Are you currently insured? Whether it’s through an individual plan or your employer, it’s important to be familiar with your coverage. Otherwise, you could be leaving valuable dollars on the table each year (money that could’ve seriously benefited your oral and overall health, too). While details on dental insurance plans vary from one patient to the next, there are a few principles that apply to most. Keep reading to learn what they are!
Dental Insurance Basics: 100-80-50 Coverage
As mentioned above, not all dental insurance benefits are the same. Most, however, have an emphasis on preventive care, following a 100-80-50 coverage structure. This means:
- 100% coverage of essential preventive dentistry, like routine checkups and cleanings.
- 80% coverage of minor restorative services, like fillings.
- 50% coverage of major restorative treatments, like dentures.
As you can see, elective services, like cosmetic dentistry, aren’t included in the above list. Since those aren’t considered “medically necessary,” they are usually an out-of-pocket expense.
3 Must-Know Tips for Utilizing Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Just because you have dental insurance benefits doesn’t mean you’re utilizing your dental insurance benefits. If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few tips to help:
- Schedule your second checkup and cleaning of the year. If you don’t, you won’t get a “bonus” one the following year.
- Get any recommended restorative care now. Did your dentist find a cavity? If you have available benefits, don’t postpone your treatment. That will only negatively impact your smile and your wallet.
- Don’t wait. Did you know that most dental insurance plans reset when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve? So, you only have a few weeks left to utilize any remaining benefits.
How to Find Out If You Have Available Benefits
Most dental insurance plans have an annual maximum. While the dollar amount varies from patient to patient, any unused money won’t carry over. That’s why it’s ideal to schedule any necessary treatments before the plan resets (which is typically at the end of the year). If you are unsure of the status of your benefits, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your provider. Otherwise, you can ask your dentist. Their experienced team will be able to help you navigate the ins and outs of your plan.
Dental insurance is designed to make covering the cost of essential dental care more affordable. So, make sure to utilize it! Otherwise, your valuable dollars will be going to waste each year. If you have questions about your coverage, get in touch with your carrier or dentist today.
About the Practice
Our team at 333 Dental Care wants you to have the high-quality dental care you deserve without stressing over the cost – so we’re happy to welcome dental insurance! We are proud to work with many of the nation’s leading providers, including BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and MetLife. Our knowledgeable team will even handle the paperwork, maximize your benefits, and explain your coverage in detail. To learn more about utilizing your dental insurance or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 580-782-2552.