Dental
Now that summer’s coming to a close, many of us are gearing up for the busy fall and winter months. Before you know it, the new year will be here! Amidst the hustle and bustle of the end-of-the-year celebrations, not many people are thinking about their dental insurance. Unfortunately, studies indicate that thousands of dollars go to waste every year due to unused dental insurance benefits alone! If you have dental insurance coverage, make sure that you’re making the most of your investment. Here are five practical ways to maximize your dental insurance benefits in Lincoln.
1.) Remember the 50-80-100 Rule
Every dental insurance is slightly different, but the majority follow a 50-80-100 rule of coverage:
- 90-100% coverage for preventive services
- 60-80% coverage for basic treatments
- 50% or less coverage for major procedures
Knowing this information is crucial for planning out how to make the most of your benefits.
2.) Always Use Your Preventive Coverage
Have you gotten two dental checkups this year? These quick and easy visits are all about preventing oral health issues from developing and catching any dental problems as early as possible. Not only are dental checkups and cleanings relatively inexpensive, but most dental insurance policies cover two of these visits a year at 90-100%!
3.) Know Your Deductible & Maximum
Your deductible is how much you need to pay out-of-pocket before your benefits kick in. Once you’ve met this number, your dental insurance company will cover the cost of your care (according to their rules of coverage) up until a set dollar amount call the maximum. If you’ve met your deductible, make sure to get the dental care you need! Unused benefits don’t typically roll over onto the next year.
4.) Postponing Your Treatment Can Be Expensive
If you’re close to meeting your maximum, your dentist may recommend waiting to start a treatment until the next year so the cost can go towards your deductible. However, they’ll only do so if it’s a good choice for your oral health! Putting off dental treatments leaves you vulnerable to complications, which could require more intensive and expensive treatments. For instance, an untreated cavity that needs a filling, could turn into a dental abscess that requires a root canal.
5.) Talk To Your Dentist About Your Concerns
Your dentist and their team have plenty of experience navigating the ins and outs of dental insurance policies. If you have questions about your coverage or concerns about the cost of your care, don’t be afraid to speak up! Your dentist will work with you to balance your benefits and your oral health.
About the Practice
Dr. Wesley Parks is dedicated to helping the smiles of Lincoln look and feel their absolute best with personalized dental care. Over the past two decades, he’s completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in an array of advanced topics in order to offer the very best to his patients. His practice is in-network with most dental insurance companies, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Delta Dental, and more. To learn more about making the most of your dental insurance coverage, you can contact him online or at (402) 484-6042.