Have You Used Your Dental Insurance Benefits This Year? | Dentist in McAllen, TX

December 31st will be here sooner than you think. If your dental insurance runs on the calendar year, now is the time to start using your benefits if you haven’t already. Every year, people lose hundreds of dental dollars that could have gone toward a brighter, healthier smile because they didn’t take the initiative in taking advantage of their insurance policy. If you don’t understand the difference that using your dental insurance can make, here are 4 reasons to use your benefits now instead of letting them expire.

1. The Yearly Maximum Won’t Roll Over

Most dental plans put a cap on the amount they’re willing to pay for dental care during the year. This is called the annual maximum, with each person covered under your policy having a separate maximum. The key thing to remember about the maximum is that you do not get to keep the money that is left over at the end of the year; it goes straight back to the insurance company while your policy resets. Thus, if you want to take advantage of the money that has been provided to you, you only have until the end of the year to do so.

2. Your Deductible Will Reset

In most cases, you need to pay a certain amount of out-of-pocket money called the deductible before you can enjoy the benefits of your dental plan. If you have already met your deductible for the year, then you won’t have to worry about it again until 2021. However, if you put off necessary dental care for too long, the deductible will reset, and your out-of-pocket cost for treatment will go up as a result. Scheduling your dental appointment now could save you time and money later on.

3. Your Dentist’s Fees Might Be Higher Next Year

Sometimes dental practitioners have no choice but to raise their rates in order to meet the rising cost of the materials and equipment necessary to run their business. As a result, your co-pay (the amount you pay in addition to what your insurance provides) might be higher next year. It’s generally best to go ahead and pay for treatment now instead of waiting to see if a price hike occurs.

4. Using Dental Insurance Means Getting Dental Care

Preventive checkups and cleanings help you avoid larger oral health problems later down the road; meanwhile, any issues that already exist will only get worse if they’re not addressed quickly. Seeing the dentist now can save you money on extensive, complex treatments later. Keeping your smile healthy and intact is perhaps the most important reason to make sure your dental benefits are being used!

Call your dentist today if you have a question about insurance or are ready to schedule your next appointment. Take the initiative in using your dental insurance now so that you can enjoy the savings in the long run!