Article at a Glance
- Don’t lose the money left in your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or unused dental benefits when you could use it to get work done.
- From preventative care exams to orthodontics, there are plenty of options for making the most of unused funds, so you don’t lose them.
As the year comes to an end and you’re scrambling to prepare for the holidays and changing weather it’s easy for things to get lost in the shuffle. Let this serve as your reminder to make good use of health benefits like FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and Dental Savings Plans.
How to Get the Most from Your Dental Benefits Before Year’s End
For many adults, Flexible Spending Accounts are a benefit because those pre-tax dollars can be used for everything from Tylenol up to surgical procedures. The only downside is that FSAs work on a “use it or lose it” basis meaning you’d better put that money to use before December 31st of each year.
If you have a Dental Savings Plan or have dental insurance benefits, you’re probably looking at the same “use it or lose it” scenario. Squeezing in an appointment or two before the new year gives you an opportunity to make the most of your money. You can even use those FSA funds to help, including copays and deductibles.
Aside from making your money work for you, it’s a good idea to invest in your well-being. If you’re not quite sure how to use your ‘use it or lose it’ dental benefits, we’ve got some ideas for you.
Reasons Why You Should use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before Year End
Few people with dental plans make the most of their benefits with less than 3% of people ever reaching or exceeding their annual maximums. That means you leave money on the table, and there’s really no need!
Of course, reaching your yearly maximum and capitalizing on your deductibles aren’t the only reasons to jump on using your dental benefits. If you still need convincing, how about these?
- Like many other services and fields, fees can go up each year, especially if the cost of supplies goes up. Take advantage of the lower rates and fees while you can!
- Taxes are a certainty, but your dental insurance premiums may be tax deductible as a qualifying medical expense. Any procedures that prevent or treat a dental condition could help you out at tax time.
- Speaking of treating dental conditions, it’s a good time to stop putting off dental procedures. If you have a multi-step procedure to do, why not do part of it before year end and the other part at the beginning of the new year to maximize benefits?
- Oh, and those dental issues, like gum disease and cavities, only get worse if left untreated, so it’s in your best interest financially and physically to prioritize your oral care.
Preventative Dental Plan Benefit Options
Seeing your dentist regularly for a preventative check-up is one of the best things you can do for your smile. Most plans cover two check-ups per year, or a visit every six months. If you haven’t taken advantage yet, now’s your chance! Preventative care is an investment in your smile and your funds can cover a few things.
- At a dental exam, your dentist will look for signs of cavities, gingivitis, and enamel loss.
- You’ll have a professional teeth cleaning, so your smile will be picture-ready heading into this busy time of year.
- Consider full mouth x-rays for your dentist to identify any issues beneath the surface.
- Fluoride treatments take just a few minutes in your dentist’s office, but they can give you extra protection against cavities.
Basic Plan Benefit Options
For those of you who have been putting off dental work because of time or money, stop procrastinating and set an appointment. There are several basic treatments that you can fit in before year’s end. With the current work environment where many are working remotely and enjoying more flexible working hours, it may be the perfect time to plan your needed procedures to capitalize on the available benefits before they expire.
There are several basic treatments that you can fit in before year’s end:
- Maybe you have a loose filling, or you’ve put off going back to have a cavity filled. Either way, dental fillings are a good option for putting your benefits to good use.
- Dental implants are another excellent use for those end of year monies. Start your new year off with confidence!
- If your dentist has suggested dental sealants, now might be a good time to have them done.
Major Dental Plan Benefit Options
Heading into the end of the year may mean you have vacation or sick days to use as well. Perhaps it’s time to finally commit to something more involved like braces. If you’ve been considering any of these major services, take advantage of your benefits to make it happen.
- Start on the path to straighter teeth with orthodontics.
- Have you been putting off wisdom teeth removal? Take advantage of your dental benefits and get them taken care of before the new year.
- Do you need a root canal? It’s probably not as bad as it sounds, especially when you can use health benefits to offset the costs.
- Getting started with or replacing dentures, dental crowns, and bridges are also options.
It can be daunting to try to fit in a trip to the dentist when you’re heading into the holiday rush, but isn’t your smile worth it? Besides, making the most of your money is as good a reason as any to wiggle in a check-up. Make the most of your dental insurance benefits before you lose them.
Ready to put those extra benefits to good use? Contact the Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics office nearest you to make an appointment.