Your Year-End Dental Insurance: Either You ‘Use It Or Lose It’
Beverly Hills, CA

As the year winds down, holiday preparations and festivities may be on everyone’s mind, but there’s one year-end to-do list item you don’t want to overlook: making the most of your dental insurance.

Many dental insurance plans operate on a “use it or lose it” basis, meaning they’re gone for good if you don’t take advantage of your benefits before December 31. Here’s a helpful guide to maximizing your insurance and saving on dental care before the clock runs out.

A Brief on The “Use It or Lose It” Policy

Dental insurance plans commonly set an annual maximum—the maximum dollar amount they’ll cover for treatments within a calendar year. If you’ve been paying monthly premiums but haven’t utilized your benefits, now is the time. Unused funds won’t roll over, meaning missed opportunities to get essential care covered by your plan.

Assess Your Current Insurance Status

Start by contacting your insurance provider or reviewing your online portal to check:

• Annual Maximum: How much has your insurance covered so far? Knowing this amount can help you plan your remaining treatments.
  
• Covered Services: Review which services your plan fully or partially covers. Preventive treatments, like cleanings and check-ups, are often covered at 100%, making them a great way to use benefits without additional out-of-pocket expenses.
  
• Eligible Treatments: Some plans cover only certain types of treatments, so knowing which qualifies can help you make informed choices.

Don’t Delay In Preventive Care

Insurance generally covers preventive care and is a great way to keep your dental health in check. By using your benefits for routine exams and cleanings, you’re investing in long-term health and catching potential issues early—before they require costly interventions.

Why Preventive Care Matters?

• Checkups and Cleanings: These services help maintain oral health and identify early signs of issues.
  
• X-Rays and Screenings: Often included in preventive care, these services detect hidden problems early on, preventing higher costs later.

Handle Minor Treatments on Your To-Do List

If you have been postponing minor treatments, like fillings or gum therapy, this is an ideal time to address them. Small issues often become larger, costlier problems if left unattended, so using your benefits now can prevent future expenses.

• Fillings: Early-stage cavities can be treated affordably with fillings, often partially covered by insurance.
  
• Gum Treatments: If you’re seeing signs of gum disease, procedures like scaling or root planing are beneficial and often covered.

Strategize Major Treatments With The “Use It or Lose It” Policy

If you’ve been putting off major dental treatments like crowns, root canals, or orthodontic work, the “use it or lose it” policy makes this the perfect time to get started. Major treatments are often only partially covered by insurance, so planning these procedures before the year ends can help you make the most of your remaining benefits and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Why Now?
Many major treatments come with a higher cost, and with insurance covering a portion of that cost, every dollar saved counts. By using up your annual maximum for this year, you can reduce your share of the costs while fully utilizing the benefits you’ve already paid for.

Avoid The Last-Minute Rush

The end-of-year rush for dental appointments is real. Many patients scramble to use their insurance benefits in December, making it challenging to secure a convenient appointment time. Booking early means you won’t be left without options, especially if you need multiple treatments or specific time slots.

Tips to Secure Your Appointment:

• Contact our oral surgeon early to discuss your needs and schedule treatments.
• Prioritize must-do procedures to ensure you make the most of available coverage.
• Check if our oral surgeon has any cancellations or openings for quick scheduling.

Begin A Year With a Healthy Smile!

With your dental benefits fully used and your oral health optimized, you can begin the new year with a sense of satisfaction and a fresh, healthy smile. Maximizing your insurance not only prevents financial waste but also promotes proactive dental care, leading to fewer complications and better health.

This “use it or lose it” policy is a powerful motivator to prioritize dental health before the year ends. By understanding your insurance plan, scheduling essential treatments, and taking advantage of covered preventive care, you’re not just saving money—you’re investing in your future well-being.