We know this is a busy time of year for most people – the holidays are chaotic, the kids are out of school, and we’re all exhausted on top of it. However, we do want you to make room for one more thing, and that’s making sure you use your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year because most insurance companies have a benefit deadline of December 31st! To keep you from leaving money on the table, our dentists are sharing some reasons to schedule an appointment as soon as you can.
Meet Your Yearly Maximums
The typical insurance plan provides each person with their own yearly maximum out-of-pocket spend – basically, once you meet a set out-of-pocket amount, your insurance company will pick up the rest. On average, insurance providers allot around $1000 per person, though if you’re not sure, it’s important to check. If you’ve already reached your dental insurance maximum, make sure to schedule a dental appointment for a teeth cleaning and get any dental work done that’s covered so you don’t have to pay as much in the coming year.
Avoid Meeting a New Dental Insurance Deductible
Your insurance deductible is how much you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance company will pay for any covered care. Once you meet your deductible, your insurance company will pay a percentage (or all, depending on your plan) of specific care and treatments through the end of the year. At the beginning of the next year, the deductible resets.
If you’ve already met your deductible and you’re due for a cleaning or you have a filling to take care of, make sure you do it now while your insurance company will pay for a portion of it. Not sure how much your deductible is or if you’ve met it? Reach out to your insurance provider today, then make an appointment with your dentist.
Flex Spending Can Be Used on Dental Care
Most insurance plans include Flex Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts. These are savings accounts in which a set amount is deducted from your paycheck, before taxes are taken out, and placed into an account that can then be used for medical expenses, health care supplies, and other costs. Generally, if you don’t use the money in your account before December 31st, you’ll lose it. This is a great way to pay for portions of dental care that your insurance doesn’t cover, but make sure you use it before the end of the year! While you’ll want to check with your insurance provider or FSA administrator to see what your plan does cover, it typically can be used for cleanings and preventative care as well as restorative dentistry, like fillings, crowns, and root canals. On the other hand, it typically can not be used for cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, veneers, and clear aligners.
Dental Problems Escalate Quickly
If you have dental issues you’re concerned with or it’s been a while since your last cleaning and check-up, it’s important to make a dental appointment right away. A small cavity can quickly turn into a broken tooth and minor gum inflammation can lead to infection and gum disease if left untreated.
Whether or not you’ve met your deductible or have flex spending money available, it’s important that you come into Sninski & Schmidtt Family Dentistry in Holly Springs or Cary for a visit.
Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today
If you are looking for a dentist in Cary or Holly Springs, we can help. We take a wide variety of insurance plans and are currently accepting new patients. Reach us at our Holly Springs dentist office at (919)-600-6262 and our Cary dentist office at (919) 467-2203. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.