End-of-Year Dental Insurance Checklist: How To Get The Most Value?

As the year comes to an end, it’s crucial to make the most of your dental insurance benefits. With many plans to operate, it’s essential to take full advantage of your coverage before the calendar resets. To help you maximize your benefits and ensure a healthy smile, here’s your end-of-year dental insurance checklist.

1. Review Your Insurance Plan

Start by reviewing your dental insurance plan to understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Most full coverage plans include preventive care, basic procedures, and major treatments, but the specifics can vary. Look at the details of your plan, including:

• Annual Maximum: This is the total amount your plan will pay out each year. If you don’t reach this limit, any remaining benefits won’t roll over into the next year.
• Deductibles: Know your deductible amount and how much you’ve already paid.
• Coverage Details: Check the coverage for preventive, basic, and major procedures.

Understanding these details will help you plan your remaining dental visits and treatments effectively.

2. Schedule Dental Care

Most dental plans typically cover preventive care, such as routine cleanings and check-ups. If you haven’t yet scheduled your annual cleaning or check-up, now is the time to do so. Preventive visits are crucial for maintaining oral health and catching potential issues early.

Kentwood Premier Dentistry advises patients to book their appointments as soon as possible to avoid the end-of-year rush. This not only ensures that you use your benefits but also helps in keeping your dental health in check.

3. Plan for Necessary Treatments

If you’ve been postponing necessary dental treatments—such as fillings, crowns, or root canals—now is the time to act. Full coverage plans usually cover a substantial portion of these procedures, but it’s important to check how much your plan will pay.

Consider scheduling any treatments before the year ends to maximize your benefits. Kentwood Premier Dentistry can assist you in prioritizing your treatments and fitting them into your schedule before the benefits reset.

4. Utilize Remaining Benefits

If you’ve reached or are close to reaching your annual maximum, use your remaining benefits before they expire. This might include scheduling additional procedures or treatments you’ve been putting off.

Review your remaining balance and discuss with your dentist which treatments could be covered before the year ends. This strategy helps in ensuring you get the full value of your insurance.

4. Review and Update Your Dental Records

Before you finalize any year-end treatments, review and update your dental records with your current dentist. Ensure that your medical history, previous treatments, and any ongoing concerns are accurately documented.

Kentwood Premier Dentistry can help by providing a comprehensive review of your dental health and ensuring that all necessary information is up-to-date. This can prevent any delays or issues with claims and ensure you receive the full benefit of your insurance coverage.

5. Avoid The Last-Minute Rush

As the year-end approaches, dental offices often experience a surge in appointment requests. To avoid the stress of last-minute scheduling, plan and book your appointments early. This ensures you get a convenient time and helps you complete any necessary treatments before your benefits expire. It’s either you use it or lose it!

6. Check for Any Insurance Changes

Before scheduling your final appointments, review any updates or changes to your dental insurance plan. Insurance providers sometimes update their policies, benefits, or network of covered providers at the start of the new year.

• Coverage Changes: Confirm whether there are any changes in what procedures are covered or if there are new limitations or exclusions.
• Provider Network: Check if your current dentist remains in-network, as changes could affect your out-of-pocket costs.
• Plan Renewals: Be aware of any upcoming changes to your plan’s terms or premium costs.

Kentwood Premier Dentistry encourages patients to act now and schedule their visits to make the most of their dental insurance benefits before the year resets.

Contact us today to schedule your appointments and take advantage of your benefits before the year ends. Your smile and your wallet will thank you!