How to Get the Most Value from Your Dental Plan: Understanding the ‘Use It or Lose It’ Policy

Dental insurance is valuable for maintaining oral health and preventing high costs. However, many people don’t fully understand how to use their benefits. One key concept is the “Use It or Lose It” policy. This policy catches many off guard, as unused benefits typically expire at the end of the year.

This blog will offer practical tips on making the most of your dental plan before time runs out.

What is the ‘Use It or Lose It’ Policy?

The “Use It or Lose It” policy refers to dental plans that don’t allow unused benefits to roll over to the next year. If you don’t use your benefits by the end of the year, they expire. Most dental plans work on a calendar-year cycle, meaning benefits reset on January 1st. Understanding this policy is key to ensuring you don’t miss out on the care you’re entitled to.

Why Does It Matter?

Not using your dental benefits before they expire can have financial consequences. Many people forget to schedule regular check-ups or postpone necessary treatments, losing out on coverage.

Routine care, like cleanings, is fully covered, and skipping these appointments means paying out-of-pocket. If you need major procedures, like fillings or crowns, you’ll be left with higher costs when benefits reset.

How to Maximize Your Dental Plan Before It Expires?

Start by reviewing your dental plan to understand your available benefits. Preventive care, like cleanings and exams, is often fully covered and should be scheduled first. If you need treatments like fillings or crowns, make an appointment before the year ends to maximize coverage.

Consider elective procedures that may be covered, such as teeth whitening or orthodontics, and schedule them before benefits reset. If there’s room in your coverage, consider additional treatments to avoid losing any remaining benefits.

Making the Most of Your Plan’s Coverage Limits

Most dental plans have annual coverage limits, meaning they only pay up to a certain amount each year. To maximize this, prioritize essential treatments like cleanings and fillings.

If your plan offers a high limit, combine multiple procedures in one visit to avoid leaving unused benefits behind. Consider splitting them across different years for expensive treatments like crowns or implants to ensure coverage for both procedures.

What to Do if You’ve Already Used Up Your Benefits?

If you’ve already used your benefits for the year, schedule treatments early in the new year to avoid delays. Alternatively, if a procedure can’t wait, you may need to pay out-of-pocket until your new benefits kick in. Discuss options with your dentist to manage the timing of treatments and costs.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Expire – Take Action Now!

Don’t miss out on your dental plan benefits. Schedule your check-ups and treatments before the year ends. At Hickory Heights Dental, we’re here to help you maximize your coverage. Call us today and maximize your “Use It or Lose It” benefits!