How Can I Best Use My Dental Insurance In The New Year?

The New Year is almost here, and if you’re wondering how you can take advantage of your dental insurance benefits and get the most out of your plan, you’re not alone. So in this guide from Precision Dental, we’ll be taking a look at a few tips that can help you make the most of your insurance plan in 2021 and beyond! 

1. Schedule Two Preventive Appointments Each Year

Almost all dental insurance plans cover the cost of two preventive dental appointments each year, which means that you can get your teeth cleaned, get an oral exam, and get yearly x-rays at no out-of-pocket cost.

In most cases, this alone is enough to make up for the monthly premiums you pay for your dental insurance, since paying for preventive care out-of-pocket could cost you hundreds of dollars. So make sure that you an appointment at Precision Dental every six months

2. Understand Your Coverage For Other Dental Treatments 

Most dental plans follow a “100-80-50” coverage structure. This means that preventive care, such as oral exams and teeth cleanings, are 100% covered by the plan. Basic procedures like fillings and root canals are covered at 80%, while major treatments like bridges and crowns are usually covered at 50%, meaning you pay half of the cost of the treatment until you meet your deductible.

However, this can vary quite a bit depending on your insurer and your plan. If you want to maximize your dental benefits, it’s important to read your policy carefully and consult with your insurer to understand how much of your treatment will be covered at the dentist. This will allow you to make the most of your budget and your dental insurance. 

3. Take Advantage Of Your Deductible & Yearly Maximum

Dental plans have a yearly deductible, which can be anywhere from $50 to $500 or more, depending on your plan.

This is the amount you must pay “out of pocket” for covered services. Once you spend this amount of money, your dental plan will cover the remaining cost of your treatments until you hit your yearly maximum.

Your yearly maximum is a cap on the total amount your dental plan will pay toward your dental care, and it’s usually around $1,000 to $1,500. Once you’ve reached this point, you will pay the remainder of your costs out of pocket.

However, you can take advantage of this in some cases. For example, if you need two crowns and a root canal that will cost $2,000, you could get a root canal and one crown in December. Then, you would “max out” your plan. But in January, the plan will “roll over,” and you can get your second crown. 

By knowing your insurance plan and working with an experienced dentist, it’s easy to get the most out of your benefits, even if you have a high deductible or low yearly maximum.

Need Dental Care In Bowling Green? Come To Precision Dental! 

At Precision Dental, Dr. Bryan Packard and our team can help you make the most of your dental insurance plan. Contact us online or give us a call at 270-715-9214 to learn more and get started right away. We work with all major insurance companies and are always accepting new patients.