Dental And Vision Insurance: Understanding Auto-Renewal

Whether your dental and vision insurance auto-renews depends on the insurance company and the plan you have chosen. Some plans allow you to auto-enrol in the same plan for the following year, while others require you to re-enrol manually. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand their specific policies and procedures regarding auto-renewal. Additionally, it is worth noting that even if auto-renewal is an option, it may not always be the best choice as you could miss out on savings or alternative plans that better suit your needs.

How to renew your dental or vision plan

Whether your dental and vision insurance auto-renews depends on your insurance provider and the type of plan you have. Some plans auto-renew annually on January 1st, whereas others renew every two years. To find out if your insurance auto-renews, check with your insurance provider or your HR representative if you have employer-provided insurance.

If your insurance does auto-renew, you may still be able to switch to a different plan if you experience a qualifying life event that triggers a special enrollment period. Such events include losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child. Additionally, if your household income falls below a certain amount, you may also qualify for a special enrollment period.

If you want to renew your dental or vision plan, here is what you need to do:

Dental Insurance:

• Find out when your insurance renews: Check with your insurance provider or HR representative to confirm when your benefits will renew.
• Understand your coverage: Most dental plans include annual caps that limit your coverage for specific treatments. Contact your insurance provider to find out your coverage limits and how much you have left to spend.
• Maximize your benefits: If you still have benefits available, schedule any necessary treatments before the end of the calendar year. If you have nearly exhausted your annual benefits, consider postponing non-essential treatments until your coverage resets in the new year.
• Plan ahead: Keep track of your benefits and strategically schedule appointments to make the most of your coverage. If possible, stagger your treatments across two calendar years to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
• Review your options: Evaluate your current plan to determine if it meets your needs. If you are considering switching plans, research alternative options to find one that better suits your requirements.

Vision Insurance:

• Understand your plan: Check when your vision insurance benefits restart. Some plans follow a calendar year (12 months) or every other calendar year (24 months).
• Stay in-network: Eye exams, glasses, and contacts are typically more affordable when you stay within your insurance provider's network.
• Get an annual eye exam: Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining eye health and can help detect signs of serious health issues.
• Review your benefits: Understand what your vision insurance plan covers, such as discounts on prescription eyeglasses, frames, or contact lenses.
• Plan any purchases: If you have unused FSA funds, be aware that they will expire if not used. Consider using them to purchase new glasses or contacts before the end of the benefit year.
• Explore alternative options: If you are dissatisfied with your current plan, research alternative vision insurance plans that may better align with your needs.

By following these steps, you can effectively renew your dental or vision plan and maximize your insurance benefits.

How to make changes to your plan

To make changes to your dental or vision plan, you can call customer service or go online. By calling customer service, you can inquire about your plan and make any changes over the phone. Alternatively, going online allows you to compare plans and complete a new application to make changes to your existing plan.

If you want to change to another plan or make revisions, such as adding or removing dependents, you can do so at any time throughout the year. However, to ensure that your plan changes are effective by January 1st, you must submit your changes by December 31st.

For those with employer-provided insurance, the process of enrolling in or making changes to supplemental benefits depends on your employer. State employees covered by STAR should log in to STAR to make changes, while UW System Employees and UW Hospital & Clinics Employees should refer to the UW Employee Benefits page and U-Connect, respectively, for instructions. All other employees should contact their employer for directions on how to enroll, change, or cancel their benefits.

Additionally, retirees should be aware that they may cancel Uniform Dental coverage at any time. To continue other types of coverage into retirement, retirees will need to complete the appropriate paperwork and talk to their employer benefits specialist for more information.

How to avoid losing benefits by using them before the calendar resets

Most dental insurance plans reset every year on January 1, and any unused benefits are lost. This means that if you have been paying a premium every month for your insurance plan, you are accruing benefits that will be lost if not used before the calendar year resets. Therefore, it is important to take advantage of everything your dental insurance provides before the end of the year.

• Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings: Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for two check-ups a year at six-month intervals. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and to address any potential issues.
• Plan ahead for extensive treatments: If you need multiple visits for a dental treatment, the end of the year is the perfect time to get started. If you've already met your deductible, your out-of-pocket expenses can be significantly reduced, making it an ideal time for larger dental treatments.
• Maximize your benefits: If you're close to your annual maximum, your dentist can help create a treatment plan that splits your treatment between this year and the next, allowing you to use your current benefits and take advantage of renewed benefits after the new year.
• Consider financing options: If you need assistance with managing the costs, some dental offices offer financing options or payment plans to help make your treatment more affordable.
• Review your plan and benefits: Understand what is covered under your plan, your deductible amount, and your yearly maximum. This information will help you make informed decisions about your dental care and maximize your benefits.
• Use your coverage early: During check-ups and exams, discuss with your dentist any treatments you may need and whether they are covered by your plan. Schedule them as soon as possible to ensure you get the most coverage.
• Ask about extensions: Some employers may offer a grace period or allow you to carry over a certain amount into the following year. Check with your HR department or benefits administrator to explore these options.

Additionally, keep in mind that vision insurance plans may have similar auto-renewal policies and deadlines. Review your specific vision insurance plan to understand how to maximize those benefits as well. By being proactive and planning ahead, you can avoid losing valuable benefits and ensure you get the most out of your dental and vision insurance plans.

How to find out if you're signed up for auto-renewal

To find out if you are signed up for auto-renewal for dental and vision insurance, you can follow these steps:

• Check your insurance policy documents: Review the terms and conditions of your insurance plan to see if there is any mention of automatic renewal. This information may be included in the fine print or the renewal section of your policy.
• Contact your insurance provider: Get in touch with the customer service team of your insurance company. They can confirm whether your policy is set to auto-renew and provide you with the relevant details.
• Review your previous billing statements: Check your credit card or bank statements to see if there is a recurring payment for your insurance policy. This could indicate that you have signed up for auto-renewal.
• Log in to your online account: Many insurance companies offer online portals where you can manage your policy. Log in to your account and look for settings or preferences related to renewal options. This is often where you can find information about auto-renewal.
• Speak to your employer: If you receive dental and vision insurance through your employer, contact the relevant person or department in your organization. They can provide information about the insurance benefits offered and whether auto-renewal is a standard practice.

It is important to note that auto-renewal practices may vary depending on your insurance provider and the specific plan you have. Be sure to review the information provided by your insurance company carefully to understand their renewal policies. Additionally, keep in mind that you may have the option to opt out of auto-renewal if you prefer to renew your policy manually.

How to avoid higher costs or unexpected changes in coverage

Dental and vision insurance are not considered essential health benefits for adults, and therefore health plans are not required to offer coverage. However, dental and vision coverage can be purchased separately or as part of a health insurance plan.

• Be aware of auto-renewal dates: In most states, the open enrollment period for health insurance is from November 1 to January 15. After this period, you cannot switch to a different plan unless you experience a qualifying life event that triggers a special enrollment period. Therefore, it is important to be aware of any auto-renewal dates and make changes to your plan before the end of the open enrollment period.
• Shop around for the best plan: Compare different dental and vision insurance plans to find one that offers the best coverage for your needs. Consider the level of coverage, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance when selecting a plan.
• Understand the different types of plans: Dental and vision coverage can come in the form of traditional plans, which operate like typical health plans with monthly or annual premiums, deductibles, and copayments or coinsurance. Alternatively, you can join a discount program, where you pay a recurring fee for access to a pool of discount offers on approved services.
• Review your plan documents: Access your plan documents to understand the specifics of your coverage, including any exclusions or limitations. This will help you avoid unexpected costs or changes in coverage.
• Make changes to your plan as needed: If you need to make changes to your dental or vision plan, such as adding or removing dependents, contact customer service or go online to compare plans and complete a new application. Some plans allow you to make changes at any time throughout the year, but others may have specific deadlines.
• Consider supplemental plans: If your current health insurance plan does not include dental or vision coverage, consider purchasing a separate, standalone plan as a form of supplemental insurance.
• Explore Medicaid and Medicare options: If you are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, these programs may provide vision and dental benefits, especially for children.

Frequently asked questions