A Step-by-Step Plan to Use Your “Use-It-Lose-It” Benefits This Year

Now that the year is wrapping up, are you making the most of your dental benefits before they expire? Most people just allow their benefits to go to waste, thereby wasting such valuable coverage. The “Use-It-Lose-It” rule means that unused dental benefits will expire at the end of the year, leaving you with no coverage until the beginning of the next cycle.

Knowing how to maximize these benefits can help one save money and support their oral health. This guide will take you through the steps necessary to ensure dental benefits are utilized before expiration.

What does “use-it-lose-it” mean?

The “Use-It-Lose-It” policy refers to the rule that dental benefits reset annually, and any unused portion will be lost. It’s a term commonly used by insurance providers to encourage policyholders to utilize their full benefits before the year ends.

Essentially, if you don’t schedule appointments or complete treatments by the end of the year, the remaining coverage won’t roll over into the next year. Understanding this policy is key to managing your oral care efficiently and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Why You Should Use Your Benefits

The financial and health benefits that come from using your “Use-It-Lose-It” benefits are many. Financially, by taking advantage of all your benefits, you will avoid having to pay for some out-of-pocket treatments that you may need next year. Health-wise, regular dental visits, like cleanings and check-ups, prevent future issues that might arise, such as cavities, gum disease, or more costly procedures.

Most dental plans cover these types of visits completely. You can also use these benefits for preventative treatments like fluoride treatments or sealants, which contribute to long-term oral health.

Step-by-Step Plan to Maximize Your Benefits

Step 1: Review Your Insurance Plan

First, check with your dental insurance plan. Check the details of your coverage and find out what is covered under it, the remaining benefits, and the treatments, if any, that are not covered.

Step 2: Book Your Appointments Early

Don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule your dental cleanings, exams, and other needed treatments now. The end-of-year rush can fill up appointment slots quickly. Scheduling now helps you avoid missing out.

Step 3: Focus on Preventive Care

You should focus first on preventive care, such as routine cleanings and check-ups. Most of these are fully covered and help prevent expensive conditions later. Catching problems in the early stages will save you money and stress.

Step 4: Consider Necessary Procedures or Treatments

If you need fillings, crowns, or other dental treatments, now is the time to get them done. Using your benefits before they expire can significantly reduce the cost of these necessary procedures.

Step 5: Check for expiring benefits

Finally, remember to check when your benefits expire. Don’t waste any of your remaining benefits. Use them before the end of the year to maximize your coverage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Waiting Too Long

Waiting until the last minute to schedule dental appointments is a very common mistake. Late appointments may not allow time to complete all of your needed treatments before your benefits expire.

Some people forget to use all the services that are covered. Make sure you are utilizing your benefits for routine care, such as cleanings, which may be fully covered but might be overlooked.

Small dental problems now could lead to treatments that might be very expensive later on. Delay in treatment results in complications and thus more costs the following year.

In short, by taking extra time to maximize your “Use-It-Lose-It” benefits, you will save money and maintain good oral health. Consider starting now by reviewing your plan, scheduling early appointments, and prioritizing any preventive care you may need.

Don’t let your benefits go to waste-use them before they expire. Call your dental office today to book your appointment and make sure you take full advantage of the rest of your coverage this year.