Dental Insurance Benefits: Use it or Lose it! | Captivate Dental
The end of the year often arrives faster than we expect. Between wrapping up work, family events, and planning for the year ahead, it’s easy to forget about one important thing — your dental insurance benefits.
Did you know that you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars when you use up your dental insurance benefits before the year ends?
Most dental plans run on a calendar year, and this means that when the new year begins, any unused benefits are gone. They don’t roll over — it’s truly a “use it or lose it” situation.
If you haven’t made full use of your benefits yet, there’s still time to make the most of them. Here are 5 reasons that will show you why these next couple of months could be the best time to make an appointment.
Reasons To Use Your Dental Benefits Now!
1. Yearly Maximum
Every dental insurance plan comes with a yearly maximum, which is the total amount your provider will pay toward your dental treatments within a year. This amount varies depending on your plan, but most people rarely use all of it.
If you’ve been delaying a recommended procedure such as a crown, filling, or root canal, it’s a smart move to schedule it now while your benefits are still active. Once the new year starts, your yearly maximum resets, and any remaining balance from this year will be lost.
Making full use of your maximum not only helps you save money but also ensures you’re getting the most out of the plan you’ve been paying for all year long.
2. Deductibles
The amount you have to fork up before your dental insurance starts to pay for treatments is known as your deductible. Once the new year starts, your deductible resets, and you’ll need to pay it again before receiving coverage.
If you’ve already met your deductible for the current year, now is the best time to complete any pending or recommended treatments. Doing so means your insurance company will pay a greater portion of your dental expenses, which helps reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Delaying your care until after your plan renews could mean paying your deductible twice in a short period — something no one wants to do.
3. Premiums
If you’re paying monthly premiums, you’re investing in dental care whether you use it or not. Many patients pay for dental insurance but don’t actually take full advantage of it. If that’s the case, you’re essentially leaving money on the table.
In addition to covering significant treatments, dental insurance is intended to assist you in maintaining good oral health. Most plans fully cover preventive services like dental check-ups, scale and cleans, and X-rays. Early detection of cavities, gum disease, and potentially oral cancer depends on these check-ups.
By using your benefits regularly, you’re getting value from your premiums and protecting your oral health at the same time.
4. Fee Increases
Another reason to use your dental benefits before the year ends is possible fee increases. Most of these fee increases occur at the beginning of the year.
5. Dental Problems Can Worsen
By delaying your dental treatment, you are risking more extensive and costly treatment. What may be just a simple cavity now could turn into a root canal problem later and maybe even lead to tooth loss.
Don’t Lose Out on Dental Insurance Benefits
Several dental insurance plans reset at the start of each calendar year. You have services and benefits available throughout the year; then, the coverage resets on January 1st.
Taking advantage of your insurance benefits now ensures you’re not wasting the coverage you’ve already paid for. It’s also a proactive approach to keep your teeth healthy and stop small problems from getting worse.
Since dental practices tend to get busier toward the end of the year, it’s wise to book your appointment early. This way, you’ll secure a time that fits your schedule and get the care you need before your benefits expire.
Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Today!
If you have dental insurance, take a year-end check of your plan and see if you can set it to work for you. It really is a “use it or lose it” proposition. Don’t lose it.
Visit your Cheltenham dentist today!
Consult with your Cheltenham dentist, call us on (03) 9553 1249 or request your appointment online.
We are located at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.
