In many cases, health benefits stop at the end of a calendar year. Benefits that you’ve been provided or racked up over the course of a year oftentimes don’t roll over into the next. That means many people leave money on the table that they could’ve used to manage health issues.
That’s also true of dental services. That’s why the team at Downtown Dental Studio recommends figuring out how to maximize your insurance before the year is over. We don’t want you to miss a key treatment you could’ve received at no or little cost to yourself.
At our office in New York City’s Financial District, we’re still scheduling appointments until year’s end to help patients receive any needed services that their insurance might cover.
There are myriad insurance plans available in the United States. Some come from your job (or a spouse’s or parent’s), others through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Whatever the case, it’s a good idea to understand how your health insurance works.
Dental insurance, however, is typically a separate plan. If you have dental insurance, you probably signed up for it independently from your medical coverage. Still, dental insurance often works in the same way as health insurance: Unused benefits don’t roll over at year’s end.
Most people sign up for the same plan and start over in the new year, but you could be leaving benefits on the table. It’s doubtful you’d want to pay for something in January that you could’ve taken care of for free or at a low cost in December.
First, call your dental insurance company, or maybe chat live with a representative via text, depending on the helpline options your insurer offers. Ask about your benefits and what’s still available to you before the end of the year.
Consider coming into the office for a regular checkup. If you haven’t had a dental exam this year, you’re almost guaranteed a low-cost or fully covered exam (Downtown Dental Studio participates with all major PPOs).
We recommend a dental exam and cleaning at least once in a calendar year. Once your teeth are clean and you’ve gotten any other necessary procedures, like X-rays, out of the way, you can discuss additional services you’d like to fit in before the end of the year.
For example, if you’ve already met your deductible for the year, you might consider a cosmetic procedure, such as veneers, that would be covered if you do it by Dec. 31.
If you haven’t met your deductible, you may want to consider other options, for example, something medically necessary that you’ve put off, such as a root canal. Getting that done now ensures you’re not starting over with a new set of benefits that won’t cover it.
The end of the year is always a busy time, but don’t let it keep you from using your benefits before you lose them. Of course, every person is different, and we need to discuss the specifics of your plan, but we’d love to help you get everything you can out of your benefits.
To make an appointment or ask any questions, call our Manhattan office or book your visit online today.
