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The Importance of Dental Insurance
Not too many think about this, but thousands of tooth-related injuries occur every day! Without dental insurance, youre responsible for paying the dentist the entire service charge, including examination fees, all out-of-pocket. The feeling of skimping out on presents thanks to an insurance-less trip to the dentist can wear down on your holiday cheer. Thats why its important to have dental insurance! Dental insurance is your fallback in the case of a dental emergency. Whether you need just a checkup, or have a dental emergency, your dental insurance will cover it.
Why its Important to USE Your Dental Insurance
Each year millions of people forget about their dental insurance, or dont find the opportunity to use it. Thats hundreds of dollars youre not using! That doesnt mean you dont need dental insurance, it means you need to start getting what you pay for!
Lets start with your deductible. Before your dental insurance covers any service, youre required to pay off your annual deductible (cost varies from plan to plan). Once you have, dental insurances offer co-pay, allowing you to pay a fixed low amount while they cover the rest. There is an annual maximum that dental insurances cover. Most plans cover between $1000-$5000 for dental services (not including cosmetic surgeries). Youll save hundreds, if not thousands, by leaning on your dental insurance. Dental insurance companies, not you, are the ones that benefit if you dont max out your dental insurance. Be the one to smile at the end of the year with a set of healthy teeth!
Your deductible isnt the only thing you have to plan to pay. Each month you deal with your dental premiums, which you must continue to pay if you want to keep your dental insurance. Paying your monthly premium doesnt take too much, but thats money down the drain if youre not using your dental insurance! It wont hurt for you to schedule an appointment with the dentist, even if it is just for a cleaning. Cleanings do help prevent cavities and aggressive gum diseases.
If You Have an FSA Account
Most employers make it easy to set aside some of your non-taxed income into a flexible spending account (FSA). Its great because its a personal account for medical use only. However, when the year resets, so does your FSA. Like your annual deductible, youll lose all benefits and will have to put money right back into it. If you have an FSA account, see what the balance of it is, and use it during your next scStartheduled visit to the dentist.
Dental insurance costs a lot, dont let the mindset of using it only for emergencies prevent you from taking advantage of it and save hundreds of dollars a year. Make sure you schedule an appointment with your dentist by the end of December to see how they can help you smile about your teeth in time for your New Years party.
Note - If you dont already have dental insurance, make this holiday season the one you gift it to yourself and your family. Apply for insurance through CoveredCA to see what plans you qualify for.
