The new year is full of potential. Perhaps this is the year you reach your fitness goals, take the trip of a lifetime, or embark on a new career path. Whatever resolutions you’ve set for yourself, you might want to consider adding one more to your list: Use your dental insurance to the full in 2020. Let’s talk about how you can get the most out of your coverage so you can enjoy all the benefits of a healthy smile throughout this year and well into the future.
Plan to Use Your Annual Maximum
Most PPO plans work on a calendar year basis. Every January 1, your annual maximum, which is the most that your insurance company will pay out for approved services within the year, resets. That means you now have that entire amount to spend on your oral health.
You can plan to get the most out of your maximum by familiarizing yourself with how your policy works and what it covers. Then, you can work with the team at your dentist’s office to plan treatment in a way that best uses your benefits. Don’t wait too long to start planning — otherwise, you might miss out on hundreds of dollars’ worth of benefits when 2020 ends.
Schedule a Checkup Now
Some PPO dental plans cover two preventive appointments each year. In some cases, these visits are covered at 100 percent, which means you may not have to pay a dime out of pocket. However, if you wait too long to schedule this year’s first appointment, you might not have time to take advantage of your second appointment before December 31. If it has already been six months or longer since your last dental visit, now is the time to schedule a thorough checkup and cleaning.
Stop Dental Problems Before They Get Worse
Have you been feeling a twinge in one of your teeth lately, or have you noticed that your gums are a little sore? Such symptoms are signs that you may have a new dental problem. If you visit your dentist now to get those things taken care of, it’s likely that your annual maximum will be able to accommodate your procedure, and your out of pocket costs will be as low as possible.
However, if you wait too long to see your dentist, the problem may worsen and require more extensive treatment. Major services are typically covered by insurance companies at a lower rate than minor services, so delays will end up costing you extra money.
Your dental insurance is an invaluable asset. When you make the effort to use your policy to the full, both your smile and your wallet will benefit.
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Griffith is an accomplished dentist who graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in 1993. Ever since then, he has devoted himself to creating a comfortable, positive experience for patients. The team in Dr. Griffith’s office is happy to help patients understand and maximize their dental insurance. To learn more about our practice and how we can serve you, contact us at 606-874-9311.