Now that November is here and the long days of summer have come to an end, your calendar is quickly filling up with holiday plans and gatherings with friends and family. Although the holiday season is a great time to reconnect with loved ones and eat delicious meals, it’s also extremely busy. You’re being pulled in many different directions, and most days it feels like there’s just too much to do and not enough time.
Because the end of the year can be stressful, you’re probably not thinking about your dental insurance, right? At Blake Nelson, DDS, we understand how busy your schedule is, but we encourage you to take full advantage of any unused dental benefits before the new year arrives.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know before December 31st.
Understanding How Dental Insurance Works
Most dental insurance plans reset at the end of the calendar year and do not roll over to the following year. So, once January 1st arrives, you lose any unused portions of your coverage. This “use it or lose it” system means that it’s essential to understand your policy so you can get the most from the coverage you pay for.
Here are some important terms to understand:
- Annual maximum — Your policy likely has a yearly maximum, which is the amount your insurance company will pay during the calendar year. If you don’t use these funds before December 31st, you’ll lose them. With a quick phone call to our office, we can gather this information so you can plan accordingly.
- Deductible — This is the amount you have to pay before your insurance kicks in and pays for a percentage of any covered dental treatments. So, if you’ve met your deductible for the year, it’s a good idea to schedule dental treatments before the end of the year, since your insurance will pay a larger percentage of the total cost. Our dental team can help you find out how much your deductible is and how much of it you’ve met.
5 Tips for Maximizing Your Dental Coverage
There are some things you can do to maximize your coverage before the end of the year, including the following:
- Make every dollar count — Now that you understand how an annual maximum works, scheduling dental care before the end of the year helps you use available funds before they disappear. You spend your hard-earned money on dental insurance, so why not take advantage of every dollar that’s available to you and your loved ones?
- Schedule preventive visits — Most dental insurance coverage pays 100% for preventive dental care, allowing for two visits each year. And, you don’t have to meet a deductible! So, if you need a routine exam, professional cleaning, x-rays, fluoride treatment, or sealants, now is a great time to schedule those appointments. Only a professional cleaning can remove the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, so even if you brush and floss every day, you need this preventive care. You can go into the holiday season with whiter teeth, fresher breath, and healthier teeth and gums.
- Plan larger treatments in phases — Another way to get the most from your dental coverage is to plan your treatments over two different calendar years. For example, if you need a dental crown or clear aligners and still have funds to spend toward your annual maximum for this year, we can begin treatment in 2025 and complete treatment in 2026 once your yearly maximum renews.
- Address small issues now — At our Winston-Salem dental office, your oral health is our top priority, and we always think it’s best to deal with smaller problems before they worsen and become larger ones. This can save you money in the long run and keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy. So, if you have a cracked tooth or another issue that needs attention, consider making an appointment to avoid more extensive treatment later on.
- Beat the holiday rush — For most dental offices, November and December are busy months; many patients are trying to take advantage of their coverage before it expires. That’s why we encourage you to schedule your appointments now to get the best time slots. We’ll do whatever we can to accommodate your schedule and book you and your family at the same time. Appointments are going fast, so please don’t wait to call us!
Looking for a Dentist in Winston-Salem, NC?
If you’d like to learn more about your end-of-year dental benefits, or if you’re looking for a new dental home in Winston-Salem or the surrounding Piedmont Triad area, our experienced dental team will happily assist you! At Blake Nelson, DDS, we offer a wide range of services for your entire family, making it possible to receive all the care you need in one location.
To ask a question or schedule an appointment, please reach out to us at (336) 760-1277.
We look forward to hearing from you!
