Between planning the family Thanksgiving gathering and running around town shopping for Christmas presents, visiting the dentist may not be on the top of your to-do list. However, the final months of the year are often the ideal time to seek preventive dental care or even start a more extensive restorative treatment. Why? When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, any remaining dental insurance benefits from this year will vanish! However, it is still not too to still partner with a local dentist this fall to maximize your dental insurance benefits in Hoover. Doing so will benefit both your smile and your wallet!
Use It or Lose It
Each year, millions of Americans leave money on the table by not reaching their dental insurance plan’s annual maximum. This is the highest dollar amount an insurance provider will pay for dental care in a calendar year. Any leftover money at the end of the year does NOT roll over – instead, the insurance company gets to keep it and the amount is reset.
Don’t lose the dental insurance benefits for which you have already paid by not acting. Whether you have $75 or $750 left on your annual maximum, it is in your best interest to take advantage of your remaining benefits in 2019.
Two Time’s a Charm
Have you already been to a dentist in Hoover once this year for a checkup? That’s great! However, two time’s a charm when it comes to routine preventive dental care. Indeed, the American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist every six months for a dental exam and cleaning.
Regular visits to the dentist are essential to maintaining a healthy smile and preventing minor problems from going untreated. Most dental insurance plans cover basic preventive services 100%, so scheduling another appointment before the end of the year will likely cost you nothing at all!
Changes in Your Future?
Another reason to take full advantage of your 2019 dental insurance benefits is the fact that your plan may change substantially next year. Compared to medical insurance, dental insurance policies change much more frequently, with updates usually applied at the beginning of the year.
This means the premiums, deductibles and benefits you currently enjoy could look a lot different on January 1st, 2020! If you like your current coverage, take advantage of it by starting dental treatment now. If you wait until next year, you may end up paying more for the same benefits.
Don’t wait until you urgently need care from an emergency dentist in Hoover! Take preventive action now and maximize your 2019 dental insurance benefits. If you need help understanding the particulars of your insurance plan, do not hesitate to reach out to a local dentist – they will be happy to help!
About the Author
Dr. Marc Moulton has over 30 years of experience helping patients in Hoover access the quality dental care they need. His private practice, Moulton Dentistry, is in-network with most major dental insurance plans and even offers an in-office dental membership plan for those without insurance. Patients can learn more at the Moulton Dentistry website or by calling 205-988-3360.