Last Call For Your Dental Insurance: Use It Before You Lose It!

As the year comes to a close, many people rush to maximize their dental insurance benefits before they reset. This urgency stems from a common feature in dental insurance plans known as the ‘Use It or Lose It’ policy, where unused benefits don’t carry over to the following year. So, let’s look at why it’s crucial to use your dental insurance before it ends and how you can take full advantage of it.

The ‘Use It or Lose It’ Policy

The ‘Use It or Lose It’ policy is a common feature of many dental insurance plans. Each year, your dental insurance likely provides a set amount of coverage—usually known as an annual maximum. However, if you don’t use these benefits by the end of the year, they don’t roll over; they’re simply lost.

Why Do Dental Benefits Expire?

Insurance companies design policies this way to encourage people to stay consistent with their dental care. It’s also a financial move for insurance providers to control costs, but for patients, it means planning and scheduling care to ensure you don’t miss out on coverage you’ve paid for.

Get Familiar with Your Insurance Plan’s Annual Limits & Deadlines

Check Your Annual Maximum

Many dental plans set an annual cap on the amount they will cover. Knowing your cap helps you prioritize which treatments to pursue now, especially if you’re close to reaching this maximum.

Verify End-of-Year Deadlines

Most plans reset on December 31, which means any unused benefits will disappear on January 1st. To prevent losing any coverage, double-check the specific deadline on your plan and aim to schedule treatments well with our dentist in advance of it.

Essential Services To Consider Using Before New Year Approaches

Here are a few common treatments and checkups that may fall under your coverage and are worth considering before the year’s end:

• Routine Cleanings and Exams: Most insurance plans cover two routine cleanings and exams per year. Preventive care keeps your mouth healthy and helps identify potential issues before they worsen.
  
• Small Repairs, Like Fillings: Small cavities or repairs are often covered by insurance, so addressing these issues now can prevent the need for larger, costlier treatments later on.
  
• Larger Procedures You Can Split: If you need a bigger treatment like a crown, bridge, or root canal, you might consider starting the process now and completing it in the new year.

This way, you can use this year’s benefits to cover part of the cost and next year’s benefits for the remaining balance.

Benefits of Utilizing The Most Of Your Insurance Coverage

Save Money on Dental Expenses

By using your dental insurance before it ends, you’re essentially getting the treatments you need without paying entirely out of pocket. Skipping your benefits is like leaving money on the table!

Prevent Future Dental Issues

Many dental problems worsen over time, becoming more complex and expensive to treat. Addressing issues like cavities or gum inflammation early can prevent more serious, costly treatments down the road.

Prioritize Your Overall Health

Oral health is directly connected to overall health. Issues in your mouth, such as gum disease, can impact the rest of your body, potentially increasing your risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Prepare for The New Year!

Look Ahead

After reviewing your dental needs and scheduling any urgent treatments before the year’s end, take a moment to plan for next year’s dental care.

Review Your Policy

Consider reviewing your plan details to know your benefits for next year and set a proactive approach to dental care. Some employers allow open enrollment at year-end, making it a good time to adjust your insurance coverage if needed.

Taking action now could mean healthier teeth and gums, fewer major treatments, and money saved on dental care. Remember, when it comes to your dental benefits, it’s a “use it or lose it” policy.

So, contact our dentist to schedule a check-up at Elite Family Dental, start treatment, and take advantage of the insurance benefits you’ve paid for before they’re gone!