Do you receive dental insurance or benefits from your employer? These benefits run out at the end of the year, with most Americans leaving hard-earned money on the table. So, how can you make sure you’re using all your benefits and getting the most out of them? Read on to learn the answers from your dentist in Upper Arlington.
Dental Benefit Plans
Most people get their dental benefits plan through their employers. Throughout the year, you and your employer pay a premium (upfront money) that is wasted if you don’t go to the dentist’s office. These benefits must be used by the end of the year or they will be gone forever.
How to Maximize Your Plan
First, make sure you know the end date for your benefits plan. It usually is at the end of the year, but to be sure, check with your employer.
Next, schedule a visit with your local dentist early in the year. Since most benefits plans cover 100% of preventive visits, you can get a checkup and exam to make sure your oral health is in good standing. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss the possible treatments you may need throughout the year.
If you can schedule an appointment sooner than later, you can plan out what kind of treatments you’ll need. This will give you a better idea about the amount of money you’ll need to pay out of pocket for dentistry, and what will be covered. It’ll also ensure you’re maximizing your benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
A Flexible Spending Account is an account that you can set up through your employer. With this account, you can put in money that your employer matches. This money can be used on anything to keep your mouth healthy, like preventive visits.
Most FSA’s work like a debit card, and you can even use it for some health products at your local drugstore.
How to Maximize Your FSA
With FSA’s, some employers may provide a grace period to use your money, or they’ll allow you to roll over some of your money into the next year. Talk to your employer about your FSA deadline, but to be on the safe side, use your FSA dollars before December 31st.
It’s even more important to plan with FSA’s since you decide how much money is put in. The key is to see your dentist early to figure out what dental procedures you may need in the upcoming year. That way, you can put in the right amount of money, and not have too little or too much when December 31st rolls around.
Whether you have a dental benefits plan or an FSA, it’s important you use your benefits by the end of the year for a healthy smile, and a full pocketbook.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Angela Courtney has a gentle touch and a commitment to a higher standard of dental care. She encourages all her patients to maximize their dental benefits, so her office files your insurance forms for you to make it easy. She currently practices at Artistry Smile Center, and she can be contacted through her website or by phone at (614) 451-7393 for any questions.