Your employer deducts dental insurance from every paycheck. Or, your insurance company bills you for it every single month. Either way, you’ve paid for dental coverage all year long. But if you haven’t scheduled your checkup or made an appointment for the tooth that’s been hurting for months, you’re essentially throwing money away when January hits.
Here are some next steps you can take:
- Check your remaining benefits before December
- Schedule a cleaning and exam if you haven’t had one this year
- Ask your dentist about any treatments you’ve been putting off
- Look into your deductible status
Understanding How Dental Insurance Works
Most dental plans operate by the logic of the calendar year. Every year, at the start of the year, you get a yearly maximum amount that you can use for approved treatments. There’s also a deductible you have to meet before your coverage kicks in. And of course, you pay your monthly premium. Those are the three main components of most dental insurance plans: deductible, monthly premium, and yearly maximum. Preventive care, like cleanings and exams, is usually completely covered, so you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
These benefits, that you’ve paid for with your monthly premium and deductible, don’t roll over on January 1st. They disappear, and you’ll have to start from scratch. So let’s explore how you can make the most of your benefits before that happens.
Why This Matters for Your Wallet and Your Smile
Using your dental benefits before December 31st saves you real money. Letting your benefits expire without using them means that you are essentially donating money to your insurance company. Surely, your money can be put to better use! Alongside the financial implications, using those benefits now means getting preventive care that saves you from more serious issues down the road. A small cavity that you ignore might turn into more severe damage and a root canal. Catching dental problems early protects both your oral health and your budget.
Your future self will thank you for taking action now instead of dealing with a dental emergency that maxes out your insurance next year.
Call Your Dentist in Arlington, VA
You’ve already earned your dental benefits. Schedule an appointment with Clarendon Family Dentistry at (703) 522-8894 to take advantage of what you’re owed. Our team will review your insurance coverage, discuss any treatments you may need, and help you make the most of your remaining benefits. Let’s work together to ensure you get everything you’ve paid for this year!