As the end of the year approaches, many people may not realize they could be leaving valuable dental insurance benefits unused. Most dental insurance plans operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy, meaning if you don’t take advantage of your benefits within the year, they won’t carry over to the next. This can result in missed opportunities to receive essential dental treatments that keep your oral health in top shape. Understanding how these benefits work can help you make the most of your plan and avoid losing coverage you’ve already paid for.

Many insurance plans reset annually, which means unused benefits are lost if not used by December 31st. At Advanced Smile Care, we want to ensure you get the most out of your dental insurance before the year ends. For nearly 40 years, we’ve helped patients in San Antonio maximize their dental coverage and maintain healthy smiles. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more advanced treatment, our team is here to help you take full advantage of your benefits.

What Are “Use-it-or-Lose-it” Dental Insurance Benefits?

“Use-it-or-lose-it” dental insurance policies generally mean that there is a set date when unused benefits are no longer accessible. Most dental policies set this date as December 31st or at the end of the calendar year. But what does this mean, exactly?

Hitting Your Dental Insurance Deductible

Essentially, you’re paying for your insurance on a monthly basis, whether you get coverage through your job, federal or state entities, or by purchasing your own plan. These policies allow you to pay for healthcare more easily, offsetting out-of-pocket costs (copays).

Each policy comes with a deductible, which is the maximum amount you will be responsible for paying in-network. This means you pay fewer copays as the year goes on, and your deductible is surpassed. Generally speaking, once you hit your deductible, the insurance company is responsible for covering additional treatments. 

An Example of How to Use Your Benefits

Consider an individual who hits their deductible in mid-November. This person still has time left in the year to receive low-cost or free care through their insurance coverage, and their dentist has recommended they get a deep cleaning, a root canal, and a few fillings. We recommend they schedule this care to take place before the year ends. If they cannot schedule all of them to take place before the end of the year, the root canal should be prioritized because it has the highest cost and is the most pressing.

After you’ve met your deductible, you can take advantage of more significant savings. However, once December 31st passes, patients will face a reset deductible. To avoid unnecessary copays and costs that could be covered by insurance, don’t wait! Schedule an appointment sooner rather than later.

How to Plan Your Dental Treatments Before Year-End

When planning any dental treatments toward the end of the year, you may encounter some difficulties. But we can help you plan to avoid packed schedules or slim pickings for appointments.

We recommend you schedule your appointments before the end-of-year holiday season. Not only are many people interested in using their “use-it-or-lose-it” benefits, but dental practitioners and medical providers are also taking time off work to spend time with their families during this time. Try to schedule appointments before your holiday becomes too packed. If you can’t avoid scheduling a visit around the holidays, try to put it on the dentist’s calendar before too many people run into the same issue. This will help ensure you can still schedule an appointment.

You should also work with your dentist to determine which treatments you should prioritize. For example, lower-cost procedures and treatments may not feel as important as a high-cost restoration. This is because low-cost care may be manageable at the beginning of the year, while a high-cost procedure may not be feasible without higher insurance coverage.

Maximize Your Dental Savings With Advanced Smile Care: Contact Us for Your Year-End Dental Needs

At Advanced Smile Care, we understand how important it is to make the most of your dental insurance before the year’s end. Our team is ready to assist you in prioritizing the treatments you need to ensure you don’t lose out on the benefits you’ve paid for. Whether you need routine cleanings, restorative treatments, or a more complex procedure, we’re here to guide you through the process. With nearly 40 years of experience in providing high-quality dental care to San Antonio, we’ll help you get the most out of your insurance plan.

Don’t wait until it’s too late — schedule your appointment today to avoid losing valuable benefits. Call us at (210) 366-3606 or complete our contact form to book your visit.