Your Year-End Dental Insurance Checklist: Use Your Benefits Before Time Runs Out

The end of the year is the perfect time to maximize your dental insurance benefits. Many plans follow a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy, meaning unused benefits expire and do not carry over to the next year. This can result in missed opportunities for necessary treatments and wasted coverage dollars.

Review your benefits, schedule any needed appointments, and act before the year ends to avoid this. This checklist will guide you in making the most of your dental plan and ensuring you do not lose out on valuable coverage.

Why Year-End Matters?

As the year ends, dental insurance benefits often reset, meaning any unused portion of your coverage will expire. Most dental plans have an annual maximum—the highest amount they will pay for services in a year. Once this limit is reached, you will have to cover additional costs out-of-pocket.

Many plans operate on a “use it or lose it” basis, where any remaining benefits do not roll over to the next year. This creates a critical window to utilize your benefits effectively before they expire, ensuring you don’t miss out on essential care and financial savings.

Review Your Current Benefits

Start by logging into your insurance provider’s online portal or checking your policy documents to review your dental insurance benefits. Look for your annual maximum benefit, which is the total amount your plan will pay for covered services within the year.

Check the coverage limits for preventive, basic, and major procedures. Review recent claims and payments to note any remaining unused benefits. If you have any questions, contact your insurance provider for clarification. Keeping track of these details will help you make informed decisions and use your benefits before they expire.

Common Benefits to Check

• Preventive Care: Most plans cover routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays 100%. These visits are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing future issues. Ensure you schedule these services before the year ends to fully utilize your benefits.
• Basic Procedures: Fillings, extractions, and other common treatments usually have a cost-sharing arrangement. Verify how much your plan will cover and if you have any remaining coverage. Completing these procedures before the year ends can prevent additional out-of-pocket costs.
• Major Procedures: For crowns, bridges, and dentures, which are more expensive, ensure you understand the benefit coverage and any waiting periods that might apply. If you need these procedures, prioritize them now to take advantage of your annual maximum and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Make an Appointment

Schedule your dental appointments as soon as possible to ensure you use all available benefits before they expire. Contact your dentist to check availability and confirm that your upcoming treatments are covered by your insurance.

If you are waiting on an appointment, follow up to expedite the process. Be sure to confirm with your dental office that all planned procedures will be billed under this year’s benefits.

Plan for Any Needed Treatments

If you have treatments that need to be completed, prioritize them based on urgency and insurance coverage. For extensive procedures, discuss with your dentist the possibility of splitting treatments between this year and next.

This strategy can help manage costs and maximize benefits. Plan carefully to avoid missing out on essential care and to ensure your treatments are covered by your current benefits.

Understand Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

Estimate any additional costs that might not be covered by your dental plan. Your insurance provider or dentist can help you calculate these amounts.

If you anticipate significant out-of-pocket expenses, explore payment plans or financing options available through your dentist. This way, you can manage your costs effectively without sacrificing necessary dental care.

Check for Expiring Discounts or Offers

Many dental offices offer year-end promotions or discounts that can be applied to various treatments. Check with your dentist’s office to see if there are any special deals or limited-time offers available.

Taking advantage of these promotions can provide additional savings and help you make the most of your benefits before the year ends.

Keep Records

You should maintain detailed records of all dental procedures and insurance claims. Track each visit and treatment, and keep copies of all paperwork for your reference.

Use a digital or physical filing system to organize these records. Proper documentation will help you manage your benefits and provide necessary information in case of disputes or discrepancies.

Take Action Now with Burton Family Dental!

Do not let your dental benefits go to waste. Contact Burton Family Dental today to schedule your year-end appointments and make sure you are not missing out. Remember, it is a “use it or lose it” situation—so act now and protect your oral health and financial well-being!