Understanding and Maximizing Your Dental Insurance Benefits
My name is Dr. Arvind Philomin for Palm Harbor Premier Dental. The use it or lose it.
What is the maximum for dental insurance?
Dental insurance normally comes with a maximum, right? Some insurance plans have a $1,000 maximum, some have $2,000, and others have $3,000. Usually, the way it works is you have a small deductible at the beginning of the year, and you must use up your entire $1,000, $2,000, or $3,000 that your provider or employer gives you for dental benefits before the end of the year. If you don't use them, they're gone. When the next year begins, you have a brand new amount again.
What should I know about my dental benefits?
I'm not sure what anyone needs for dentistry as far as dental treatment is concerned. Some may need just a cleaning, but others might need a lot of dental work. It's good to know at the beginning of the year what your employer provides in terms of dental benefits. Let's say you have $2,000. Usually, it covers a good crown if you need a cap or a crown in your mouth. Or maybe you need a few extractions, or perhaps you need some teeth in the back so you can get a partial. It's always good to know what your dental benefits are. I like to know at the beginning of the year and try to use them accordingly.
Can I use my dental benefits for nothing?
If you need nothing and your mouth is pristine, you can still use your dental insurance to get dental cleanings, which is very helpful.
How do I know what my dental benefits cover?
You don't know what your dental benefits cover, and neither does the dentist initially. When you go to the dental office, the dentist will typically take your insurance card and run it along with your dental insurance company to see how they can help you best maximize your dental benefits. I don't want you to focus solely on what your dental benefits will cover. I want you to take care of your mouth regardless. Bring your dental card to the dental practice and let them figure out what will be covered and what won't be. At the end of the day, a clean and nice smile is what you're looking for, and that's what you should focus on.
How can I find out my dental benefits?
Patients can usually find out what their benefits are by contacting their HR department or calling the dental insurance company that provided their dental benefits card to ask what is covered. Most people with dental insurance will be covered for at least two cleanings a year and all basic preventive services. By basic preventive services, I mean cleanings, and by basic, I mean something like an extraction or maybe some fillings. Every dental insurance company is different, and your benefits can vary. The best way to know is to contact your dental insurance company.
What happens if I don't use my dental benefits?
I believe many patients don't realize there's a "use it or lose it" aspect. They often think the insurance runs indefinitely. No, insurances have a maximum every year, and if you don't use that maximum by the end of the year, it's gone. If you don't need any dental work, that's great for you. But most of us will need some form of dental treatment at some point. I prefer you go to the dentist, find out what needs to be addressed, and use your benefits if necessary. If you don't use them, you lose them. This money is free and is sitting in your dental benefit card, provided by your employer. Why wouldn't you use it? Personally, I would definitely use something that's free.
What is the first step to use my dental benefit?
The first step to using your benefits is to call your dental insurance carrier. Ask them what your maximum is and what kind of coverage you have with your dental benefits card. Next, find a dentist you like. I wouldn't pick someone at random; I would Google "dentist near me" and look at their reviews. If a dentist has 500 reviews, for example, I would call them to see if they could help you. If you like the staff and the doctor, stick with them. If not, find someone else.
At Palm Harbor Premier Dental, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (727) 349-3615 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.