As the year winds down, it’s a good time to review your dental benefits and ensure you’re making the most of them before they expire. Many dental plans run on an annual cycle, meaning any unused benefits typically disappear at year-end. At Groesbeck Family Dental, we want to help you understand why these benefits expire and how to use them effectively before they’re gone.
Why Dental Benefits Expire
Most dental insurance plans operate on a “use it or lose it” basis. Each year, your plan includes a set amount of coverage that resets at the start of the new year. If you haven’t used these benefits by December 31, they won’t roll over into the next year. Insurance providers structure their policies with annual limits to encourage routine care and keep overall costs predictable. It’s an opportunity for patients to make preventive and necessary care more affordable — if they use their benefits within the calendar year.
Making the Most of Preventive Care
One of the key features of dental insurance is coverage for preventive care, which includes cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Many plans cover these services at little to no cost, making it easy to stay on top of your oral health. By using your benefits for these visits twice a year, you’re keeping your teeth healthy and catching potential issues early on when they’re easier and less expensive to treat. If you haven’t had your second cleaning for the year, now is the time to schedule it.
Saving Money on Necessary Treatments
Dental insurance typically covers a portion of necessary treatments, like fillings, crowns, and root canals. If your dentist has recommended any of these treatments, it’s wise to schedule them before year-end to use up your benefits and save on out-of-pocket costs. Each plan has an annual maximum, which limits how much the insurance will pay within the year. Using this maximum coverage for needed care each year helps you reduce expenses and get the treatments that keep your smile healthy.
Avoiding the Holiday Rush
At Groesbeck Family Dental, we often see a surge in appointments toward the end of the year as patients try to use their remaining benefits. This can make finding an appointment time that fits your schedule harder. Planning ahead by scheduling any necessary treatments or exams before the year’s final months allows you to avoid the holiday rush and ensure you have time to complete any recommended procedures.
Planning for Major Treatments
If you need major dental work that may exceed your plan’s annual maximum, consider splitting the treatment across two benefit years. For instance, if you need a crown or multiple fillings, you might be able to schedule part of the treatment in December and complete it in January. This way, you can take advantage of two years’ benefits for the same treatment, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Taking Advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Many patients can also access Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through their employers. FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for medical and dental expenses, but these funds often expire at year-end. If you have an FSA, consider using it for any dental treatments or copayments. This can help you save even more on out-of-pocket costs while using your dental benefits to their fullest.
Don’t Wait — Maximize Your Benefits Today
With just a few months left in the year, now is the time to review your dental benefits and make a plan. At Groesbeck Family Dental, we’re here to help you understand your coverage, schedule any remaining treatments, and ensure you get the care you need. Don’t let valuable benefits go unused — contact us today to book an appointment and make the most of your dental insurance before it resets!