Simple Steps to Success: How to Ensure You Maximize Your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Benefits

As the year is about to close, your dental care benefits are also running out. If you have been delaying the necessary procedures or treatments under “Use-It-or-Lose-It”, this is your time to act. 

According to this policy, your unused dental insurance benefits will lapse by the end of December. This means you must utilize the benefits before they expire.

7 Steps To Maximize Your Dental Benefits

Knowing how to get the most out of your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” benefits is essential to making sure you do not miss out. Whether dental cleanings, check-ups, or something else, here are the ways of taking necessary steps to make sure you do not waste your coverage:

1. Review Your Benefits

Before you do anything, take some time to check out what you have now. Most “Use-It-or-Lose-It” plans have annual maximums, so there is a limit on how much they will cover in any given year. 

You should know what has been taken and what is left. Your insurance company or medical office can provide you with this information. A fast glance at your plan will present you with a clear picture of what you have left to use.

Do not hesitate to inquire about any deductibles or co-pays that may be applicable to remaining services. Remember to include any procedures you may have had scheduled.

2. Prioritize Necessary Services

With only a limited amount of time left, it’s important to focus on necessary treatments and services that can only be done within the current coverage year. If you’ve been holding off on a dental cleaning or checkup, now is the time to schedule an appointment.

For patients requiring more intensive dental treatment, such as fillings, crowns, or even preventive treatment like X-rays, these services can help them get the most out of their coverage. Some health plans also cover eye exams, vaccinations, and physical checkups that may help them stay healthy overall.

3. Plan Ahead and Schedule Early

Since everyone is in the same situation, attempting to schedule those last appointments prior to benefit resetting may cause appointments to come and go quickly. Last-minute waiting can restrict availability, particularly as the new year draws near. So, call your health or dental care provider immediately to hold your place.

4. Ask About a Consultation for Future Treatments

If you are not yet prepared for an extensive procedure or treatment, use this time to schedule an appointment with your provider. This way, you can voice your concerns and possible treatments for the coming year. Visiting your dentist or physician today may assist you in planning ahead of time for treatments that may become more expensive if not covered by the benefits of the current year.

Whereas consultations might not necessarily be covered by insurance, it is worth inquiring to find out whether or not any of your remaining benefits under your plan could be used for this reason.

5. Be Conscious of Your Deductibles

In most instances, you’ve already paid some of your deductible earlier in the year, so you might already be closer to your insurance’s maximum coverage. If there’s still a balance remaining to meet, doing procedures ahead of time before the year runs out can allow you to reach that deductible. This is particularly beneficial if you anticipate more advanced treatments in the upcoming year. Having them done now can potentially reduce your expenses in the months to come.

6. Make the Most of Discounts or Deals

Some dental care clinics provide discounts or promotions in the last few months of the year to get patients to utilize their benefits. Check with your provider to see if they have incentives in place to fulfill those treatments. Deals can significantly contribute towards getting the most out of the benefits you have left.

7. Monitor Your Progress

As you utilize your benefits, monitor the procedures that have been done and what is yet to be done. Monitoring your status will assist you in not forgetting anything. Most insurance companies have online platforms where you can monitor your usage, so it will not be complicated to keep up.

Make The Most Of Your Remaining Benefits

To maximize your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” benefits by the end of the year, take a look at your benefits and schedule your appointments early. Avoid unnecessary gaps in your dental care to keep yourself healthy and ensure your remaining coverage does not go unused. 

Do not wait until it is too late! At Sumner Dental Group, we are dedicated to helping you use up your remaining benefits and managing your oral health. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards a healthy smile!