With the last few months of the year fast approaching, it is simple to be caught up in the busyness of life. Yet, if you have dental insurance, there is something important you must attend to before year’s end: your unused insurance benefits.

Most insurance policies follow a “Use-It-or-Lose-It” system, and if you do not utilize your benefits before the year runs out, they will be lost. Don’t lose out on this chance. Take action now, and you can rest assured that you will be utilizing your coverage to the fullest and preventing future unnecessary health crises.

Why Using Your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Benefits is Important

The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule is simple: if you do not use your benefits by December 31, you lose them. Your dental or health insurance company usually puts a yearly limit on the benefits it will cover in a year. That means if you have been avoiding necessary visits or procedures, you are likely leaving money on the table.

Preventive care, regular checkups, and small procedures might be covered under your existing plan. If you do not book these procedures before the end of the year, you will have to pay for them yourself next year.

By taking advantage of these unused benefits, you guarantee that you are receiving maximum benefits from your insurance. By being proactive today, you can prevent last-minute situations and expensive procedures in the future.

Key Services To Take Advantage Of Before “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Benefits Expire

The end of the year is the ideal time to ensure you are maximizing your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” benefits. These are some typical services you will want to book before the year starts over:

Routine Checkups: Cleaning and health exams are usually paid for once a year. Routine checkups help identify problems early on, whether they are cavities, gum disease, or overall health issues. A quick examination today can avoid a bigger problem in the future.
X-Rays and Screenings: Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, can detect problems you may not be aware of, including cavities or underlying health issues. These screenings are usually covered, so be sure to take advantage of this benefit to detect problems early.
Fillings and Preventive Treatments: If you have been putting off a filling or other restorative work, now is the time to get it done. Many people also forget that preventive treatments like fluoride applications and sealants may be covered, which can protect your teeth from future problems.
Specialty Appointments: If you have been wanting to visit a specialist for specific issues, now is the time to arrange those visits. If it’s visiting an orthodontist or dermatologist for a checkup, taking advantage of your benefits now will prevent you from paying more next year.

How to Organize Your Last-Minute Medical Care Visits

With the year coming to a close rapidly, you can find that their appointments are reserved quickly. It is advisable to book your health care appointments well ahead of time to ensure you will not miss one. Here are a few tips to assist you:

Look at Your Benefits: Contact your carrier to find out which benefits are still intact. Some carriers even have an online portal to check your usage and see what services are still included.
Plan Ahead: At the end of the year, it is a busy time for many patients attempting to schedule last-minute visits. To not have to wait forever or lose out on a spot, call your doctor early and schedule your appointments in advance.
Prioritize Services: If you are short on time, prioritize the services that matter most to you. Routine exams should be at the top of your list, followed by any preventive therapies or low-priority procedures that can be carried out quickly.
Check for Promotions: Certain dental and medical providers will promote discounts towards the end of the year to get patients to exhaust their benefits. Ask your provider whether they have any promotions that might assist you in availing yourself of your remaining coverage.

Spend Wisely: Get the Most Out of Your Benefits

The secret to getting the most out of your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” is to spend them wisely. Do not wait for an emergency to make you blow money on costly treatments. Use your insurance while you still can. By being proactive, you can also avoid future health issues and get the most benefits from your plan.

Begin by getting any checkups or preventive care you have been putting off. If you have already had your standard exam, consider setting up follow-through treatments, such as a cleaning or anything that needs restoration. The idea is to get any work done that is part of your plan before it renews.

Do not let time run out on you without utilizing your benefits. Not only will this prevent you from being stressed about finances next year, but it will also keep your health in check.

Here at Excel Dental, we know how valuable it is to maximize your benefits and keep your oral health a priority. Do not wait until you can no longer afford them; book your appointment today and enjoy the full benefits of your remaining benefits.