It's true! We typically talk about maximizing your dental benefits in the fall, towards the end of the year. But for 2026, we've decided to take a different approach. We want to help our patients make a plan on how to maximize their dental benefits throughout the year, starting in January. Here's what you should know.
The 2026 Dental Checklist
It's essential to understand how dental insurance benefits work. Each year, there is a maximum your plan will pay for treatment, typically around $1000 to $2000. If you don't use those benefit dollars, they disappear. So, the bad news is that if you had remaining benefits for 2025, they are now gone. However, you now have a fresh slate for 2026, so let's make a plan!
Here's your 2026 plan of attack:
- Prioritize preventive care — Did you know these visits are typically covered by dental insurance? That means you'll have little to no out-of-pocket costs for the treatment that protects your smile and dental health.
- Understand your deductible — Some dental plans have a deductible that you are responsible for before they will pay for treatment. It is good to know if you have a deductible and what it might be applied to.
- Check for "flex funds" - HSA and FSA — If you have flex spending accounts through your employer, you may be able to apply the funds toward dental treatments.
Why Start in January or February?
Getting a head start on booking appointments at your Kalamazoo dental office ensures you get the days and times that are convenient for your schedule before the practice gets busy with spring and summer bookings during the wedding and graduation seasons.
If you're ready to schedule some appointments with your dentist in Kalamazoo, contact our team at (269) 343-6907 to get started.