How to Keep Your Dental Insurance Benefits from Expiring at Year-End?

Did you know that nearly 30% of people let their dental insurance benefits expire each year? Many don’t realize that unused benefits don’t roll over into the next year. To avoid wasting your hard-earned benefits, it’s important to take action before December 31st.

This blog will offer tips to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits and avoid common pitfalls.

Understand Your Dental Insurance Plan

Before the year ends, make sure you understand your dental insurance plan. Most plans cover routine care, such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays. However, some services, like orthodontics or cosmetic work, may not be fully covered. Review your plan for annual maximums, which limit the amount of coverage you can use each year.

Remember, benefits typically expire on December 31st. To fully understand your coverage, check your policy terms online or contact your insurance provider. This will ensure you don’t miss out on essential treatments.

Make an Appointment Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your dental appointment. As the year-end approaches, dental offices fill up quickly, leaving limited availability. To avoid the rush, book your appointment early. Scheduling early ensures you can fit in your routine cleanings and exams.

If additional treatments are needed, you’ll have time to plan and use your benefits efficiently. Remember, timely appointments can help you avoid rushing through treatments and maximize the value of your insurance benefits.

Maximize Preventive Care

Preventive care is essential to maintaining oral health, and it’s often fully covered by insurance. Services like routine checkups, cleanings, and annual exams typically count toward your benefits.

Don’t wait until the last minute—schedule your visit now to avoid needing more expensive treatments later. X-rays and exams may also be part of your preventive benefits.

If you haven’t already used these services, now’s the time to make the most of your coverage before it resets. Preventive care helps avoid costly procedures down the road.

Take Advantage of Unused Benefits

If you’ve met part of your deductible, schedule any necessary treatments before your benefits reset. Even if you’re close to your annual limit, fitting in additional procedures can prevent you from wasting your benefits.

Some plans also cover non-essential treatments, such as teeth whitening or orthodontic adjustments. These benefits can often be used before year-end, helping you maximize your plan.

Be sure to use the remaining coverage to avoid losing it. The “use it or lose it” rule applies to many dental benefits, so act now.

Review Your Treatment Plan with Your Dentist

Speak with your dentist to review your treatment plan and ensure it aligns with your insurance coverage. If extensive procedures are needed, discuss the best way to manage them before year-end. Ask for a treatment estimate so you can plan accordingly.

If your treatment plan spans over two calendar years, be sure to clarify how costs and coverage will apply. Working with your dentist to plan your treatments can help you avoid any surprises and make sure you get the most out of your benefits.

Understand the Impact of Unused Benefits

Unused dental benefits typically don’t roll over into the next year. If you don’t use them before the deadline, you lose them. This means you’re essentially paying for coverage you didn’t take full advantage of. The financial impact can be significant, especially if your plan covers high-cost treatments like crowns or root canals.

However, some plans may offer exceptions or rollover options, so check your policy details. Don’t let this valuable benefit go to waste. Make sure to use it before December 31st.

Consider Adding or Changing Coverage for Next Year

As you approach the end of the year, take the opportunity to review your dental insurance plan for next year. Ensure it meets your needs, especially if you plan on needing more extensive treatments.

Open enrollment periods are often in the fall, so check if changes can be made to your plan. This is a great time to update coverage or switch plans to better suit your dental health needs for the upcoming year. Make sure you’re fully covered for the treatments you anticipate needing.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Expire—Act Now!

At Burton Family Dental, we’re here to help you make the most of your dental insurance before it expires. Schedule your appointment today to ensure you use your benefits before the year-end deadline!