As the year draws to a close, it’s time to think about making the most of your dental insurance benefits. We understand the importance of keeping your smile healthy and ensuring you get the most out of your coverage. With the “use it or lose it” policy in play, any unused benefits won’t roll over into the new year.
Here’s how you can avoid wasting them and keep your smile in top shape!
Understanding the “Use It or Lose It” Policy
Dental insurance benefits usually reset at the end of the calendar year, meaning any benefits not used by December 31st are gone forever. This is known as the “use it or lose it” rule, and it’s critical to make sure you’re taking advantage of every dollar available to you. Here’s what this means:
- Unused Benefits Expire: If you haven’t scheduled a cleaning, exam, or necessary treatments yet, now’s the time to act!
- Coverage Does Not Carry Over: Dental benefits for preventive care, like cleanings and exams, often go unused, and since these are covered services, you’re losing out on savings and care.
Why You Should Act Now?
1. Maximize Your Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive care appointments per year, including cleanings and exams. If you’ve only had one or haven’t visited at all, make sure to book that second appointment before December 31st. These routine visits help maintain your oral health and catch potential issues early.
2. Avoid the Year-End Rush
The end of the year is a busy time for most dental offices, as everyone rushes to use their benefits before they expire. Scheduling your appointment now ensures that you don’t miss out on the available slots or get stuck in the last-minute rush.
3. Address Minor Issues Early
Dental problems don’t improve with time. What starts as a small cavity could turn into a root canal if left untreated. If you have pending treatments, such as fillings or crowns, starting them now ensures you’re maximizing your benefits and preventing more expensive and complex issues down the road.
4. Plan for Major Procedures
If you need extensive dental work, such as crowns or implants, starting the process before the end of the year can allow you to use this year’s benefits and roll into next year’s, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste!
Neglecting the use of your dental benefits before the year ends can cost you money in the long run. Whether it’s missing out on preventive care, paying more for treatments in the future, or losing out on the coverage you’ve been paying for, it’s important to make the most of your plan. At A Street Dental, we want to help you get the most from your dental insurance plan. Don’t let the “use it or lose it” rule leave you with regret (and missed savings). Whether it’s a routine checkup or a bigger treatment, now is the time to act.
