Maximize Your 2019 Dental Benefits Before 2020

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The end of the calendar year provides an opportunity to prepare for a new year with new goals and plans, but it also means a chance to improve your oral health. Most health and dental insurance plans reset in January, and many patients leave valuable benefits unused. 

The insurance benefits team at Ridgetop Dental Group in Reston, VA can help you make the most out of your dental benefits before the end of the year. If you’ve been putting off a restorative or cosmetic dental treatment, read on to learn reasons to consider an appointment before the new year.

1. Deductibles

Many people meet their deductible by the end of the year, meaning that any costs over the deductible limit are paid by your benefits. Once you’ve met your deductible, consider scheduling an appointment to discuss a procedure you’ve been putting off. Our insurance benefits specialists can help you figure out what your insurance does and does not cover.

2. Overlapping Years

One way to reduce out of pocket costs is to schedule a series of dental procedures in overlapping years. You can schedule them to start before, and finish after, the start of the new year. This way, you can dip into the benefits of two plan years without a long wait in between.

3. The Yearly Maximum

Most dental insurance plans have an annual coverage cap, usually around $1,000 to $1,500 per person. This coverage renews every year. Since this amount resets in January and does not carry over, you should utilize up to this maximum for your dental care.

4. Fee Increases

Occasionally, practitioners must increase their fees due to rising overhead costs. Making an appointment in December can help ensure you don’t have to pay a higher price if your provider increases their prices in the new year.

5. Monthly Premiums

If you are paying monthly premiums for dental insurance, you should be using those benefits. Many people regard dental insurance as a safety net against high costs related to unexpected emergency dental procedures. If you don’t currently have any serious dental concerns, however, you should use your benefits to have routine services such as cleanings to detect minor issues before they become serious.

6. Utilize Tax-Free Funds

If you have been contributing to a flexible spending account (FSA) to cover health and dental costs, it’s a good idea to use the entire deduction amount for the year. Otherwise, you will forfeit any unused FSA dollars, unless your employer has a rollover option. A health savings account (HSA) also offers an opportunity to improve your oral health without tax penalties.

7. Dental Problems Will Get Worse

Avoiding dental treatment often results in poor oral health. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to require even more complex treatment in the future, so it’s a good idea to nip problems in the bud. Insurance providers are more likely to cover minor restorative treatments as opposed to more invasive procedures.

To learn more about the insurance and payment options we accept at Ridgetop Dental Group in Reston, VA, call our offices or schedule an appointment online.

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