By Carrie Millar, FDA Services Agency Manager
As we approach the end of the year, our lives become hectic with all the holidays and events. However, it is important that you don’t forget to use your dental insurance benefits and flexible spending account (FSA) balances before you lose them.
■ No Rollover
Most dental plan benefits and FSA benefits don’t roll over from year to year, which means that you could be losing out on coverage if not used in 2016.
■ Preventative Cleaning Coverage
Most dental insurance policies cover two annual preventative office visits at no or low co-pays. Make sure you book those now before dental office schedules fill up.
■ Check Your Deductible
Most policies have deductibles that reset on Jan. 1. If you have already met your deductible and need additional treatment, it might make sense to get those completed before your deductible resets.
■ Annual Benefits Reset
Also, most dental plans have annual benefit maximums. If you have a large treatment needed, it might make sense to start in December to maximize your current annual benefits, and then finish the treatment in January under your new benefits.
■ Unused Flexible Spending Dollars
Don’t have a dental plan or have used your annual benefits? Don’t forget that FSA dollars can be used for dental treatment.
■ Procrastination Can Be Costly
Besides losing benefits that are included in your 2016 dental policy, delaying or avoiding simple treatment now can potentially cause more expensive treatment later.
Act now before it’s too late! Check your current insurance policy or call your insurance provider to find out what benefits you have remaining in 2016, and make your dental appointment today. To find your FDA member dentist, visit learn.floridadental.org/find-your-dentist/.
Beyond the Bite 