The end of the year is quickly approaching, and you probably have a lot on your to-do list for the coming weeks. You may have to plan family gatherings, take care of year-end tasks at work, and prepare yourself to greet 2019. In all the chaos of your busy schedule, it could be easy to let important details slip by you — like routine dental care. However, now is the perfect time to visit your dentist in Abington. Scheduling a checkup before the end of the year will allow you to get more out of your 2018 dental insurance benefits.

Benefits Expire at the End of the Year

Most dental insurance plans give you a yearly maximum allowance — the highest amount that the insurance company will pay out for approved procedures within a calendar year. Typically, this annual maximum is between $1,000 and $1,500, though some plans offer even more. If you reach the end of the year without using your entire allowance, the remaining portion disappears. Very few plans have a rollover provision that lets you use benefits after they expire.

Scheduling a checkup now will help you get more out of this year’s insurance benefits. It will also give you that fresh-mouth feeling that can grant you an extra boost of confidence as you attend year-end social events with your family and coworkers.

Maximizing Your 2018 Benefits

Visiting your dentist for a routine checkup is just one way to get more out of your 2018 insurance policy. You might also find it beneficial to:

• Plan for restorative work. If you need a filling or other minor restorative work, there might still be enough time to complete your treatment before the end of the year. If you need a more extensive procedure, such as a crown, you might be able to break up the work across multiple appointments and across two calendar years. You’ll thus be able to use two yearly maximums instead of just one.
• Use your flexible spending account (FSA). An FSA account lets you use tax-free money for dental and medical expenses. You may be able to use it on conjunction with your insurance policy to make your out of pocket costs as low as possible.
• Ask for help. The staff members in your dentist’s office are pros at dealing with insurance policies, especially if they are in-network with your coverage provider. For example, if you have Delta insurance, visiting a Delta Dental dentist in Abington gives you the benefit of working with people who know your plan inside and out. Feel free to ask questions about how your policy works and how you can use it to your greatest advantage.

Include a visit to your dentist as part of your year-end activities. Your wallet and your oral health will thank you!

About Abington Family Dental Care

Our practice has two remarkable dentists who are ready to serve you. Dr. E. Michael Thomas and Dr. Priya Gopinathan work together with our office staff to create a positive experience for each one of our patients. To learn more about our practice and our insurance acceptance policy, contact us at 781-878-2190.