Merion Village Dental Blog

As the year winds down, there’s one crucial thing you don’t want to forget—your dental insurance benefits. Most plans follow a calendar-year schedule, meaning if you don’t take advantage of them by December 31, you could miss out on valuable coverage! Why let those hard-earned benefits slip away when they can be put to good use before the clock resets?

Dental Benefits Don’t Last Forever

Taking advantage of your plan now can help you save money while keeping your oral health in top shape. Let’s explore how you can maximize your dental insurance benefits before they expire and give you actionable steps to ensure you’re getting the most out of your plan.

Why Use Your Dental Insurance Before It Expires?

Many people don’t realize that dental insurance is a “use it or lose it” benefit. Unlike other types of insurance, dental plans don’t usually roll over unused benefits into the next year. If you’ve been putting off dental care, it could mean leaving money on the table. Here are some key reasons to make the most of your dental insurance before the year ends:

Annual Maximums

Most dental insurance plans have an annual maximum, which is the total amount the insurance company will pay for your dental care within a year. If you haven’t reached your maximum yet, scheduling treatments now allows you to get more of your care covered without additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Preventative Care Is Usually Covered

Many dental insurance plans cover preventive services like cleanings, exams, and X-rays at 100%. These are essential for maintaining oral health and catching potential issues early. If you haven’t already had your twice-yearly checkups, it’s a good idea to schedule one now.

Dental Problems Worsen Over Time

Delaying necessary dental treatments can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road. By addressing issues like cavities or gum disease now, you can prevent more extensive (and costly) treatments later.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

If you have an FSA, your contributions may also expire at the end of the year. Using these funds for dental care can help reduce out-of-pocket costs while ensuring your account doesn’t go to waste.

Maximize Your Plan Benefits

To make the most of your dental insurance, it’s essential to plan ahead. Here’s a breakdown of steps you can take to ensure you’re using your benefits wisely:

Schedule Preventive Care

Routine dental care, such as cleanings and exams, is usually covered under most insurance plans. These services are critical for preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. By scheduling these appointments now, you can avoid starting the new year with untreated oral health issues.

Pro Tip: Preventive services like cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants are often covered fully or with a small copay. Make sure to schedule both of your biannual cleanings if you haven’t yet.

Plan for Necessary Treatments

If you’ve been told you need dental work—such as fillings, crowns, or root canals—don’t wait. Insurance typically covers a percentage of these procedures, which can vary based on your plan. By getting the work done before your benefits reset, you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs on:

• Fillings: Addressing cavities early can prevent the need for more invasive treatments like crowns or root canals. Many insurance plans cover a large portion of the cost of fillings.
• Crowns: If you’ve been putting off a crown due to budget concerns, now is a great time to get it done before your insurance starts over.
• Gum Treatments: If you have early signs of gum disease, taking advantage of your insurance to get periodontal cleanings or treatments now can help prevent more serious complications later.

Try Cosmetic Procedures

While elective procedures like teeth whitening or veneers aren’t typically covered by dental insurance, some plans may cover portions of cosmetic treatments if they’re tied to restorative work. If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, now may be the time to explore your options. Talk to your dentist to see what treatments could be partially covered and how you can use your remaining benefits.

Utilize Your FSA or HSA

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), this is a great time to tap into those funds. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money for medical and dental expenses. Since FSAs often have a “use it or lose it” policy at the end of the year, using those funds for dental treatments is a smart way to cover out-of-pocket expenses without paying extra.

Split Treatments Across Two Years

If you need extensive dental work, you may be able to maximize your insurance benefits by splitting the treatment across two calendar years. For example, if you need multiple crowns or an implant, you could start the treatment in December, using this year’s benefits, and complete it in January when your benefits reset.

This strategy allows you to take advantage of both this year’s and next year’s annual maximums, reducing your out-of-pocket costs significantly.

Dental Coverage 101: Terms Of Your Plan

Every insurance plan is different, so it’s crucial to know the specifics of your coverage. Here are a few things to look for in your plan.

Annual Maximum

This is the total amount your plan will pay for your dental care within a year. If you’ve only used a small portion of it, now is the time to maximize what’s left.

Deductible

Many plans need you to meet a deductible before they begin covering a portion of your care. If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, it’s a smart financial move to get as much treatment done as possible before it resets.

In-Network Providers

Always ensure that your dentist is in-network to receive the highest level of benefits. Out-of-network providers often come with higher costs that may not be fully covered by insurance.

If you’re unsure about the details of your plan, contact your dental insurance provider or speak to the staff at Merion Village Dental. We can help you understand your coverage and plan treatments that maximize your benefits.

Don’t Lose Benefits—Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Don’t let your dental insurance benefits go to waste! Schedule your next appointment at Merion Village Dental today to make sure you’re stretching your coverage and entering the new year with a healthy smile.