Your 2024 Dental Insurance Could Save You Hundreds – But Only If You Know These Critical Changes

As we navigate through 2024, dental insurance is undergoing significant transformations that could either save you money or cost you hundreds of dollars in missed opportunities. Understanding these changes isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for maximizing your benefits and maintaining optimal oral health without breaking the bank.

Major Insurance Policy Changes You Need to Know

Three major dental insurance companies—Delta Dental, Cigna Dental, and Aetna Dental—have introduced significant updates this year. These changes are designed to enhance patient care, streamline administrative processes, and improve overall treatment outcomes. However, not all changes benefit patients equally.

Some payers are raising the frequency limitation on fillings from two to five years. So far, Delta Dental of Colorado — for at least one employer group — and the Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental program for federal employees have made this change. This means if you need a filling replacement, you might have to wait longer between covered procedures or pay out-of-pocket.

The three big insurance policy changes you might see at the start of every year include: annual maximum adjustments, coverage amount modifications, and adjusted deductibles. Make sure your team gets a full breakdown of each patient’s coverage at the beginning of the year and notes any changes that need to be communicated to the patient.

Enhanced Digital Tools and Telehealth Coverage

The silver lining in 2024’s changes includes expanded access to care. Delta Dental has expanded its telehealth services to include comprehensive consultations. Dentists can now conduct virtual visits for routine check-ups and emergency consultations. This increases access to care for patients in remote areas, those with mobility issues, and even those who are traveling.

Aetna introduced new digital tools, including a mobile app for easy access to insurance information, appointment scheduling, and real-time claims tracking. This improves communication and transparency between patients and their dental providers.

Medicare Dental Coverage Expansion

For Medicare beneficiaries, 2024 brings promising news. In the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule for calendar year (CY) 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) added to the list of services not subject to the statutory exclusion of coverage for dental services. Here’s what you need to know about billing Medicare for dental services with dates of service on or after Jan. 1, 2024.

MA general enrollment plans with mandatory dental benefits have grown steadily in popularity, with over 20 million out of 20.6 million total enrollees in general enrollment plans having dental benefits.

Maximizing Your Benefits: Don’t Leave Money on the Table

The most critical aspect of dental insurance that many people overlook is the “use it or lose it” nature of most plans. Most insurance plans have an annual maximum—a set dollar amount that your insurer will cover for treatments each year. However, if you don’t use these benefits by December 31, they typically do not roll over into the next year. They simply expire.

A dental insurance plan will often require you to pay a monthly premium, which accrues as benefits to cover your dental expenses. However, annual maximums don’t roll over to the next year. Thus, if you don’t use your benefits before the end of 2024, you lose them and will have to renew your plans in the new year.

Strategic Planning for Maximum Savings

Smart dental insurance utilization requires strategic thinking. Picture this: You need a crown, which costs $1,200, and your insurance plan covers up to $1,500 in treatment per year. If you wait until January 2025, you might end up using most of next year’s benefits on one procedure, leaving little room for other treatments that may come up. However, if you schedule the crown before the end of 2024, you’ll maximize this year’s benefits and have next year’s coverage available for future care.

Consider Flex Spending or HSAs: If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), many dental expenses can be paid with these funds. Like dental benefits, FSAs often have a “use it or lose it” rule at year’s end, so coordinate your dental care with these savings tools to maximize your overall health budget.

Finding the Right Dental Provider

Navigating insurance changes is easier with an experienced dental team. For residents seeking quality care, a trusted Dentist Dutchess County can provide guidance on maximizing insurance benefits while delivering exceptional care. Dr. Scott Kupetz, with over 30 years of experience serving Dutchess County communities, understands the complexities of insurance changes and works with patients to optimize their benefits.

Dr. Kupetz’s practice exemplifies the kind of comprehensive care that helps patients navigate insurance complexities while maintaining excellent oral health. His team stays current with insurance changes and helps patients understand their coverage options, ensuring they receive maximum value from their dental benefits.

Action Steps for 2024

To maximize your dental insurance benefits this year:

• Review your annual maximum and current usage before December 31st
• Schedule preventive care early in the year to meet deductibles
• Understand any frequency limitations on procedures like fillings
• Coordinate with FSA or HSA accounts for additional savings
• Work with experienced dental providers who understand insurance complexities

Let’s change the game by maximizing your patients’ benefits—they’re paying those premiums, so let’s make sure they get the most out of them. Don’t let 2024’s insurance changes catch you off guard. By understanding these modifications and working with knowledgeable dental professionals, you can turn potential challenges into opportunities for better oral health and significant savings.