Don’t Let Your Money Disappear: Maximizing Your Dental Coverage with the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rule
Brentwood, TN

Each year, thousands of people forgo dental coverage. Especially as we’re about to usher in December, people generally forget that unused benefits are gone forever. The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule is that benefits accumulate from year to year, but unused benefits expire and are gone forever.

Knowing the rule can stop you from losing out needlessly and make it easier to use your coverage while time remains on the clock.

What is the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rule?

The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” provision in dental insurance is a policy by which unused benefits expire when the year ends. These advantages reset every year, however, so if you don’t use them, you lose them.

Among the typical dental treatments that would be reduced under this rule are cleanings, checkups, X-rays, and preventive care, which are covered by insurance policies for dental care. You must advocate for your benefits so you do not lose them.

Why You Should Care About This Rule

If you fail to use your dental benefits at the end of a year, you are out of money. If you don’t use them, you have paid for coverage without gaining any benefit from it. The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule can also mean lost opportunity for health-building preventive care or treatment. If you fail to use your benefits within a timely fashion, you’ll end up spending more out-of-pocket on care that would otherwise be covered earlier in the year.

Additionally, dental examinations are vital in keeping overall health in check and ensuring problems like gum disease or cavities are caught early before more expensive problems develop down the road.

Making the Most of Your Dental Benefits

To make the most out of your dental insurance, book preventive care visits now. Regular checkups and cleanings You can get these services a couple of times a year, and indeed, you should strive to do so.

If you require other forms of treatments like fillings, crowns, or any complex procedures, schedule them before your deductible begins again. It’s also essential to check and see if any unused funds are remaining in your dental benefits and review these with your dentist.

Get on a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) if you can- these cover all leftover costs and won’t waste precious coverage. 

Last-Minute Tips to Maximize Your Benefits

Make appointments for dental care well in advance to avoid the year-end rush. Several patients make a dash to dental offices in December, which may increase waiting times. Maximize your benefits by asking your dentist if multiple procedures could be completed during one visit. This maximizes your coverage.

Lastly, most dental centers have incentives nearing the end of the year. Ask about incentives to minimize out-of-pocket spending with what remains of your benefits.

In conclusion, the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule is an opportunity to maximize your dental insurance. Don’t see your benefits go to waste without redeeming them. Schedule your appointments with us now to maximize the benefits of the services that your plan covers before the year ends.