How to Maximize Your Insurance Benefits?

By: Dr. Boyer October 27, 2020

Many dental insurance plans are based on the calendar year, ending on the 31st of December each year. If that is the case for your policy, you are running out of time to utilize the benefits of a dental insurance plan.

Most Americans only visit their dentist in Simi Valley when they absolutely need to - either when they a toothache or an infection. But did you know that your insurance plan comes with several “free” benefits that you can utilize to ensure optimal oral health? Unfortunately, many Americans are not aware of this, and they fail to use their insurance benefits each year. According to the National Association of Dental Plans, around 87% of Americans never utilize their yearly insurance benefits.

As the year 2020 comes to an end, you still have a chance to make the most out of insurance benefits before your policy ends. This article explains how you can maximize your dental insurance benefits to ensure that you retain those pearly whites throughout life, without having to pay more than what you have already paid for:

• 1. Use your Checkups and Cleanings

  Most insurance plans in the US offer free dental checkups and cleanings twice a year as a part of the policy. If you have not been utilizing these free visits, you miss out on an excellent opportunity! These twice-yearly visits will cost you nothing, but they will pay you a lot in the longer run. Not only will you get the peace of mind that your teeth and gums are in optimal condition, but these preventive visits will also ensure that any underlying dental problems are treated before they require more expensive treatment.

• 2. Do not Avoid Restorative Treatment

  Many dental plans are structured according to the 100-80-50 model. This implies that your insurance plan will cover 100% of your preventive treatment while covering 80% of primary treatment, like fillings, and only 50% of the more expensive procedures like root canals and extractions. So, you see, the more you delay your free checkup visits (as a part of your insurance benefits), the more you will end up paying for your treatment! Why not regularly visit your dentist in Simi Valley for checkup appointments and avoid paying for fillings or root canals through your pocket altogether?

• 3. Match your Yearly Maximum

  Every dental insurance company sets a yearly premium for its customers, based on the plan they have bought. Typically, this premium varies between $1200 - $1500. You can utilize this money seeking dental treatment. If you do not use this premium, this money will ultimately go back into the insurance company’s pockets. So, why not utilize this premium so that it matches or exceeds your yearly limit?

According to the American Dental Association, about 77% of the US citizens had insurance coverage in 2016 - a number that is increasing each year. If you are among those lucky ones covered by an insurance plan, make sure that you make the most of it. Follow the tips mentioned above to ensure that you maintain excellent oral health and a pearly white smile - without having to spend anything out of your pocket, except the insurance payment, of course!

Don´t let your dental insurance expire. Please schedule your dental appointment before the year ends at Elite Dental Implant Center in Simi Valley, California call us at (805) 581-0144