Your insurance provider has probably included restrictions in your dental plan to shift the cost of your care back onto you, the subscriber. However, the end of the year is a chance for you to play your insurance provider’s game against them and get the most out of your plan. If you’re looking to get your money’s worth out of your dental benefits, here’s why you should schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Byron C. Desbordes in Baltimore MD before the New Year.
- The Yearly Max
The average dental insurance plan has an annual maximum coverage cap. Usually, this cap falls somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500 per insured, with the coverage amount renewing every year on the first of the year. Since this amount resets in the New Year, it makes sense to use up to your maximum if you can.
- Overlapping Years
If your dentist has informed you of the necessity of a series of costly related dental procedures for you, it is possible to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by dipping into the maximums of two benefit years by scheduling them to start before – and complete after – the start of the New Year.
- Taxes
If your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to its’ employees to contribute to out of their pay on a pre-tax basis, it’s a smart move to use your entire deduction amount for the year. If not, you will be passing up any FSA contributions you haven’t use by the end of year deadline. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can also improve your oral health without suffering any tax penalties by using the balance.
- Deductibles
Often dental plans require you to contribute a specific amount of cash out-of-pocket towards your care before your benefits start paying for your services in full. Once you’ve paid your deductible amount for the year, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Desbordes for any procedure you may have been putting off. If not, you’ll have a brand new deductible to meet once the new year arrives.
- Monthly Premiums
If you pay premiums every month for your dental insurance, you should be utilizing those benefits. Many people relegate their dental insurance to acting as a safety net against high costs from unexpected dental emergencies that may arise. But, even if you don’t currently have any serious dental problems, you should still use your benefits. It’s a good practice to have routine services such as cleanings to treat minor issues before they become serious.
- Fee increases
Arising from the increasing costs of materials or equipment, practitioners must raise their fees from time to time. As the another year begins, it is standard for providers to review their pricing to determine whether fees need to be increased to cover costs. If you wait until January, you may be saddled with a higher co-pay. It is recommended you schedule your appointment in December, before any increases.
- Dental Problems Will Get Worse
While it’s understandable to put off doing things we don’t want to do, especially when it might be uncomfortable, most dental problems will only get worse with time. Putting off treatment can cause more discomfort and you may face higher costs when you finally break down and seek treatment due to the problem being more complicated. If you see your dentist sooner rather than later, you may end up paying less for your treatment. On the other hand, if you wait, you may pay more and your insurance provider may be unwilling to contribute as much if they feel the more complicated procedure was preventable.
To learn more about the insurance and payment options Dr. Desbordes accepts, call our offices at (410) 216-4023.