Now that the holiday season has arrived you are probably finding yourself busy with events, gatherings, shopping and other obligations. Your time may be tight, but it would be worth your while to schedule in a dentist appointment before the end of the year to get any dental work done that is needed.
True, it might limit your already packed calendar, but you could save a significant amount of money by insuring you’ve seen the dentist before your insurance renews in January 2013!
Get Treatment Before Your Annual Deductible Resets
Your insurance provider requires that you spend a certain amount out of pocket—your annual deductible—before they pay for treatments. If you have spent any money toward your deductible at all this year, then it would benefit you see your dentist before the deductible amount resets in January. In fact, many have met their deductible by the end of the year.
Use Up Your Annual Maximums
With dental insurance not only do you need to consider your annual deductibles, but you should also take annual maximums into account. Annual maximums are how much the dental insurance will pay for the entire year. Once you reach that amount you have pay for any other treatments out of pocket. Obviously this can add up quickly.
For dental insurance, maximums are fairly low usually ranging between $1,000 to $2,000. These maximums can be reached fairly quickly if you have any significant work done throughout the year.
If you have not met your annual maximum yet for 2012, now is the time to visit the dentist and get your dental work done. This is true especially if you need any significant dental work done.
Additionally, addressing your dental concerns now rather than putting off treatment until 2013 could very well prevent those problems from advancing and getting worse. Not only will your teeth be in worse shape if you wait, it might cost you more money to wait because you may need more procedures.
Use Up Your Existing FSA Contributions
Scheduling your dental appointments now can also help you spend any remaining balance on your FSA (Flexible Spending Acount). Established through your employee, this a an account that pre-taxed money goes into. If you have one of these, you need to be aware that if you do not use the balance in your account at the end of the year, you lose that money.
FSA money cannot be used on over-the-counter medications and supplies, so it has to go through a doctor or dental office. Non-cosmetic dental work and orthodontic work is covered.
The Bottom Line
Addressing those dental needs now instead of waiting can save you money. Check to see what you have available in your FSA accounts, if you have reached your annual maximum and if you have already reached your deductible. Then make sure to take full advantage of your benefits before January 1.
Call Mooresville Dentist now to schedule your end-of-the-year dental appointments! (704) 660-1120