‘Tis the Season to Smile
We are so proud to produce the first volume of our patient newsletter this October! It is our on-going commitment to help everyone in Studio City and the surrounding communities smile, and this newsletter is just one of the new ways we plan to make that happen!
As we head into 2019, our efforts to educate, inform and share will continue. With every newsletter, we’ll do our best to pick interesting topics and highlight our amazing team and happy patients. We also look forward to answering any questions you may have.
Our first newsletter focuses on the important topic of dental insurance, so please take a few minutes to read and learn. Remember, there’s no reason to feel hesitant or embarrassed if you have a question about the topic. Please give us a call if you have any concerns, questions, ideas – or simply would like to schedule your next appointment!
$152 Billion in Benefits Wasted Every Year!
Your dental insurance is very likely to reset on January 1, 2019, just like your other work benefits. This means any amount of your annual maximum that isn’t used before then will be lost permanently. Essentially, even you’ve paid for dental benefits, you will never get to put them to use.
Let’s look at the numbers so you can get a better understanding of what’s at stake. According to a study by the American Dental Association (ADA), the average American with dental insurance receives only $323 of dental treatment a year, but a typical plan has an annual maximum of $1,250! That means each of the 164 million people with private dental insurance is losing $927 per year. When you do the math, this equals $152 billion worth of dental benefits lost across America – every year.
While these figures show that losing your paid benefits only makes insurance executives richer, it also hurts your smile (and overall health) – not to mention those of your family and others close to you. Instead of letting your benefits go to waste; take control and call us today. Let us know you want to use your benefits, not lose them!
Meet Glenda Your Dental Insurance Concierge
If the idea of using your dental benefits before they expire sounds smart, Glenda is the person to know. She has over two decades of experience in dentistry overall and previously worked as an assistant for dentists and oral surgeons alike! Today, she enjoys spending time with Dr. Shahrestany and her wonderful patients! She’s also an expert in all things related to dental insurance.
For most of us, understanding our benefits is like trying to read another language. If you’re scratching your head while looking over insurance forms, make a call to Glenda to make your life easier. Not only is she likely to already know the complexities of your plan, but she will also make sure you understand all of your benefits – including any out-of-pocket costs – before starting any treatment. Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it; call her today!
Lower Your Risk for Heart Disease, Osteoporosis and Diabetes
You may have heard the old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This adage doesn’t fall short when it comes to your oral health. Regular visits to the dentist – along with a daily routine of brushing and flossing – can prevent many costly dental issues. However, it’s also the reason most dental insurance plans cover 100% of the cost of preventive care and why there are rarely any out-of-pocket costs for routine check-ups and cleanings.
Furthermore, did you know that your oral health is often linked to your overall health as well? A recent study found that people who did not have access to routine dental care were 67% more likely to have heart disease. These folks were also 50% more likely to have osteoporosis and 29% more likely to suffer from diabetes. Most people don’t recognize the direct link between healthy mouths and healthy bodies, which is why it’s understandable if you’re startled by these numbers.
These are even more reasons to give us a call and to make sure your smile and body stay healthy for years to come.
HSA’s Welcome
Across California, more than 2.7 million people have a Health Savings Account (HSA). However, it’s very common for people to use these accounts in conjunction with high-deductible medical insurance plans to cover the added burden of out-of-pocket fees and co-pays.
Thankfully, these funds are not inaccessible and can be used for all types of dental care. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to offset the cost of a check-up and cleaning or to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant; HSA funds are as good as cash!
To learn more about how HSA’s can be your ticket to a beautiful smile, don’t hesitate to give our office a call. We’d love to hear your questions and help you get your oral health on the right track!