Dental Benefits are offered by employers to help their employees get the dental care they need and reduce the associated costs. Dental benefit plans are not insurance in the traditional sense but are designed to provide you with assistance in paying for your dental care and maintain a health smile. Most dental plans have an annual maximum amount they will pay every calendar year, ranging from $500 to $3,000. The average yearly maximum or cap is $1500 for a standard PPO plan.
Most dental plans allow for two dental hygiene cleanings per year at little or no cost. This is a great way to care for your oral health and catch or prevent a problem before it becomes serious. A dental hygiene visit is one of the most important preventative steps you can take to maintain your smile for years to come and catch potentially serious conditions that will lead to loss of teeth, and or more costly procedures. If you have had a condition that has been treated and is stable, it is even more important to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Bad habits, wear and tear, and time can reverse progress made by completed treatment.
If you have dental benefits, you want to make sure that you are getting the most out of your plan. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your dental benefits and cover out of pocket dental expenses.
Use your dental benefits or lose them
Did you know that your dental benefits expire at the end of the year? Unfortunately, some people spend all year paying for their dental benefits and never fully take advantage of them. As mentioned before, you are given a maximum amount of dental benefits at the beginning of each year. If you don’t use it, you lose it. The money doesn’t roll over to the next year. If you need to see your dentist for treatment, be sure to utilize those funds before the end of the year. Using your dental benefits may significantly reduce the cost of your dental care.
Discuss your benefits with your employer or human resources department to make sure that you have a clear understanding about your coverage.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your dental benefits
When it comes to your dental benefits, ignorance is not bliss. You should discuss your benefits with your employer or human resources department to make sure that you have a clear understanding about your coverage. Your dental office may also be able to answer questions or provide more information about how you can get the most out of your dental plan.
Careful planning can help you maximize your dental benefits
By understanding your dental benefits you can maximize your plan and aid in questions you may have regarding treatment options. If you are due for a dental hygiene visit or have dental treatment pending, make sure to use your dental benefits before they expire.
Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts
Check with your employer and see if they offer a Flexible Spending or a Health Savings Account. This is pre tax money you set aside each year to help cover co-pays and other related medical and dental procedures. Remember, in most cases, any money left in these accounts at the end of the year is forfeited.
Other options to help with your dental care
If you currently don’t have dental benefits there are some great options available to help you get the dental care you need. One option is to sign up with care credit. They offer 0% interest financing. For more information visit www.carecredit.com.
Your Oral Health Can Affect Your Overall Health