You’ve gone through open enrollment and vaguely remember the PowerPoint slides reviewing any new changes in your corporate plan, or you try to find the web pages you browsed for an individual plan. When the cards come in the mail and the new year right around the corner, it’s easy to forget those little changes to your dental benefits plan.
Start planning now so you can get the most out of your dental benefits this year.
• Make a checklist.
Start with the basics — make a list of preventive services you know you will need. You should visit the dentist once or twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Schedule appointments ahead with your dental office, and if you know you’ll need additional dental work like fillings or crowns, pencil those in, too.
• Study your coverage.
Once you know what procedures you need, take a minute to look over your plan. Familiarize yourself with dental insurance basics. What’s your deductible? What about your annual maximum? Most plans cover a percentage of procedures up to a specific dollar amount. Review your benefits contract so you know what’s covered.
• Construct a timeline.
After consulting your dentist, work with your dental team to develop a treatment schedule. If you are unsure if a procedure or treatment will be covered, your dentist can always pre-submit a claim for an estimation of benefit coverage.
• Write it down.
A lot can happen in a year! Keep track of any insurance use throughout the year. This will keep your mind fresh when selecting the best plan for you come next open enrollment.
Here’s to a happy, healthy new year!
Looking for great dental coverage at an affordable price? Shop Delta Dental plans now to protect your smile.
