Maximize care, minimize costs

With all the recent talk of The Affordable Healthcare Act and changes to insurance, the American public may be a little less spirited during the upcoming holidays, when trying to understand and navigate the new healthcare plans for 2014. Fortunately, we are a resilient bunch that will lose ourselves in family gatherings and office parties soon enough.

Before year-end, it is wise to check your current insurance plan and flexible spending accounts to see what remaining benefits you still have available to use; and to make sure you get a clean bill of health. It may give you a little peace of mind when faced with the healthcare unknowns of 2014.

Use it or lose it 
If you have dental insurance you know it provides coverage for yearly exams and reduces costs on dental procedures. What you may not realize is most insurance plans have a yearly maximum on the amount of money they are willing to pay for dental coverage. The coverage amount depends on the policy, but typically it is around $1,000 to $1500. If you have treatment your dentist or hygienist has been telling you have needed for years, now may be the time to act and use those remaining benefits.

Deductibles
Deductibles typically begin anew each year, and if you have already paid it this year, maximize that payment by getting other needed treatment completed. Also by delaying care, a small cavity can become a major toothache and a major expense. If you don’t have any other treatment to do other than your cleanings and exams, you’re in good shape for next year.

Flexible spending accounts or HSA
If your flexible spending account does not roll over and there is unused money in the account, it could be lost at the start of next year if you don’t use it. That’s like giving money away, and at this time of year the only giving you should be doing is for those you love and yes, yourself. Check your account and your FSA eligible expenditures list to learn what you can expense. Then, call your dentist to see if you have any outstanding or necessary treatments.

Keeping costs down 
If dental insurance is unavailable to you, ask your dental office if they have any other options. Our office created a membership plan, ArtisticD Cares Plan (ADCP), to help offset the cost of dental treatment and provide coverage for preventive services for patients who have to pay out-of-pocket. Your dentist may have something similar or they may have some other options, so it is always good to ask.

Preparing for the New Year 
Before you begin drafting your New Year’s resolutions, sit down with your dentist to discuss a dental healthcare plan for upcoming year. Depending on what you need or want, it can potentially be done in phases. By phasing treatment, dental fees are minimized and, in the end, you still arrive at the same finished product - a healthier you.