Don't Forget to Use Your Dental Benefits Before the End of the Year

You know dental care is critical, and you have excellent coverage with your dental insurance. Sadly, if you’re like 22% of insured people in the United States, you didn’t go to the dentist this year. That not only puts your teeth in peril, but it also means you’re leaving your hard-earned money on the table because your benefits don’t roll over to next year.

We can help you on both counts. 

At Preva Dental in San Antonio, Texas, Prathima Ramasetty, DDS, and our team provide comprehensive dental services and accept most insurances, including UnitedHealthcare, Delta Dental, Humana, Cigna, and Aetna, as well as out-of-network PPOs. We also offer to finance and accept CareCredit and self-pay. We can help you get the most out of your dental insurance and keep your teeth healthy at the same time.

Reasons to use your dental insurance before the year ends

As the year winds down and hectic holiday schedules kick in, it’s tough to find time to squeeze in a dentist appointment; we understand. But we have compelling reasons to bump your oral care to the top of your to-do list.

Pay now, or pay (more) later

Tooth decay and gum disease don’t go away independently — they fester and progress until they become serious problems. Ignoring oral health issues is a surefire way to land yourself in a dentist’s chair down the road under less-desirable circumstances. For example, a small cavity is simple to fix, but if you don’t get it filled, it can invade the inner tooth and require a root canal or, worse, an extraction, which requires a dental implant. 

Considering the cost of additional time, discomfort, appointments, and money, preventive dentistry in the form of regular checkups and professional cleanings makes much more sense. 

You haven’t hit the max yet

All insurance companies differ in the maximum amount they allot for your annual dental benefits, but they all typically wipe the slate clean when January 1 rolls around. Unfortunately, about 97% of people with PPO dental insurance fail to use the full amount, according to the National Association of Dental Plans. If you haven’t reached your plan’s maximum benefits and still need some dental work, use it before you’re forced to forfeit it and start over again. 

You’re close to meeting your deductible

If you’ve been to the dentist once or twice this year and are close to meeting your deductible — the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in and pays its share — now is the time to cross the finish line and get the care you need. If you need fillings, crowns, a root canal, or scaling and planing, take advantage of your benefits before starting afresh with a new deductible next year.

You may lose your FSA

If your employer offers a flexible savings account (FSA) to set aside some of your pre-tax pay explicitly tagged for dental care, check with your company to determine if it rolls over to the next calendar year. In many cases, the fund starts at zero again in January, so if you have a balance in your FSA, use it now.

You never know when your insurance will change

Employers change insurance carriers and plans to save themselves and their employees money. You never know if and when your employer may opt for another carrier or switch the details of your plan, so if you have unused benefits, it’s wise to get your money’s worth before it’s gone.

Our friendly staff is here to answer all your insurance-related questions and schedule your next appointment so you can get the care you need. Call us or book online today.