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At Dr. Egger’s, our goal is to give our patients from Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding areas healthy teeth and gums that they can smile about. But if there’s one thing that would turn anyone’s smile upside down, it’s leaving dental insurance money on the table to watch it expire at year’s end. That’s why we encourage you to schedule an appointment soon to get the most out of your dental insurance benefits before the year ends. 

Remember, your dental insurance is different from your health insurance. Here’s how it differs and why you need to use your benefits before the year’s end. 

Yearly maximum 

Dental insurance is usually far more limited in scope than regular health insurance. Most plans have a yearly maximum that the company will pay for your dental work within one full year. The average amount is usually $1,000 per year, per person. After you reach that amount, you have to pay for everything. If you have unused benefits, these won’t rollover into next year, so you should take advantage of them before 2021 ends. 

Deductible 

It’s not a large amount, but to initiate any dental insurance coverage, you first need to pay your deductible. In most plans this is $50. So, if you’ve already had something done this year, say the first of your twice-yearly exams and cleanings, you’ve met your deductible. Having something done before the end of the year saves you from paying that $50 again. 

You’re paying for it 

Dental insurance isn’t like your regular health insurance, which is open ended. Dental insurance is basically intended to be used for things you usually need to do to your teeth. Health insurance is really more, well, insurance in case of large expenses such as surgeries. Because dental insurance maxes out at such a low amount, it is foolish not to use it, at least for your two cleanings and exams. 

HSAs and FSAs 

Your plan may not include dental insurance, so the above stuff doesn’t apply to you. But many plans now offer Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). HSAs are available only if you have a high-deductible health plan, as they allow you to pay for health items with pretax dollars. FSAs are set up by your employer, and most of them have funds that expire at the end of the year. That’s what’s important. As with your dental insurance if you don’t use your FSA funds you will lose them. So why not come in and have a tooth bonded, or maybe replace an amalgam filling with invisible composite resin, or just have your twice-yearly professional exam and cleaning, and pay for the service with your FSA dollars. Dr. Egger also wants you to know you can use your HSA account (if you have one) to pay for our services and treatments. 

So, while a trip to the dentist may not be high on your end-of-year party planning, it will pay off in getting the most out of your dental insurance and your FSA account. Call Dr. Egger at (989) 773-3560 to schedule an appointment.