How to Use Your Dental Insurance Before You Lose It
Few people know this, but most dental insurance plans come with a hidden “use it or lose it” deadline, which for most people is around December 31st. This means that, if you don’t use your dental benefits before the year ends, you may lose access to treatments you’ve already paid for.
At DPI Dental, we want to help you avoid this, so we’ve written this short blog to guide you through what you need to know to use your dental insurance before it expires.
Know The Important Dates
The best way to ensure you use your dental insurance benefits before year-end is to know what you’re working with.
Dental insurance plans typically come with an annual maximum, which means your provider will cover up to a certain dollar amount each calendar year. The problem? For many plans, dental insurance rollover just isn’t a thing.
So, before you start planning how to use your dental insurance to make the most of it, you need to find out when your dental insurance resets every year.
If you have coverage with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, GEHA, Solstice, Excellus, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, or Humana, chances are, your benefits reset every January 1st but you should still check to make sure that’s the case with your plan.
Understand What Your Insurance Actually Covers
Another great way to use your dental insurance before it expires is to know exactly what it includes. The more you know, the more like you’re to use it, and you increase your odds of finishing the year without any dental insurance unused benefits.
Dental treatments covered vary from insurance to insurance, but most tend to include routine exams, cleanings, X-rays, and preventive care. Many also provide partial coverage for restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, or gum therapy.
Taking a few minutes to review your coverage can go a long way toward helping you maximize dental insurance benefits before the year ends.
At DPI Dental, we routinely help patients understand what their plan includes and which treatments can still be completed before benefits reset, so nothing goes to waste.
Use It Before You Lose It
Your plan is meant to be used, not saved for later. That’s why end-of-year dental benefits are such an important reminder. Whether it’s your second cleaning of the year or a treatment you’ve been postponing, now’s the time to schedule it.
Here’s how to use dental insurance wisely:
- Book your cleaning or checkup before December 31st
- Ask if you’re eligible for a fluoride treatment or exam
- Complete any recommended treatments that fall under this year’s maximum
It’s worth noting that provider schedules fill up quickly during the holidays, so you want to book ahead of time so you’re not fighting others for the last chance to use dental insurance.
Book With DPI Dental Today
Insurance coverage is there to help with your dental health, but this only works if you take advantage of it in time. Don’t wait to see what happens if you don’t use dental insurance, book an appointment today.
Need help figuring out what’s covered? Call us at (718) 843-3222. At DPI Dental, we’re happy to help you understand your plan and schedule a visit, so you can use your dental insurance before it expires.
FAQ's
Why does dental insurance reset every year instead of rolling over?
Most dental plans are designed around a yearly coverage limit set by the insurance company, so when the calendar year ends, that limit resets and those unused benefits go to waste.
Are cosmetic treatments covered by dental insurance?
Purely cosmetic procedures usually aren’t covered. However, if a treatment improves function or oral health insurance may cover part of it. Keep in mind this is no guarantee, just a possibility.
What if I’m not sure which dental treatments are covered by insurance?
Don’t worry about it. Our team can help you verify your benefits for you and explain exactly what your plan covers before you schedule treatment. Just give us a call at (718) 843-3222.
How do I check if DPI Dental accepts my insurance plan?
You can call either our Howard Beach or New York office, or check our website. We work with most major providers, including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, GEHA, and others.
Do you offer same-day appointments for end-of-year treatment?
Yes, if we have the time. We make every effort to accommodate urgent or last-minute appointments near the end of the year, but sometimes we just can’t do it. If you want to secure a spot, calling us directly is the fastest way to check openings.