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A annual maximum is the maximum dollar amount your dental insurance plan will pay toward the cost of dental services within a specific period, usually a calendar year. If you have dental insurance or want to get a plan, it’s important to understand your annual maximum so you can make the most of your benefits. Read on to learn more about how dental insurance works, what an annual maximum means for dental insurance, and what counts toward your annual maximum.
Many dental insurance plans come with an annual maximum. This is the money that the insurance company offers. It will go toward qualifying dental treatments you receive over a benefit period, which is typically 12 months. Dental insurance annual maximums often range from $1,000 to $2,000.1
If your annual maximum is $1,000, for example, your dental insurance plan will pay its portion of the bill up to $1,000 within that year. Once the new year starts, your annual maximum will reset, and a new benefits period will start. Ideally, you’d schedule any treatments you need before the end of the year so you can get the most out of your dental insurance annual maximum.
Dental insurance is a form of supplemental insurance that can help cover costs related to dental care. Some plans offer coverage for a wide range of treatments. Aflac dental insurance, for instance, helps cover preventive, basic, and major services, from routine cleanings to oral surgery.
While every dental plan is different, many plans may not count preventative and diagnostic treatments, like cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays, toward the annual maximum. Most dental plans cover routine care.
You should reach out to your dental insurance company to figure out what does and doesn’t count toward your maximum.
Believe it or not, there are some dental insurance plans without annual maximums. If you apply for coverage, there won’t be any limit on what the insurance company will cover.2 They’ll pay out for all qualifying procedures that are listed in your policy. Keep in mind that this type of plan is usually more expensive than plans with annual maximums.
Here are two ways you can find out what your dental insurance annual maximum is:
Log into your dental insurance company’s website with your username and password. Once you do, you should be able to find all the details of your plan in your online dashboard, including your annual maximum.
You can call your dental insurance company directly and ask them about your annual maximum. Be prepared to prove your identity and state your policy number.
Once you reach your annual maximum, you must pay for 100% of the cost of the dental treatments you receive in that benefit period.3 While your annual maximum might seem high, understand that dental costs can add up quickly. Therefore, it’s important to plan accordingly so you can make the most out of your benefits.
When deciding if a dental insurance plan with a high annual maximum is right for you, consider your coverage needs, unique situation, and budget. Although plans with high annual maximums can be more costly than those with low annual maximums, they can be worth it if you want to save more money on out-of-pocket costs or think you may require more extensive care.
Dental insurance annual maximums can help policyholders save money on dental treatments each year. If you’re looking for affordable dental insurance, Aflac is a good option to consider. We offer dental insurance plans with an annual maximum benefit that increases over time. Plus, waiting periods are mostly minimal for preventative care. It costs less by using in-network providers, and you have the option to get a plan with vision or hearing services. For more information, start chatting with an agent and get a quote today!
1 Investopedia - How Does Dental Insurance Work? Updated December 15, 2023. Accessed June 28, 2024. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/111715/how-does-dental-insurance-work.asp.
2 Benzinga – Best Dental Insurance With No Annual Maximum. Updated January 31, 2024. Accessed July 3, 2024. https://www.benzinga.com/money/dental-insurance-with-no-annual-maximum.
3 Investopedia – Guide to Dental Insurance. Updated December 10, 2023. Accessed June 28, 2024. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/dental-insurance.asp.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
A81000 & A82000 series: In Arkansas, Policies A81100AR–A81400AR. Policies A82100RAR–A82400RAR. In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available NY or VA. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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