What You Need to Know About Open Enrollment
If you receive insurance through an employer plan, open enrollment for next year has likely already begun. This is the time to look at the different dental insurance options your employer offers and decide what works best for you and your family. And don’t just assume it’s best to stick with what you already have; plans and your needs may have changed since you went through this process last year.
No matter what type of plan you choose, it's important to ensure you have dental insurance locked in for 2026. Dental insurance typically covers the routine appointments and preventative treatment so critical to both your dental and your overall health.
During these routine appointments, Dr. Danny Moosa and the team at Parkway Family Dental in Polaris, Ohio, provide a thorough exam and comprehensive care. Dr. Moosa will let you know if he finds any issues that need addressed, and then present a treatment plan designed to get you back to optimal health. The team is also happy to go over any questions you have about recommended treatment, cosmetic dentistry you might be interested in such as whitening, implants and clear aligners, and, of course, insurance.
Choosing a dental insurance plan can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. To help you get through it, the team at Parkway Family Dental has put together a few tips:
You’ll likely receive a packet of information about the various insurance plans offered through your employer. Take the time to look everything over so you have a good understanding of the benefits. This will help you determine which plan is best for your situation.
Don’t be shy. Ask HR for clarification if there’s anything you’re unsure of after you read through the materials. This is an important decision, and you don’t want to be stuck with a plan that doesn’t meet your needs. The team at Parkway Family Dental in Polaris, Ohio, may be able to help as well, especially if you have questions about current dental insurance coverage.
If you miss the open enrollment period, you might not be able to get on an insurance plan unless you have a life event in 2026 (it’s important to note that if you do get married or have a child, for example, you can revisit and change to a different plan before the next open enrollment). Make sure you meet the deadline to ensure coverage.
While most dental insurance plans cover routine checkups, x-rays and preventative treatment, they may not cover much (if any) more complex treatment like crowns and implants. Knowing insurance limitations will help you budget for treatment you’d like to go forward with in 2026.
It’s also important to know the waiting period for dental coverage to begin, so you can schedule your appointments with Dr. Moosa at Parkway Family Dental accordingly. If you enroll now, it will likely be January or February before your benefits go into effect, but check with your employer so you know for sure. Of course, if you already have coverage for 2025, you can still use those benefits—just be sure to call Parkway Family Dental soon to get on the schedule before the end of the year.
Through flexible spending accounts (FSAs), a portion of your paycheck is deducted every month, pre-tax, to cover dental treatment and co-pays. Setting up an FSA is a great way to save a little money, but you have to make sure you actually use it.
If you don’t use the funds before the deadline, which is typically December 31, you’ll lose them. Some employers do provide a grace period of a few months or so, and some may allow you to carry the money over—but not all. Make sure you understand the terms before you set up an FSA, and that you’ll actually be able to spend the money by the deadline.
Already have an FSA? Now is the perfect time to use any remaining funds, especially if there’s treatment you’ve been putting off. Call the team at Parkway Family Dental today to schedule any dental work you’ve been considering.
This is a busy time of year, so it’s easy to forget about open enrollment and making changes to your existing dental plan. But it’s important to make sure you have the best plan in place for you and your family. Carve some time out to go over the various options and decide what’s best for you, which could mean sticking with what you already have, changing to a new option, or creating an FSA to save money on dental treatment in 2026.
Ready to schedule an exam or have questions for the Polaris, Ohio, based team at Parkway Family Dental? They’re happy to help in any way they can. Call today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the various services Dr. Moosa offers.
Please call 614.854.0101 or click below to schedule an appointment online. We can't wait to meet you!