As we step into roles caring for loved ones, ensuring their oral health often gets overlooked. Dental benefits are a crucial part of this care, but many people fail to use them fully, losing out on significant savings.
Why You Should Use Your Dental Benefits
Dental benefits typically renew each January, but many people don’t use their full allotment, resulting in wasted funds. Here’s why it’s essential to maximize these benefits before the year ends:
1. Don’t Let Unused Benefits Expire
Each year, your dental plan’s maximum coverage resets, and any unused funds are forfeited. Most plans offer between $1,000 and $1,500 annually. If you’ve been delaying treatment, you’re missing out on this potential savings.
2. Avoid Throwing Money Away
If you’re paying for dental coverage but only using it for cleanings, you’re not recouping much of your premium. For example, if your $400 annual premium covers $1,000 worth of treatments, and you don’t use it, you’re effectively wasting $600.
3. Take Advantage of Deductibles
Some plans have deductibles for extensive procedures like root canals or crowns. If you’ve already met your deductible this year, it’s smart to complete additional treatments before the plan resets.
4. Overlap Treatment Costs
For procedures that require multiple visits, like root canals followed by crowns, overlapping treatments between this year and next can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. This approach can help manage costs and address issues before they escalate.
5. Schedule Treatment Before Fees Increase
Dental practices often raise fees to cover overhead costs. By scheduling treatments now, you might avoid future fee hikes. This proactive approach can save you money and ensure timely care.
Action Steps to Maximize Your Benefits
- Schedule Appointments Early: Avoid the end-of-year rush by booking your appointments now.
- Review Your Coverage: Check for any outstanding treatments or procedures that could be covered by your plan.
- Use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): If available, use FSAs to cover additional costs beyond your dental plan’s coverage.
Whether you’re considering updating old crowns or addressing larger treatment plans, using your dental benefits effectively is like not wasting part of your paycheck. Ensure you make the most of your benefits before they reset, keeping both your mouth and wallet smiling!
Also Check : How Oral Health Impacts Your Overall Well-Being