Wait for FSA or get treatment now?

[BigDog]

I have to fill 11 cavities...(I posted in HUTC)...but now I have a different question.

Why do they want me to rush back in to fill these?

They wanted me to fill them 4 days ago (Monday). I couldn't due to lack of babysitting on such a short notice. It is scheduled for the 15th.

I have to do this in 3 different sessions (so I don't bite my tongue off, literally from the novicane).

Session as follows.

1st- $670
2nd - $230
3rd - $300

Comes up total to $1235 (so above totals are approximate I can't find my sheet they gave me). That is AFTER insurance!

If I can wait til January, we will have enough in our fsa to cover the whole amount. All I have left for this year is $400 and my kids usually get sick about this time of year. Plus if I upped my dental insurance it would cover 70% not 55% (not sure if would be "worth" it in the end, do calculations later).

Ideas? Why do ya'll think they want to do the "big" amount first?

I don't trust dentist, even if these people are rated well...they are the only people our insurance covers so I already feel no choice (but, do feel VERY blessed on insurance)...

Money is so tight right now it is unbelieveable, just curious if anybody has thoughts I'm all ears (well eyes on the computer).

[kschick96]

I know it is expensive, and money is tight-but if you can swing it-I would get it taken care of now. You only have one set of teeth-you gotta do what you gotta do to save them.

If there is absolutely no way you can swing it-I would be set up to have it worked on Jan. 2nd. The sooner the better!

I wish you the best with this hard decision!

[CW&M Mom]

I would do some of it now (Maybe have them decide which ones are the worst)? and do the majority of it next year.

I wouldn't suck up all of my FSA in just dental for next year.

Even though they have set it up how they want it..I would have them look at which ones are most apt to go bad (like could any abcess..) and get those done..and take care of the rest in a few months.

teeth are just the pits..and dental insurance..ughh. It pays so little for what ya get. So sorry!

[JulieDB]

I would do some of it now (Maybe have them decide which ones are the worst)? and do the majority of it next year.

I wouldn't suck up all of my FSA in just dental for next year.

Even though they have set it up how they want it..I would have them look at which ones are most apt to go bad (like could any abcess..) and get those done..and take care of the rest in a few months.

teeth are just the pits..and dental insurance..ughh. It pays so little for what ya get. So sorry!

I would do that too although I'll admit I don't really know what FSA is. I don't have it.

[BigDog]

I would do that too although I'll admit I don't really know what FSA is. I don't have it.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

FSA JULIEDB is money that your employer takes out for you every paycheck. It can cover your co-pays, dental work, prescriptions, and bandaids, oh and even braces.

It is YOUR money. But, it is pretax money. Thus, you aren't paying tax on the money to cover that stuff above. You have a limit. Feds set it in the year 2013 to $2500 per family or employer or something like that. You have 15 months to use it from Jan. to April.

Catch is, if you don't use it in 15 months, you loose it.

[foodie]

FSA stands for Flexible Spending Account which is similar to HSA (Health Savings Account) is a benefit that corporations offers as part of their benefits package for their employees. You put "X $" in the accounts pre-taxed for future needs. With some FSA/HSA(s), you can also use the benefits for over-the-counter medications too, etc.

Great programs--we have both and great medical/dental/vision benefits too with my DH's Defense Government Contractor Engineering position. Comes in handy with 6 kids!

Foodie (Katie)

[Rene S]

I would do some of it now (Maybe have them decide which ones are the worst)? and do the majority of it next year.

Even though they have set it up how they want it..I would have them look at which ones are most apt to go bad (like could any abcess..) and get those done..and take care of the rest in a few months.

That's what I would do. Get one or two of the sessions done this year and the remaining after the 1st of the year.

There may be some teeth that have larger fillings that may become a problem or are close to the root--get those done first. Or if they are replacing old fillings with new ones---sometimes there are "surprises" once they remove the old filling. (Been there, done that.)

[Sunbear]

Most dental insurance plans have a yearly maximim around $1000. I am guessing that is why your OOP is that high even after insurance. It may be in your best interest to do half now and half after the new year to maximize your dental coverage. Eleven fillings (about $200 each) is probably over the maximum benefit so you are having to pay full price for about half of them. I would ask your dentist and dental insurance if you have maxed out your benefits.

For example (numbers rounded for ease)

11 fillings x $200 each insurance pays $150 each up to $1000, you pay remaining $200 each (for the last 5 after insurance is maxed out) plus $50 copay for first 6 = $1300

If you split them up, you will have $2000 of coverage. $1000 from this year and $1000 for next year.

Do 6 now, insurance pays $150 each, you pay $50 copay each = $300

Do 5 after January, insurace pays $150 each, you pay $50 copay each = $250

To do all the fillings in one year (regardless if this year or next year) your cost = $1300. If you break it up doing half this year and half next your cost = $550