Your “Use-It-Lose-It” Checklist: Getting the Most Value from Your Dental Plan

Countless individuals unwittingly forfeit hundreds of dollars’ worth of unused dental benefits as the year comes to a close. Use-it-lose-it benefits roll over at the end of the year, forfeiting valuable coverage that will expire if not used. Ignoring this now equates to forgoing necessary care. The time to act is here, before it’s gone. 

What Is “Use-It-Lose-It” and Why Does It Matter?

Use-it-lose-it is what most dental policyholders face annually. It means that any unused benefits do not roll over to the next year. Dental plans have annual limits, deductibles, and percentages paid.

At year’s end, unused benefits you have are reinstated. You should be aware of this since unused benefits won’t carry over.

Most people mistakenly think their benefits get rolled over automatically, but that’s not the case. Knowing how use-it-lose-it affects your coverage enables you not to leave money on the table.

The “Use-It-Lose-It” Checklist: How to Make the Most of Your Dental Benefits

Review Your Plan’s Benefits: Review your dental insurance coverage to determine whether there are still benefits remaining prior to year’s end.

Schedule Preventive Care: Regular checkups, cleanings, and exams are a must. They are usually cheaper with insurance, so take advantage of it.

Maximize Coverage for Treatments: Take your benefits for required dental treatment, such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.

Take Cosmetic Procedures: Most cosmetic procedures, such as whitening or bonding, can be partially covered. Check up on it.

Don’t Forget Your Family: Make sure all family members covered by your plan have their appointments booked before the year runs out.

Maximizing use-it-lose-it benefits means spending every dollar in your dental plan, keeping your care within budget.

How to Avoid Missing Key Deadlines

Every dental policy has a cutoff at the end of the year, usually December 31st, when benefits run out. Book your appointments early. Dental offices get busy close to the end of the year, and appointments get taken quickly.

Booking your appointments ahead of time prevents you from losing your benefits. Avoid procrastination and use up all your use-it-lose-it benefits.

What to Do If You’re Unsure About Your Benefits

If you are not certain of the amount of good remaining in your plan, contact your insurance company or dental office. They can easily inform you of how much benefit you still have available. If you are not sure of treatments, a representative from the dental office can help you decide which procedures must be completed before the year is over. Clarifying will allow you to maximize your use-it-lose-it benefits.

Dental benefits unused at the end of the year are gone forever, so act now. Get those last appointments to make the most of your use-it-lose-it benefits.

Call us today to schedule your appointments before it’s too late. Don’t let the year go by without getting the most out of your dental plan!