How much money is wasted each year on unused dental benefits? Let’s take a look. According to the American Dental Association, Americans with dental insurance receive an average of only $323 of dental treatment each year. But most plans have annual maximums of $1,250, so $927 is left unused. Multiply that by the 164 million people who have private dental insurance, and the grand total in lost dental benefits is $152 billion! Most benefits don’t roll over from year to year, which means there is a bit of money getting left on the table. How can you help avoid such waste? Call your dentist today and schedule a dental checkup!
Benefits Don’t Last Forever
If your dental insurance plan is like most, then your benefits probably expire at the end of each calendar year. So when January 1, 2019 rolls around, your unused benefits will no longer be available. If you have dental insurance benefits, you should use them over the next two months before they expire. After all, you must pay monthly or annual premiums for your dental insurance, so why not use all of your benefits?
Maximize Dental Benefits
Whether the dentist you choose is in your network or not, most dental practices are glad to file your claim forms. This way, you know that you will receive the full amount that you are owed. In addition, this allows the dentist to maximize your dental benefits with a plan for treatment.
Take Care of Your Smile
Dentistry is meant to prevent problems, and your dental insurance coverage is designed to support this by covering preventive care at 100 percent. If the dentist and his team are able to stop problems from developing in the first place, then you are on your way to a lifetime of good oral health.
Of course, you must schedule regular dental cleanings and exams. These appointments are when the dental team can rid your teeth of plaque, bacteria and other debris that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Furthermore, if they do find a problem—a cavity, a cracked tooth, a loose filling, gum disease—treating as soon as possible is always preferable to treating later.
Take full advantage of your dental benefits so you can ring in the New Year with a beautiful smile! Call a dentist today to schedule a dental checkup.
About the Author
A graduate of the University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Charles Walker has more than 30 years of experience practicing dentistry. He is committed to offering the finest dental care and accepts a number of dental insurance plans to help make the cost more affordable. Dr. Walker can be reached for more information through his website.