{"id":6784,"date":"2021-11-09T11:34:50","date_gmt":"2021-11-09T18:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/?p=6784"},"modified":"2024-08-16T14:00:25","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T21:00:25","slug":"help-your-patients-maximize-their-dental-insurance-benefits-before-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/help-your-patients-maximize-their-dental-insurance-benefits-before-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Help Your Patients Maximize Their Dental Insurance Benefits Before 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Now is\u00a0the\u00a0perfect\u00a0time\u00a0to help your patients take full advantage of their end-of-year dental benefits.\u00a0With many insurance plans having a \u201cuse it or lose it\u201d policy, you can help your patients by reminding them of expiring benefits\u00a0as we approach the end of the year.\u00a0Surprisingly,\u00a0only a\u00a0small percentage\u00a0of people\u00a0maximize their annual dental insurance plans\u00a0each year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cAccording to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mouthhealthy.org\/en\/dental-care-concerns\/paying-for-dental-care\/using-dental-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Association of Dental Plans<\/a>, only 2.8% of people with PPO dental plan participants reached or exceeded their plans annual maximum. Many people also have Flexible Spending Accounts, which help pay for dental and medical care with pre-tax dollars.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Maybe it\u2019s the collective busyness of the holiday season. Or perhaps many are merely uninformed. Either way, it\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/create-loyal-patients-by-improving-the-patient-experience\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">good for the patient experience<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0to be their advocate\u00a0so they can\u00a0take\u00a0full advantage of their dental benefits before\u00a0they run out.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why\u00a0It\u2019s Important to Inform Patients About Dental Benefits\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:640}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Keeping patients informed not\u00a0only\u00a0benefits\u00a0them\u00a0by ensuring benefits don\u2019t\u00a0go unused, but it also provides\u00a0an opportunity for\u00a0patients\u00a0to improve their oral health.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your patients win by applying unused benefits for preventive treatment or to lower out-of-pocket costs on higher fee procedures they\u2019ve been delaying.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your patients also receive the benefit of\u00a0better oral and overall health by\u00a0completing\u00a0any needed\u00a0treatment or procedure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your practice\u00a0also benefits\u00a0by tapping into allowable reimbursements that increase production and profitability\u00a0before the end of the calendar\u00a0year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As you\u00a0close out the fourth quarter,\u00a0put these best practices in\u00a0place\u00a0for\u00a0your patients and your practice.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Educate\u00a0Patients\u00a0About\u00a0Their\u00a0Dental Benefits<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your patients will appreciate being educated on their dental benefits.\u00a0Dental insurance plans and the available benefits can be difficult for some patients to navigate. By keeping your patients informed, you help them say \u201cyes\u201d to the treatment they need at the right time.\u00a0With a better understanding of\u00a0what\u00a0could\u00a0happen at the end of each calendar year, patients will be empowered to take advantage of any expiring benefits.\u00a0Here\u2019s\u00a0a few tips on\u00a0what to keep in mind when it comes to dental insurance benefits:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Determine the type of plan each patient carries<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Some patients may have\u00a0Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).\u00a0Some insurance plans are offered\u00a0through\u00a0a patient\u2019s employer.\u00a0And some\u00a0may have\u00a0individual plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace put in place by the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Confirm their plan\u2019s benefit expiration date<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Many insurance companies follow the annual December 31st usage deadline &#8211; with no roll-over into the\u00a0new\u00a0year. But some plans might have other calendar deadlines for benefit expiration.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Make\u00a0patients\u00a0aware of exceptions<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There could be options that work to your patient\u2019s advantage. For example, some companies allow a\u00a0two-month\u00a0grace period for unused FSA funds. Or an allowance of $500 can be extended into the next year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How to\u00a0Send\u00a0Relevant,\u00a0Timely,\u00a0and\u00a0Tailored\u00a0Communications\u00a0About\u00a0End-of-Year\u00a0Benefits\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559737&quot;:-90,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Put a process in place to start sending out\u00a0benefit reminders\u00a0early enough so that patients have time to schedule appointments before the end of the year. Then, use your dental practice management\u00a0solution\u00a0to\u00a0identify\u00a0patients with\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/best-practices-for-patient-recall-appointments\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">unscheduled or overdue treatment<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Compare\u00a0that list\u00a0with those\u00a0patients\u00a0who\u00a0have remaining benefits.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Now you know the exact group of patients for whom this communication will be highly relevant and helpful.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Once you\u2019ve\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/high-performance-reporting-module\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">segmented your patient data<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u00a0send a series of communications to help patients:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"5\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Take advantage of their unused dental benefits<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"5\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Schedule their appointment<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Timely\u00a0communication is\u00a0also\u00a0important. Remember that the end-of-year period is\u00a0busy with holidays and\u00a0travel:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"9\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Start the benefits usage conversation early<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"9\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Specify the treatment opportunities they have on record and help them prioritize any remaining treatment<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"9\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Stimulate their interest by giving them the option (if possible) of phasing their treatment using their benefits<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Communication\u00a0using the preferred channel\u00a0is also essential. Know your patient\u2019s preferred channel:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"16\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Text messaging\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"16\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Email communications<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"16\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Postcards\/letters\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"16\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A phone call\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Personalize Your\u00a0End-of-Year\u00a0Benefits\u00a0Conversations<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Personalized communication helps your patients feel more compelled to respond. This is important as you\u2019re focused on reminding them to use their (personal) dental benefits.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"15\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Give personal attention to their specific insurance coverage and approaching benefits expiration (e.g.\u00a0their FSA account, individual dental insurance plan, or an employee provided plan).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"15\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Connect their available benefits to their specific treatment plan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"15\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Determine an incentive that might have appeal to each patient (e.g.\u00a0a time-sensitive savings percentage, an out-of-pocket savings discount, etc.).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"15\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Include a P.S. (on an email or mailed letter) or a follow-up communication that highlights a fee reduction for a teeth cleaning, teeth whitening procedure, etc.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your patient\u2019s end-of-year dental benefits are a strong incentive to schedule treatment. Realizing their specific benefits have a shelf-life could be the motivation they need\u00a0to take advantage of expiring benefits.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Using\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/solutions\/denticon\/native-patient-communications\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">well-segmented patient lists<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0help you craft\u00a0more effective and tailored communication.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Consider a\u00a0Cloud-Based\u00a0Solution\u00a0to Improve\u00a0Your\u00a0Data\u00a0Management and\u00a0Patient\u00a0Communications<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Going forward, you may find it easier to target the right patients who would benefit from an end-of-the-year\u00a0reminder\u00a0by using an all-in-one practice management solution like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/solutions\/denticon\/moving-to-denticon\/\">Denticon<\/a>. With\u00a0Denticon, you\u00a0can segment patient lists based on outstanding recallable procedures and remaining dental benefits. You can even manage your patient communications within Denticon.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/book-a-demo\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Schedule a demo<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0today to find out how Denticon\u00a0can\u00a0help your practice encourage more patients to take advantage of end-of-year dental benefits.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360,&quot;469777462&quot;:[6480],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Now is\u00a0the\u00a0perfect\u00a0time\u00a0to help your patients take full advantage of their end-of-year dental benefits.\u00a0With many insurance plans having a \u201cuse it or lose it\u201d policy, you can help your patients by&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6785,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[307,146],"tags":[855,50,856,262,189,66,13,14,626,857,858,859,860,170,861,327,68,89,862,548,863,864,508],"class_list":["post-6784","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-patients","category-practice-management","tag-advantage","tag-benefits","tag-calendar-year","tag-communicate","tag-communication","tag-dental","tag-dentistry","tag-dentists","tag-educate","tag-end-of-the-year","tag-expiring","tag-fsa","tag-inform","tag-insurance","tag-insurance-plans","tag-oral-health","tag-patients","tag-practice","tag-procedures","tag-recall","tag-reminder","tag-save-money","tag-treatment"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6784","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6784"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6784\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6785"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6784"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6784"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6784"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}