Taking the time to organize dental insurance may not be the most fun activity, however, it’s important to take advantage of your coverage.
As this year of dental coverage wraps up, now’s the perfect time to get a head start on your benefits game plan for next year. Take just 10 minutes to organize your dental insurance and set yourself up for great oral health all year long.
How to organize dental insurance
The hardest part about organizing anything is getting started. We’ve laid out simple steps that make it easy to get your dental insurance organized.
Make a checklist
Start with the basics — make a list of preventive services you need. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup, however the number may change based on your needs.
If you know you’ll need additional dental work, like fillings or crowns, pencil those procedures in too. If you have pain, that’s a pretty good indicator that you’ll need more than just preventive treatment.
Find a dentist
The next step to organize dental insurance is to find a dentist who accepts your Hawaii Dental Service benefits plan.
The Find a Provider tool on our website can help you find a dentist that meets your specific needs, such as a convenient location near your work or your child’s school, having evening and weekend hours, or specializing in treating kids.
Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations of good dentists near you. You can also search for online ratings and reviews to help you decide.
Study your coverage
Once you know what procedures you may need and have a dentist in mind, it’s time to familiarize yourself with your dental insurance plan.
Take some time to understand the details of your plan including your deductible, annual maximum, copayments, and more. Review your benefits contract so you know what’s covered!
Questions? Be sure to reach out to our customer service team to have them answered.
Construct a timeline
You will have a better idea of additional services or treatments needed after your first dental appointment of the year. Write down any procedures that must be done this year. If you have treatments that may be expensive, consider spreading them out accordingly to accommodate your budget and plan coverage, if you’re able.
Note: Always listen to the advice of your dentist when it comes to timelines for procedures.
Write it down
A lot can happen in a year! The No. 1 way to organize dental insurance is to keep track of upcoming appointments in a calendar or your smart device. It’s also a good idea to keep track of any insurance victories or speed bumps. This will keep your mind fresh if you want to adjust your plan come next open enrollment season.
Organize dental insurance to get the most out of your coverage
Organizing your dental insurance may not seem like a typical life hack, but it can help you avoid unnecessary stress and make the most of your benefits. A little planning goes a long way toward ensuring a healthy smile and minimizing out-of-pocket costs. Follow these steps to stay on top of your dental insurance and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-organized plan!
