There’s no better time than the New Year to put that new insurance to work. Although many people wait until the end of the year to use their insurance, the beginning of the year offers certain benefits. For example, many dental practices have more availability during the early part of the year, which may offer increased flexibility and the ability to book an appointment time that works best for your schedule.
Keep up with your New Year’s resolutions, and make this the year that you prioritize your oral health. Put your insurance to work for you and your smile by following these three easy tips designed to help you get the most out of your new dental insurance.
Stay in Network
Choosing a dentist or dental practice that’s in network with your insurance plan offers the most benefits. To determine whether your dentist is in network or out of network, check with your insurance carrier, which should provide a list of participating dentists. Alternatively, call your dentist. For example, Klement Family Dental works with most PPO plans, and, at no additional charge, we’ll call your insurance carrier directly to determine if you’re covered and to help you figure out your benefits.
Understand What You Have to Pay
Not all dental plans are the same. Understanding how your plan works eliminates the likelihood that you’ll be surprised when you get your dental bill. Some important details to note include:
- Copayments: The fixed dollar amount you pay toward your care
- Deductibles: The amount you pay before your plan begins paying benefits
- Annual maximums: The most that your plan will pay during a specific period (usually 12 months)
Identify Covered Services
Brush up on the fine print in your plan. Just like you should be aware of the amount of money you’ll be expected to pay, you should also have a good idea of what your plan covers. For example, most dental plans cover two dental cleanings per year. Bitewing X-rays are typically covered every year and complete series x-rays are covered every 3 to 5 years. Many dental practices offer payment plans and outside financing to help you pay for anything that your insurance won’t cover.
Let Klement Dental help you maximize your new benefits. With convenient hours, including early morning and evening (switched order) hours, Klement Dental makes it easy to get the quality care you need in the St. Petersburg area. Visit the Klement Dental website, or call us at 727-498-1959 727-498-1959 to schedule an appointment.