning of 2021
If you’re insured, then your plan most likely includes two dental checkups and cleanings. That’s because dental insurance providers know how essential these visits are in preventing costly oral health problems, like cavities and gum disease. With that being said, if you skip one of these preventive care appointments, you don’t get a “bonus” one the following year. So, if your next dental checkup and cleaning aren’t on the calendar, use this as a reminder to schedule it!
Tip #2: If You Have Additional Available Benefits, Use Them!
While dental plans vary from patient to patient, many are centered around a 100-80-50 coverage structure. Basically, that means:
- 100% coverage of essential preventive care, like your six-month checkups.
- 80% coverage of minor restorative services, such as fillings.
- 50% coverage of major restorative treatments, like dental crowns.
If you don’t need any restorative care throughout the year, that’s great! If you do, however, and you have remaining available benefits, then don’t put off your treatment. After all, many dental plans reset on January 1st. So, any unused coverage (and your valuable dollars) goes to waste. In short, if you have benefits, use them!
Tip #3: Don’t Forget About Your Flexible Spending Account
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are an employer-sponsored benefit that allows you to set aside money for health-related expenses, like dental care. Although FSAs aren’t dental insurance, they usually do have some similarities, like timeframes on when you need to use the available funds. Therefore, if you are unsure of the dollar amount in your account, now is the time to ask! Your HR Manager (or the person who handles your benefits) should be able to help you.
Navigating the ins and outs of dental insurance can be overwhelming at first. Don’t worry – your dental team can help you understand your benefits. That way, you can use your valuable dollars to improve the health and beauty of your smile!
About the Author
Born and raised in DFW, Dr. Jonathan Aguilar is proud to use his extensive education, advanced training, and passion for dentistry to serve patients in and around Denton! He earned his dental doctorate at the Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry. At his office, he is proud to welcome dental insurance plans from many of the nation’s leading providers, including Delta Dental, MetLife, and Cigna! If you have a question about your dental insurance benefits or simply need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 940-566-5332.