Almost Half of People Don’t Use Their Dental Benefits. Why Flush That Money Away?
Almost half of people with dental insurance skip their regular dental check-ups. This rate is worse than in previous years, and the COVID-19 pandemic probably contributed to the dip in regular dental visits.
Not only is avoiding the dentist bad for your oral health. You’re also wasting your insurance premiums if you pay for dental benefits that you don’t use. Furthermore, putting dental issues off increases your risk of more expensive dental emergencies down the line.
Why do patients ignore their dental benefits and go without exams and cleanings from their local dentist? We explain why, discuss the challenges with today’s dental plans, and suggest what you can do to make the most of your dental coverage.
Lack of Awareness of Coverage
One of the biggest reasons people don’t take advantage of their dental insurance is they don’t know enough about it. Many individuals don’t take full advantage of their dental benefits because they don’t know what’s covered.
It pays to review your dental policy, especially if you find out that your insurance will fully cover the cost of preventive care, such as annual or biannual check-ups and cleanings from your area dentist. If you have dental insurance but still shy away from scheduling appointments because of cost, don’t just assume your coverage won’t be enough. You can ask the dental team at Beckham Square Family Dental to explain the aspects of your policy that confuse you.
More Insurance Limits
Even with a standard policy, you might not be getting as much coverage as you think. The harsh reality is that dental plans are not as good as they used to be. For example, some plans allow a maximum of $1,000 in coverage, depending on the network provider and insurer. Once you’ve gone through that $1,000, you’re on the hook for anything above that amount. This can be concerning if you need care beyond the preventive kind.
Use Your Dental Insurance for Professional Cleanings and Other Care Close to Home
Most insurance providers completely cover or at least offer basic oral cleanings in your network. Regular teeth cleanings and exams can go a long way in preventing cavities and maintaining a beautiful smile. Contact Beckham Square Family Dental to schedule your appointment. We can also answer questions about your dental insurance policy so that you know what’s covered.