How to Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance

Did you know dental insurance providers reset their deductibles at the start of the year? This means any unused benefits from last year are gone. Don’t let them go to waste — book a routine dental exam or much-needed treatments before time runs out.

At Dr. Matrullo & Associates, we hope to educate patients on how to use dental insurance effectively. If you have questions about your plan or want to schedule a deep dental cleaning, we’re here to help in Cranston, RI. Keep reading for tips on how to make the most of your dental insurance.

First, what is a deductible?

So, what is a deductible? A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your dental insurance steps in to cover the rest. For instance, if your plan has a $200 deductible, you’ll cover the first $200 of your treatments, and then your insurance takes over. Some plans have individual deductibles for each person, while others offer a single-family deductible.

Understanding your coverage

Before booking appointments, take a moment to check your coverage. Every plan is different, so it’s worth knowing what’s included. Many dental insurance providers offer free preventive care like deep dental cleanings and dental exams but may only partially cover restorations such as fillings or crowns. Understanding your coverage inside and out means fewer surprises when it’s time to pay.

Be sure to check if your plan includes a waiting period for certain procedures. This is the time you’ll need to wait before coverage begins, usually for costlier treatments like a root canal or oral surgery. Knowing the waiting period ahead of time can help you plan accordingly.

Maximizing your dental benefits

Now that you’re clear about your coverage, you can learn how to use dental insurance effectively. Here are some tips to make the most of your benefits in Cranston, RI:

• Stay on top of preventive care: Book routine dental exams and cleanings every six months. This allows our team to catch small problems before they become more serious (and expensive). Plus, preventive care is often covered 100%, so don't miss out on free services.
• Plan your treatments wisely: If you need restorative treatments like fillings or crowns, be strategic with timing. If your dental insurance provider covers a percentage of the cost, schedule these procedures when you’ve already met your deductible. You’ll save more and pay less out-of-pocket.
• Don’t forget about unused benefits: As mentioned, your unused benefits may disappear at the end of the year. Take advantage of any remaining coverage by getting necessary treatments before the deadline.

Maximize your savings with your FSA or HSA

You can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to save on dental care. These tax-free savings accounts are perfect for covering out-of-pocket expenses. If you have questions about how this works, our team can explain them during your next appointment. We make the process easy so you can focus on your smile instead of the costs.

Learn how to use dental insurance

Whether you need a deep dental cleaning or have questions such as, "What is a deductible?" the team at Dr. Matrullo & Associates is here to help in Cranston, RI. We understand that navigating dental insurance can be confusing, so we’re dedicated to providing clear and transparent information to our patients. Don’t let your benefits go to waste — let’s make the most of them together. Contact us today.