We only have a couple of months left before we ring in 2020. Although that’s something to celebrate, something that isn’t exciting is that you don’t have much time left to maximize your dental insurance benefits in St. Albans. If you have any dental work you need to get done, now is definitely the time to do it. Continue reading to learn why you’re better off getting that procedure done now instead of waiting until January.
How Dental Insurance Works
When you sign up for dental insurance, you agree to pay monthly premiums (or you agree to have them taken out of your paycheck). In order for your insurance company to start paying their share of your care, you have to meet your deductible, which essentially means you have to attend your regular six-month checkups and cleanings. You should also try and meet your annual maximum, which is the highest dollar amount that your insurance company will pay for your care.
If all of this sounds confusing, don’t worry. Just ask the team at your dentist in St. Alban’s office, or call your insurance company, and they should be more than happy to explain how dental insurance works.
What Services Are Usually Covered?
Unlike general medical insurance, dental insurance is focused more on preventive care rather than treating problems as they arise. Your policy is very likely to cover preventive services like checkups and cleanings at least 80%, if not fully. They’ll probably pay 70-80% percent for minor restorative treatments like filling, and between 50-70% for major restorative procedures like root canals, dental crowns, or dentures.
Seeing your dentist every six months is crucial in keeping your teeth and gums healthy while also taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits. You are preventing problems from developing the future and saving yourself a significant amount of money in the long run.
Why Use Your Benefits Before the End of the Year?
Once January 1, 2020 rolls around, all of your unused 2019 benefits do NOT roll over. They go right back to your insurance company. Both your deductible and your annual maximum are reset back to zero.
Once you meet your deductible, you can get pretty much any procedure you might need at a significantly lower cost. So, if you need some kind of treatment done, now is the perfect time of year to get that taken care of. Don’t wait till the new year and pay more money for the exact same treatment!
You’re already paying for coverage, so why not use it? Don’t lose money as we ring in 2020. Take charge of your oral health and get any necessary dental work done before the new year rolls around. Your wallet and your mouth will thank you.
About the Author
Dr. Tyler Aten is an emergency dentist in St. Albans who obtained his doctorate from the University of Connecticut and then completed a General Practice Residency at St. Francis Hospital, where he was honored as the Resident of the Year. He is trained in IV and oral conscious sedation as well as advanced dental implant procedures. His practice, St. Albans Dental, is in-network with numerous dental insurance plans. To learn more, contact Dr. Aten at (802) 524-4844.