Before Your Dental Insurance Runs Out
Dental insurance can have a lot of advantages and it’s important to make the most of them. Many people don’t know that a lot of dental insurance benefits expire at the end of each year before the plans renew for the next year. Here’s what you need to know before your dental insurance runs out.
You Could Be Missing Out on Free Cleanings
Most dental insurance plans cover two exams and cleanings per year, so it’s important to get those done before your dental insurance runs out at the end of the year. Dentists typically recommend cleanings every 6 months for healthy patients. Putting off those cleanings can actually cause you to miss out on cleanings that are covered by your insurance. These cleanings are preventative and can save you from having issues in the future. Why not get them while they’re covered, before your dental insurance runs out, rather than potentially having to pay for them out of pocket later?
The 100-80-50 Plan
Many insurance companies structure their coverage around what’s called a 100-80-50 plan. What that means is that they provide 100% coverage for preventative care, 80% coverage for basic procedures such as filling cavities, and only 50% coverage for more serious treatments such as root canals or tooth removals. What this means for you is that prevention and early treatment is crucial to making the most of your plan. Taking advantage of your benefits each year can go a long way towards saving you money and stress in the future.
Matching Maximum Payouts
Insurance companies often promise a maximum payout limit annually that is lost at the end of the year if it is not used up completely. Contact your insurance or read up on the paperwork to find out what the maximum payout limit is with your plan. This way you can make use of that maximum payout before your dental insurance runs out and the money available to you expires at the end of the year.
Your Dentist Can Help
Your dentist can be a great help to you in discovering how to make the most of your insurance benefits. Talk with your dentist about which treatments or other dental care they recommend for you. Learning about the optimum level of care you should receive for your teeth can be a helpful tool to compare with your insurance plan’s coverage benefits so you can maximize the plan’s allowance before your dental insurance runs out each year.
You deserve the best care and both your dentist and dental insurance are designed to help you obtain that, so make the most of them! What better way to greet the new year than with a healthy, bright, and happy smile!
Call our Jacksonville Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998.
Dr. David Cole is a graduate from the University of Arkansas, receiving his degree in 2016, and is a huge Razorback fan! He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee where he received his D.D.S. in 2021. He looks forward to getting to know the Central Arkansas area, and serving his community!
Dr. Rasmussen is a Hot Springs native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 (Go Bears). After receiving his D.D.S from The University of Tennessee in 2021, he is looking forward to serving the central Arkansas community and the wonderful people who live here.
Dr. James Cooper was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He studied at the University of New Mexico and graduated from dental school from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. After 2 years of dental experience with the Army, Dr. Cooper moved to Jacksonville in 1973 to practice dentistry.