The holiday season has arrived and your calendar is filling up with obligations. But, even though your time is already limited, it might be worthwhile to add a few dental appointments to your schedule. You may not realize using up your dental insurance before end of the year could save you hundreds of dollars!!
1. Yearly maximums
Most dental plans have an annual dollar maximum. This is the maximum dollar amount a dental benefit plan will pay toward the cost of dental care within a specific benefit period (usually January 1st through December 31st). Anything above and beyond, you are responsible for paying the difference. Check your benefit booklet to find out what your maximum is. On average most are from $1000 to $2500. Once the New Year has come any unused benefits from previous year is lost.
This information is very valuable when it comes to planning financially for dental treatment. Example – If you see the dentist on Dec 1st and have treatment plan for $5000. Your insurance plan maximum is $1500. We’ll the good news is…if you have $1500 of treatment done in December you should be reimbursed $1500 if you have not used any for 2016. Then return the beginning of January for the remaining treatment done and receive $1500 from insurance your total out of pocket would be $2000. If you just waited until January you’re out pocket would have been $3500.
2. Get Treatment Before Your Annual Deductible Resets
Most insurance companies requires a deductible to be paid out of pocket to, before your insurance company will pay for any services. Depending on your plan, your deductible can vary in amount, however average deductibles are around $50 per year. When plans roll over to a new year, your deductible will also be reset.
3. Premiums
You are paying dental premiums each and every month and you should be taking full advantage of them. If you don’t think you require dental treatment, coming in every six months for a cleaning and exam is great for maintaining your oral health and preventing future dental problems.
4. Dental Problems Can Worsen
Nothing worse than having a tooth ache over the holiday season, seeing your dentist on a regular and preventive basis could potentially help you avoid this. If you still have benefits available before the end of the year, book yourself in for an appointment. Even if you do not have insurance delaying treatment can mean that you will encounter more expensive and extensive treatment in the future. The health of your mouth effect your overall health. Call your dentist and schedule an appointment now, so that cavities and other minor issues can be treated rather than them turning into larger problems.
Learn more about Dental Health – Visit Health Canada
No matter your age, dental condition, and if you have a million questions, Dr. Sims can assist you or your young children in a professional manner and loves answering any of your questions or concerns. Dr. Sims grew up in Grimsby playing basketball, so he’s always up for talking about the Raptors! He’s also a football fan - go Buffalo Bills! In his free time, if he’s not watching a basketball game or football game, you’ll likely find him working out, cooking (got any new recipe ideas?), and of course, spending time with his amazing family.
- Preventative Care Tips from Your Hamilton Dentists - August 8, 2024
- Can Tongue Tie Grow Back? - July 10, 2024
- What To Expect After Tongue-Tie Release Surgery - May 24, 2024
