When it comes to dental benefit plans, millions of people each year are ringing in the New Year leaving money on the table. So, if your child needs to see Dr. Baker Chambliss for any dental pain, dental X-rays or dental procedures scheduling your appointment in the next couple of weeks. We may provide you with better options for treatment costs.
According to the National Association of Dental Plans, only 2.8% of people with PPO dental plan participants reached or exceeded their plans annual maximum. Many people also have Flexible Spending Accounts, which help pay for dental and medical care with pre-tax dollars.
Whether you’re paying for dental care through a benefits plan or using an FSA, your current plans will most likely run out on December 31. Don’t let your hard-earned dental dollars go to waste. Here is a breakdown of what these benefits are, when you need to use them by and how to make the most of your benefits.
What you need to know about dental benefit deductibles:
- Prevention is better than cure both for your health as well as your pocketbook. Most plans typically pay 100% for preventive visits, so if you have not had one yet, this may be a good time to schedule one.
- Start thinking about using your coverage early. Next year, make any upcoming appointments early so you can take care of them before the holidays.
- Once you’ve determined your dental needs, work with your dentist and benefits provider to figure out what’s covered. Medplex Pediatric Dentistry is here to help translate benefits for you and act as your advocate.
Here are some tips to maximize your FSA:
- Some provide a grace period of up to 2½ extra months to use the money in your FSA.
- Others may allow you to carry over up to $500 per year to use in the following year.
- Whether it’s at the end of the year or a grace period, you lose any money you haven’t spent. Check with your employer or FSA administrator to see what your plan allows.
- Plan carefully so you don’t put more money in your account than you will spend within a year on dental or other health care costs.
- As with dental benefit plans, talk with your dentist in the summer or fall during regular appointments. See if you have any needs or procedures that need to be completed. You may be able to use your FSA to pay for these needs or use your FSA to pay any associated co-pays or co-insurance.
- Contact your FSA administrator for a list of covered services and products (usually referred to as eligible expenses). However, most FSA accounts cannot be used for cosmetic procedures like whitening, veneers or cosmetic braces.
- Make any remaining dental appointments as soon as you know you need them. This ensures your FSA dollars can be used in time.