As the year draws to a close, it’s crucial to take full advantage of your dental insurance benefits. Many insurance plans run on a calendar year, meaning any unused benefits typically don’t roll over to the next year. At DiGrazia Dentistry in Reno, NV, we encourage our patients to understand and utilize their benefits to ensure their oral health remains a top priority. Here’s how you can make sure you’re maximizing your dental coverage before time runs out.

Understanding Your Dental Benefits

It’s important to fully understand the specifics of your dental insurance plan to make informed decisions and ensure you’re not leaving any benefits unused as the year ends. Here’s how to navigate your dental insurance to maximize your benefits before they reset.

Check Your Coverage Limits

Each dental insurance plan typically comes with an annual maximum—the total amount the insurance company will pay for dental care within one year. If you haven’t reached this limit yet, you might have unused benefits. Review your plan details or call your insurer to find out how much of your maximum has been used and plan to use the remainder on any necessary treatments before the year’s end. This is especially important for expensive procedures, which might otherwise carry over into the next year when your deductible resets.

Know Your Deductibles

A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts to cover its share. If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, any additional covered treatments may be less expensive. This makes the end of the year an optimal time to consider getting any treatments that can be partially or fully covered by insurance. If your deductible resets on January 1, you would have to pay it again, so scheduling end-of-year appointments can save money.

Preventive Services

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services such as routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays, often without a deductible and at little to no cost to you. These services are key to maintaining oral health and can prevent more costly issues from developing. If you haven’t used these benefits, make an appointment as soon as possible. Utilizing these services fully can keep your overall dental costs down by catching potential issues early.

Common Procedures To Consider Before Year’s End

If you have dental work that you’ve been putting off, now is the time to act. Here are a few procedures you might consider to use your benefits effectively.

  • Fillings and extractions: If you’ve been delaying necessary fillings or extractions, schedule these procedures before the year ends to use your coverage.
  • Crowns and bridges: End-of-year is also a good time to finally get that crown or bridge you need. These can be significant expenses, and using your remaining benefits can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Preventative Care & Regular Checkups

Don’t underestimate the value of preventive care, which can prevent more serious and costly problems down the line.

  • Schedule a cleaning: If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, book another to make use of your benefits and maintain your dental health.
  • Complete any outstanding treatment: If you started a dental treatment plan earlier in the year, make sure to complete all recommended treatments before your benefits reset.

Planning For Next Year

Planning ahead is crucial for maximizing your dental benefits each year. By scheduling appointments early in the year, you can ensure that your regular checkups and cleanings occur without delay. Additionally, if you anticipate needing more extensive dental work, it’s wise to start planning now. Take the time to familiarize yourself with what your insurance will cover in the upcoming year and set a budget accordingly. This proactive approach not only helps in maintaining optimal dental health but also in managing your financial responsibilities effectively.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Go To Waste—Visit DiGrazia Dentistry In Reno, NV

Time is ticking on your unused dental benefits, and at DiGrazia Dentistry, we’re ready to help you get the most out of your coverage. Contact us today to discuss your dental needs and schedule any necessary appointments. Don’t let your benefits go to waste—use them before you lose them!