Dental Insurance Benefits–Use It or Lose It
Summerlin, Las Vegas, and Henderson Nevada
It is about that time of year when many insurance benefits will reset come January. Can you believe we are about to welcome a new year? With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you probably already have a full plate. But, family dentist in Summerlin Dr. Matthew Wilson wants to remind those of you with dental insurance that now is the time to use it or lose it –and by “it,” we mean your benefits.
If you have dental insurance, you’ve been paying monthly premiums throughout the year. Whether you pay a little or a lot, that’s still money out of your pocket each month. Most dental insurance plans pay all, or almost all, of preventative treatments such as dental checkups and cleanings, and usually, these expenses do not count toward your yearly maximum. Without insurance, these visits can run you upwards of $200 or more per visit, depending on if X-rays also are needed at the time of your visit. X-rays are recommended at least once a year so that Dr. Wilson can see below the gum line and between your teeth for the possibility of any tooth decay or development of gum disease. All of that to say, why waste your benefits by skipping those preventive exams and cleanings?
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone receive a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. While many people don’t pay any mind to going to their dentist in Summerlin, it’s actually more important than you think. Keeping your mouth clean means you lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If you are paying a premium each month for dental insurance, then don’t let your benefits go to waste –the benefit pays for these preventive treatments.
Dental insurance premiums can run anywhere between $20-40 monthly, for an individual. Let’s say you are one of the fortunate ones that pay only $20 a month. Multiply that by 12 months out of the year, and you get $240. Considering that just an exam, and cleaning with X-rays could cost this much or more, you are getting your money’s worth by following through with your checkups twice a year. Now, that second cleaning and checkup of the year is essentially free, minus any copayments that may be required. Furthermore, if you’ve paid those premiums all year, and not used your benefits even for cleanings, you’re essentially wasting your money and ruining your oral health!
Why not follow through with those twice a year cleanings? You’re paying for it anyways by keeping up with those monthly premiums. Keep in mind that these figures are only for example purposes. Individual premiums and coverage amounts will vary.
The office of Inspire Dental of Summerlin encourages everyone to make sure they received their two dental cleanings and checkups this year. If you have dental insurance, don’t let it go to waste! Use your benefits to make sure you receive your twice-yearly cleanings this calendar year.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you soon!
Inspire Dental of Summerlin welcomes patients of Las Vegas area including Henderson and Summerlin. To schedule your next appointment, please call (702) 331-4700.