As the weather starts to cool down here in Oklahoma, your mind is probably skipping ahead to the merriment of the holidays, and the idea of going to the dentist is likely the absolute last thing you’re thinking about. But, did you know this is actually the best time of the year to get the most out of your annual dental insurance benefits? Every year, millions of Americans leave billions of dollars in unused dental benefits on the table, and most are completely unaware of it! If you have dental insurance in Claremore and want to use it to save as much as you can on your dental care, keep on reading!
Use it or Lose it!
If you have dental insurance, then you already know it’s a fantastic way to save on your dental care every year. What you may not know, however, is that your plan has something called an annual maximum, which is the highest dollar amount of care your plan will cover per year. On average, this amount is typically about $1,000 per person.
The thing is, if you do not meet this maximum within the calendar year, that leftover money will not roll over to the next. So, for example, if you’ve had $500 worth of dental care covered by your plan so far this year, once January 1st, 2018 rolls around, that additional $500 will simply disappear and your annual maximum will reset.
Where will it go? Straight back to the insurance company.
Every year, Americans lose about 100 billion dollars in dental benefits simply because they don’t use all of their plan. For policy holders, this not only means billions of dollars in wasted deductibles and premiums, but it also means that they aren’t getting all of the essential care they need. Dental insurance benefits are primarily geared towards covering preventive services like checkups and cleanings, and by missing out on them, people leave themselves more vulnerable to developing dental problems that require more expensive treatments with higher out of pocket costs.
Go See Your Dentist Today and Save!
If you’re like 90% of average Americans with dental insurance, then it’s likely that you still haven’t met your annual maximum. That means there is still time to get deeply discounted dental care and make sure your teeth are perfectly healthy just in time for the holidays. Nothing ruins a holiday meal quite like a nagging toothache! By scheduling an appointment with your dentist before the end of the year, you’ll be maximizing your insurance, taking care of your smile, and you’ll have the peace of mind that nothing is wrong with your teeth.
If you are unsure whether or not you still have money left on your plan, simply give your provider a call and ask. They’ll definitely have the answer! If you still have some money left, be sure to schedule a dental appointment before January 1st to get the most out of your benefits before they reset!
About the Author
Dr. Ali Torabi is a general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist based in Claremore, OK. He currently practices at Flawless Smile Dentistry, and he strives to provide excellent dental care that is always affordable for the average family. To learn more about how you can save at your next dental appointment, he can be contacted through his website.
