As 2015 draws to a close, you might be debating whether or not to begin orthodontic treatment now, or wait until next year. With just a few weeks left in the year, it's a great time to start treatment—and use up this year's orthodontic insurance benefits while you're at it!
Using Your Orthodontic Insurance
Like most other services or treatments covered in your personal health insurance plan, the orthodontic coverage included in your policy will most likely refresh on December 31st, with the full coverage amount resetting on January 1st. This means that if you haven't used all of your maximum annual allotment, anything that has been left unused will disappear.
Yearly Maximum Coverage Amounts
There's no doubt that your insurance coverage will vary depending on your insurer and the kind of insurance policy that you have, but many insurance policies have yearly maximums that run from January 1st to December 31st. Any coverage that isn't used in one calendar year is forfeited. Insurance companies don't allow you to roll unused coverage from one year into the next, so you have to use it, or you'll lose it!
All insurance policies are unique. They offer a wide range of coverage maximums and vary in the way they set and calculate coverage maximums. For example, some offer a lifetime amount, while others will pay a certain percentage of your treatment each year. Be sure to confirm what your plan offers you by checking in your policy or by getting in touch with your provider. Don't forget that our Smile Team can help create a flexible payment plan for you, and we'd be happy to speak to you insurance provider on your behalf.
Getting Value From Your Orthodontic Insurance
There are a tips to getting the most value out of your insurance policy. For example, you can have your treatment covered under both your policy and your partner's, if you both have coverage. Similarly, children can be taken care of in a similar way if they are covered under both parents' insurance plans. In this situation, it's a good idea to use the more generous policy to cover as much of the treatment as possible. Then, use the maximum of the second policy. This will greatly reduce your ongoing payments!
Calculating Treatment Costs
We know that orthodontic treatment is a big decision and Docbraces wants to ensure that cost doesn't stand in the way of anyone getting the treatment that they need. If you're wondering about the cost of treatment, you can use our helpful Payment Calculator. This free online tool will show you immediately how much the average cost of treatment is and how your insurance coverage or a downpayment will impact on your regular payments.
Ready to begin your treatment, or discuss your payment options? Request a FREE consultation with your nearest Docbraces office. It's never been more affordable to get the smile you've always wanted!
