As the end of the year approaches, calendars get busy with holidays and family events around Horsham, Hatboro, and beyond. But there’s one more important thing to keep in mind: your dental insurance benefits. Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year, meaning your annual benefits reset on January 1st. If you haven’t used all your allotted cleanings, exams, or treatment coverage, you could be leaving value on the table. Essentially, what you don’t use, you lose! At Horsham Dental Care, we want to help you make the most of your insurance benefits (you or your employer have paid for them, after all). Here’s why and how you should act now to maximize your coverage before it expires.
Yearly Maximums and Covered Services
Most dental plans have a yearly maximum – for example, $1,000 to $1,500 per person – that is the limit the insurance will pay out for your dental care within the year. They also usually cover two preventive visits (cleanings & checkups) per year at little or no cost to you. If you haven’t had your second cleaning for the year yet, now is the time to schedule it. Regular cleanings keep your smile healthy and help avoid more costly problems. And since you’re likely already paying premiums or it’s part of your benefits, not using a covered cleaning is like leaving money on the table. Additionally, if you’ve been delaying any treatments – like filling that cavity or starting a crown – doing it before December 31 can mean your insurance picks up a portion of the cost under this year’s benefits. Patients from North Wales to Willow Grove often schedule extensively in November and December for this reason, so appointments fill up fast. If, for instance, you need multiple fillings, you could get them done now using this year’s remaining benefits, rather than waiting and using next year’s. That way, next year’s benefits remain available for any new needs or further treatment.
Plan for Flexible Spending and Deductibles
Many people in Montgomeryville and Warminster also contribute to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) which may also have “use it or lose it” rules by year-end. These accounts can often be used for dental expenses. If you have FSA dollars left, it might be wise to invest in a nightguard for grinding, get that whitening treatment you wanted (if covered, or you can use FSA funds for it as a medical expense), or stock up on dental care items like special prescription fluoride toothpaste. Another factor is your plan’s deductible – the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for treatment before insurance starts covering a portion. If you’ve already met your deductible for 2023 (quite possible if you had some work done earlier in the year), any additional covered treatment this year would be paid by insurance at the agreed percentage without you having to hit the deductible again. Come January, a new deductible may apply. So completing needed treatment now can save you that initial cost.
Beat the Year-End Rush and Plan Ahead
It’s no surprise that dental offices get a flurry of appointments in late November and December as patients aim to maximize benefits. We encourage our Horsham Dental Care patients in Horsham, Ambler, and Hatboro not to wait until the very last minute. If you need an appointment, call us as soon as possible to secure a spot that works for you. If you’re not sure what remaining benefits you have, our friendly front desk team can assist in reviewing your insurance status and what is covered. We can also help prioritize treatments – taking care of any pressing issues first, and scheduling others for the new year if needed. And speaking of the new year, it’s smart to plan ahead for January and February appointments too, so you start 2024 strong with your preventive care. By being proactive now, you’ll end the year with optimal dental health and get the full value from your insurance.
Don’t let your hard-earned dental benefits go to waste. A healthy smile is the best gift you can give yourself heading into the new year. Call to Action: Contact Horsham Dental Care today to schedule your year-end dental visit. We serve patients across Horsham, Montgomeryville, Ambler, Willow Grove, and all surrounding areas. Our team will help you make the most of your insurance benefits before they expire – ensuring you finish the year with a bright smile and maximize your coverage!