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School is well in session, and Halloween is around the corner. Could the New Year be far behind? Yikes! All of this makes September the perfect time to think about dental insurance. Most dental benefits plans start over on January 1st. This means that any benefits you haven’t used in 2018 will expire when 2019 arrives. To avoid this, here’s some timely dental insurance advice from a dentist in Annapolis, including how to understand the details such as the yearly maximum, deductibles, changing rules and the impact on your dental health.
Meeting Your Annual Deductible
A deductible is the amount of money you are required to pay out of pocket before your insurance starts to pay for your dental care. The two dental cleanings and exams that you and your family members should have each year typically fall outside the deductible and are usually covered at 100 percent. Annual X-rays, dental sealants and fluoride treatments may also fall within this category. Check the details of your policy or ask an office staff member to help you.
Hit the Annual Maximum
Once you meet your deductible, the next goal is the annual maximum. Try to get as close as possible to that maximum in order to get the full value of your dental benefits. Talk to your dentist about your overall treatment plan. Maybe there is a restorative service that could be beneficial to your smile, but you’ve been putting it off because of the cost. Now could be a good time to have that procedure so you don’t forfeit your benefits when the New Year rolls around.
Beware of Changes to Your Plan
The details of your dental insurance plan can change from one year to the next. For instance, your deductible could increase or your maximum could be lowered. Therefore, it pays to take advantage of the provisions of your plan today to ensure your oral and general health.
Mind Your Oral Health
Sometimes a medical problem goes away on its own—not so much with a dental problem. Cavities get worse, cracks can deepen and tooth infections can become extremely painful. If you have an issue that needs attention, or if you haven’t had both of your annual checkups, you’ve got a few months to schedule an appointment before the end of the year. November and December are busy months in a dentist’s office and you want to use all of your insurance benefits, so call today!
About the Author
Dr. Earl Chambers leads the team of talented dentists at Chambers Family Dentistry. As a Cigna dentist in Annapolis, he is eager to help patients get the most out their dental insurance. If you need preventive or restorative dentistry before the end of the year, reach out to our office at 443-214-3119.