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Around the end of the year, many people start to realize they don’t know as much as they should when it comes to their insurance benefits. For example, many people don’t realize that most dental insurance plans operate on a yearly basis, and any unused benefits may expire on December 31st. At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, we’re here to help you make the most of your dental insurance before the year ends. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your plan and keep your smile healthy and bright.
Understanding Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Although it’s called insurance, almost all dental insurance policies are actually benefit plans, meaning they offer coverage for treatments up to a certain dollar amount each year, known as the annual maximum.
In other words, you have a set amount of money your plan will pay for treatments each year. These benefits help pay for treatments like cleanings, exams, x-rays, and sometimes more complex procedures such as fillings, crowns, or root canals.
If you don’t use these benefits before the end of the year, any remaining money you could use for care expires when your policy rolls over. That’s why many people start to book appointments towards the end of the year. If you’ve been paying for insurance the entire year but haven’t yet booked an appointment, it’s possible you might lose your hard earned money if you don’t use it before the end of the year.
Why Do Dental Insurance Benefits Expire?
Most dental insurance plans follow a calendar year, meaning they reset on January 1st. If you haven’t used up your benefits by the end of December, any remaining coverage will not roll over to the next year. For example, if your plan covers up to $1,000 in treatments each year and you’ve only used $500, the remaining $500 will be lost once the year resets.
By using your benefits before they expire, you can get the care you need without paying more out of pocket next year. Contacting your dental insurance provider is the best way to find out when your plan rolls over and how much money you have left in your benefits for the year.
At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, we want to help you get the most value from your dental insurance and keep your oral health in top shape. Our financial coordinators are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance benefits whenever possible.
Tips to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits before the year ends can save you money and help you stay on top of your dental care. Here are some tips to get the most from your plan.
- Use All Your Preventive Care Benefits
Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings and exams per year. Some policies cover extra cleanings, which is especially helpful if you have gum disease or if you just want your smile to always look its best.
If you haven’t had both of your check-ups yet, make sure to schedule an appointment before the year ends. Regular cleanings and exams can help prevent more serious (and expensive) issues and keep your smile sparkling and stain-free.
- Plan for Larger Treatments
If you need more extensive dental work like fillings, crowns, or root canals, now is a good time to take care of it. By completing these treatments before the end of the year, you can use up any remaining benefits. And if you need additional care, you can plan to use next year’s benefits for follow-up visits.
- Split Treatments Between Years
Sometimes, larger treatment plans can be divided between the end of one year and the beginning of the next. For example, if you need several crowns, you may be able to complete some of them in December and the others in January. This way, you can use both this year’s and next year’s benefits for the same treatment plan, reducing your out-of-pocket costs and maximizing your benefits.
Other Dental Financing Options
If your dental insurance doesn’t cover everything you need, such as if you need cosmetic dentistry treatments, there are other ways to make dental care more affordable. Here’s a look at some options that might work for you.
Using and FSA for Dental Care
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a great way to pay for dental treatments using pre-tax dollars. If your employer offers an FSA, you can set aside money to cover out-of-pocket dental expenses. Keep in mind that FSA funds typically expire at the end of the year, so it’s smart to use them before they’re gone.
Using an HSA for Dental Care
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is another option for covering dental expenses with pre-tax savings. HSAs are available if you have a high-deductible health plan, and unlike FSAs, the funds roll over each year. This makes them a flexible way to save for dental care, both now and in the future.
Third-Party Dental Financing
If you’re facing larger expenses or procedures that aren’t fully covered by insurance, third-party financing might be a good option. Companies like CareCredit, Proceed Finance, or Sunbit offer low or no-interest financing for dental care, allowing you to break up payments into more manageable amounts. This can be especially helpful for big treatments like dental implants or orthodontics.
We Offer Flexible Payment Plans to Make Affordable Dentistry in Arizona as Easy as Possible
At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, it’s our goal to make it easy to find affordable dentistry near you in Phoenix and Gilbert without sacrificing the quality of your care. However, we understand that dental costs can be a major obstacle for many people.
That’s why we offer flexible payment plans and financing options to help make your care more affordable. Our team is here to work with you to find a payment option that fits your budget, so you can get the care you need without the stress. We’re healthcare providers first and foremost, and we’ll do what it takes to ensure you get the care you need.
Planning for Next Year’s Dental Needs
As you make the most of your dental insurance benefits now, it’s also a great time to plan for next year. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Schedule Early Appointments: Start the new year off right by scheduling your first cleaning and exam as soon as possible. This will help you stay on track with preventive care and ensure you don’t miss out on your annual benefits.
- Plan Your FSA Contributions: If you have an FSA, think about how much money you might need for dental care next year. Planning your contributions based on anticipated treatments can help you budget better and avoid losing money at the end of the year.
- Think About Future Treatments: If you know you’ll need more extensive dental work, like braces or dental implants, talk to us about how to plan your treatments. We can help you understand how to use your benefits over the next year to make these treatments more affordable.
At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, we’re always here to help you understand your options and make the most of your dental benefits.
