See a Dentist in Richardson Before Benefits Expire!

Happy New Year… almost. With the end of the year around the corner, now is a great time to see a dentist in Richardson. Why? Because whether you are paying for your family’s dental care through an insurance benefits plan or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), chances are the money will not carry over to the next year. In fact, the National Association of Dental Plans estimates that only 2.8 percent of people with PPO dental plans reach or exceed their annual maximums. Make the most of you benefits and take care of your family’s smiles by seeing the dentist today!

Dental Benefit Plans

You may be able to buy a dental benefit plan through your employer, and individual plans are also available through Health Insurance Marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act. In any case, you have to pay a premium for the plan, which means those dollars also go to waste if you don’t see your dentist.
Most plans expire on December 31, and the unused portion does not roll over into the following year. Be sure to check the details of your plan because some do have different expiration dates.

How to Make the Most of Your Plan

The best way to take full advantage of your dental benefits is by scheduling regular preventive checkups for you and your family. Most plans cover cleanings and exams at 100 percent, which means you pay zero dollars out of pocket. Furthermore, you may not even have to satisfy the deductible before scheduling one of these visits.
At a checkup, speak to your dentist about any further services you may need. Then you can work with your dentist and your benefits provider to figure out what is covered and what will be the best schedule to use up your benefits before they expire.

Flex Spending Accounts

FSA’s are set up through your employer. During the open enrollment period, you decide how much money to put in the account and a portion of this amount is deducted pre-tax from your paychecks.
Like dental insurance, the money in an FSA can be used to pay for services and products you need to keep your oral health in optimal condition. You can even use an FSA in conjunction with your dental insurance to cover co-payments. Many of these types of accounts essentially work like debit cards that you use to pay for dental as well as medical expenses.
Most of the time, you have to use the money in an FSA within 12 months of starting the plan. There are some that offer a grace period or allow you to carry a certain amount to the following year.
How can you make the most of an FSA? First of all, try to plan well so you don’t put more money in the account than you’ll be able to spend in a year.  And as with a dental insurance plan, talk to your dentist during one of your checkups about any future services you need. This way you’ll be able to schedule them in a timely manner and make the most out of the funds in an FSA. Call you dentist today to schedule an appointment before the end of the year!
 
About the Author
Dr. Mike Hamid Mirsepasi earned his dental degree from Rutgers University Dental School and also completed advanced research to attain a Master of Science of Dentistry from the same institution. His vast educational background allows him to provide comprehensive care, ranging from prosthodontics to cosmetic dentistry. To take charge of your oral health, visit Dr. Mirsepasi at HM Dentistry. He can be reached for more information through his website.