As the year winds down, your calendar likely fills with holiday plans and to-do lists. But there’s one important item you shouldn’t overlook: your dental insurance benefits. Many plans reset on January 1st, and any unused benefits from this year could disappear. Now is the perfect time to make sure you get the most value from your plan by scheduling a visit at Keep Smiling on Zaragoza St.
Understanding Your Dental Plan’s “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rule
Most dental insurance plans don’t roll over. They operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis. This means the money you’ve paid into your plan all year is lost if you don’t use it by the deadline. Here are a few key terms to understand:
- Annual Maximum: This is the highest dollar amount your dental plan will pay for your care during a plan year. If you have unused funds, they won’t carry over to next year.
- Deductible: This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for treatments before your insurance starts to contribute. If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, your out-of-pocket costs for additional procedures could be much lower. Waiting until January means you’ll have to meet a new deductible all over again.
- Preventive Care: Most plans cover preventive services like cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays at or near 100%. Scheduling these appointments costs you little to nothing and helps our team catch potential issues before they become complex and costly.
Using your benefits before they expire is a smart financial decision that also supports your long-term oral health.
Appointments to Schedule Before Year-End
With only a few weeks left, what should you prioritize? The team at our Zaragoza St. location is ready to help you maximize your remaining benefits.
Consider booking appointments for:
- Routine Checkups and Cleanings: If it has been six months since your last visit, this is the easiest way to use your preventive coverage.
- Fillings, Crowns, or Root Canals: Have you been putting off a recommended treatment? Now is the time to get it done, especially if you’ve already met your deductible. We can often phase complex treatments across two visits to help you use this year’s and next year’s benefits.
- Periodontal Maintenance: For patients with gum disease, regular maintenance cleanings are crucial. Don’t let your benefits go to waste—stay on track with your care plan.
- Cosmetic Services: While treatments like teeth whitening are not always covered, it’s worth checking your plan. For services like Invisalign, some insurance plans offer orthodontic benefits that can significantly lower your cost.
Using Your FSA or HSA Funds
Do you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)? These accounts also often have year-end deadlines. You can use these pre-tax funds for dental treatments, from fillings and crowns to Invisalign and other out-of-pocket expenses. Check your account rules to avoid forfeiting that money.
Your Year-End Dental Checklist
Feeling overwhelmed? We’re here to make it simple. Our friendly front desk staff at Keep Smiling on Zaragoza St. can help you navigate your plan.
Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:
- Review your recent Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or log into your insurer’s online portal to see your remaining annual maximum.
- Call your insurance provider to confirm your benefits and what’s left for the year.
- Contact our office for a complimentary benefits check. We are happy to help you understand your coverage.
- Schedule your appointment as soon as possible, as our end-of-year calendar fills up quickly.
Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Visit Today!
Taking care of your dental needs now is a win-win. You’ll enter the new year with a healthy smile and the satisfaction of knowing you didn’t let your hard-earned benefits go to waste.
The year is almost over, and so are your 2025 dental benefits. Call our Keep Smiling Zaragoza St. office today or book your appointment online to secure your spot before the calendar runs out!
