Navigating the ins and outs of insurance coverage can be pretty disorienting at the best of times, and dental insurance even more so. Many of the principles that apply to healthcare plans are different when it comes to dental insurance, and there are some elements that are exclusive to it that are not present in other kinds of care.
That may be why Americans leave an average of 100 billion dollars of dental coverage on the table every year. If you want to make the best use of yours, you still have time. Many people suffer from tooth decay, and dental fillings are an excellent opportunity to take advantage of your benefits. Here’s why.
Why It’s Important to Use Dental Insurance Now
As you’re probably aware, dental insurance often requires a deductible to be paid before they cover any kind of care. However, what you may not know is that dental plans also tend to have an annual maximum, i.e., a set amount that dictates the absolute most that a plan will pay out in a given year. For this reason, it’s typically a good idea to spread expensive dental care across several years so that you don’t exceed this yearly maximum.
Both your deductible and your yearly maximum reset at the beginning of the year. That means that if you’ve already paid the former but have yet to exceed the latter, you’re leaving money on the table by not making use of your benefits. Moreover, if you wait until your dental needs are urgent, you risk exceeding your annual maximum the next year.
Why Fillings are a Great Way to Use Benefits
Another quirk of dental insurance is that different kinds of care are often covered at different rates. For example, most plans will pay for most or all of a checkup, but will only pay for around half of a tooth extraction. In general, more intensive care is covered at a lower rate. While every plan is different, dental plans will usually pay for anywhere between 70 and 80% of dental fillings. That makes them an effective way to make use of insurance money.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic condition among adults in the U.S., which means that you could very well be in need of a filling. If you want to get the most out of the coverage you’ve already paid for, a set of much-needed fillings could be a great way to go.
About Our Practice
Columbus Dental Arts, led by the dedicated Dr. Maiorino, stands out in the Columbus area for its exceptional patient care and comprehensive dental services. Emphasizing a nurturing environment, this practice ensures each visit is tailored to individual needs, offering a wide range of treatments from routine checkups to advanced cosmetic procedures. Their conservative approach to dentistry focuses on essential treatments, fostering trust and consistency. With a commitment to treating patients of all ages, Columbus Dental Arts is your go-to for personalized, quality dental care.
If you have any questions about dental insurance, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (609) 324-9500.