The season is changing, and fall is in the air; signs that it’s time to schedule dentist appointments before benefits expire. The end of the year always seems to rush upon us and it’s easy to let our health care get lost in the shuffle. Here are four reasons to schedule a dentist appointment before the end of the year.
- It’s hard to get an appointment at short notice
As the end of the year approaches, holidays, vacations, office closures and shopping make it harder to squeeze in appointments at your dentist’s and doctors’ offices. Beat the rush and enjoy your holidays by scheduling upcoming dental work with Dr. Frahm now. By contacting our office this month, it will be easier to find available appointments at more convenient times.
- Dental plan annual maximums expire at year’s end
Most medical and dental insurance plans are on an annual calendar. Benefits expire on December 31st. That means that your plan maximums and deductible also expire at the end of the year. Typically, dental insurance benefits max out at $1,000 to $1,500 and if you don’t use them, you lose them. If you haven’t already, schedule your dental cleaning visit before the end of the year. And, if you need additional dental work like fillings, crowns or periodontal work, use up this year’s insurance coverage. After all, if you are paying for the benefits, it’s smart to use them.
If you are unsure how much of your dental deductible you’ve used this year, you’re not alone. We help many of our patients make the most of their insurance benefits. We are happy to review our records to let you know how much has been billed to your insurance and how much is left on your plan. We can even help you plan how to maximize your insurance benefits. And, if you are in need of major dental work, planning together to time your care can lead to savings by maximizing your year-over-year dental benefits.
- Using funds from your HSA
Did you know that the tax-free dollars you and your employer add to your HSA can also be used for dental care? The money you set aside can be used to cover dental work that exceeds your regular dental insurance plan. HSA funds can be used for procedures like crowns and restorative dental work.
If you’re planning for major dental treatment, you’ll want to find out if the funds from your HSA roll over from year to year, or if there are restrictions on how much money can be rolled over. Check with HR or your HSA company. You can also contact our office and we will help you understand what funds can be used for dental treatment.
If you have any questions, please ask us. We like to help our patients get the most out of their HSAs. And, if you need major dental work next year, we can even help you plan for how much of your tax-free dollars should go into your to cover future oral health needs.
- The holidays
The holidays are a joyous time of year, filled with family, friends and food. And at holiday parties and gatherings, we all like to look our best. If you need dental work or a cleaning, schedule an appointment with Dr. Frahm before the holidays are upon us. By planning early, you’ll eliminate the additional stress of fitting appointments into a packed seasonal schedule and, your teeth will look and feel great when holiday time comes around.
We look forward to seeing you before the end of the year. Contact us via our webform or give us a call at 831-372-8011. We are conveniently located office at 660 Camino Aguajito #201 in Monterey, CA 93940.
