As the year comes to a close, it brings the cooler weather, the holidays, New Year’s resolutions, and so much more as time runs out. But, the end of the year also means the dental benefits you’re receiving will run out too. Only 2.8% of people with PPO dental plans use their maximum benefits for the year, and people with Flexible Spending Accounts lose money each year that they haven’t used on oral healthcare. Keep reading to learn how to maximize your dental benefits from a dentist in Sacramento.
Dental Benefits Plans
Many people are provided with dental benefits from their employer, or dental benefits can be bought on Health Insurance Marketplaces. Either way, you’re actually spending money upfront, to save on the back end. But that’s where the problem is: many people are wasting their hard-earned cash by not seeing the dentist.
How to Make the Most of Your Plan
- Dental plans typically cover 100% of preventive treatments, and prevention is always better for your oral health anyway, so scheduling your preventive visits each year is a great way to maximize your benefits.
- Start thinking about using your coverage early in the year. During your first appointment, you can talk to your dentist about possible treatments or procedures you may need for the upcoming year. That way, you can plan out how to use your benefits, and you can make sure they’re used up by December 31st.
- Once you’ve figured out what your dental needs are for the year, you can work with your dentist’s office to find out what treatments are covered in your benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an account you can open through your employer. You can choose how much money you put into it, and those dollars won’t be taxed. FSA’s generally cover services that keep your mouth in good health like exams, cleanings, and other treatments needed for health reasons.
How to Make the Most of Your FSA
Just like the above dental benefits plans, your FSA money should be used by the end of the year. However, some employers will give you a grace period of a few months, or they’ll let you roll over some of your FSA money. Always check with your employer to make sure you aren’t leaving any money on the table at the end of the year.
Many FSA’s work like debit cards, where you can use a card to pay for medical expenses, and even various products at the drugstore.
Whether you have a Dental Benefits Plan or an FSA, the key is planning. Figure out what kind of dental care you need for the year early on, so you aren’t reaching December 31st without using all the benefits that you’ve earned.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Scott Grivas has a gentle touch and a desire to help others he developed while he was a registered nurse, before pursuing dentistry. He enjoys providing patients with the care they need and seeing them for preventive treatments to maximize their benefits and health. He currently runs his own practice, and can be contacted through his website or by phone at (916) 571-0815 for any questions.
