If you’re like most people, you know that dental insurance is designed to save you money, but you’re not quite sure how to make the most of it. After all, dental insurance can be confusing, which causes far too many people to overpay for or even avoid getting the care they need. Luckily, all it takes to maximize dental insurance benefits is to learn a few basic concepts. Below, a dentist in Fairfax shares four easy tips to make the most of your benefits and save money while keeping your smile healthy.
1. Know Which Types of Care Are Covered
While medical insurance is primarily used after a health issue has developed, dental insurance prioritizes preventing problems in the first place. To that end, most dental plans follow a similar structure when it comes to which types of treatment are covered. Every plan is different, but you can typically expect:
- Preventive and diagnostic care, like exams and cleanings, to be 100% covered.
- Minor restorative treatments, like cavity fillings, to be covered at 70-80%.
- Major procedures, like root canal therapy or dental crowns, to be covered up to 40-50%.
2. Don’t Skip Your Regular Checkups
The vast majority of dental insurance plans will completely cover the cost of two routine checkups and cleanings per year. Keeping up with these quick, easy visits is one of the simplest ways to minimize your dental bills. Not only do they usually come at no extra cost to you, but they also reduce your risk of needing expensive procedures by allowing your dentist to diagnose and treat oral problems early on. If you haven’t attended your second checkup of 2021, now would be the time to schedule it!
3. Get Any Additional Treatments You Need Before 2022
Once you’ve paid your deductible, your insurance company will put a certain amount of money toward your care (based on the coverage guidelines described above). This amount, called your annual maximum, expires when the year ends, and any unused benefits will most likely NOT carry over. If you need any dental treatments beyond a routine checkup and cleaning, schedule them before 2021 ends. That way, your annual maximum won’t be going to waste.
4. Ask for a Pre-Determination of Benefits
Before going through with a procedure, ask your dentist’s team for a pre-determination of benefits. They’ll send an estimate of your treatment costs to your insurance company, who will reply with a statement that breaks down how much coverage they’ll provide. By doing this, you won’t be faced with any unpleasant surprises when it comes time to pay your dental bills.
Dental insurance is an investment for sure, but it’s definitely one that’s worth making! To learn more about making it affordable to maintain a healthy smile, give your dentist a call.
About the Practice
If you have dental insurance, you can count on being able to save at MJM Family Dentistry. We’re in-network with many leading dental plans, including BlueCross BlueShield, but we’re happy to file claims for out-of-network patients as well. Our team would love to help you enjoy a healthy smile without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a Delta Dental dentist in Fairfax, reach out to us by calling 703-934-5540.
