Dental insurance can be a good means to manage oral health costs, provided one plans for it, since it’s easy to lose the full benefit if you don’t. Most dental insurance plans work annually; unused benefits might disappear once the year ends. The trick to maximizing your dental insurance plan is all about strategic treatment scheduling. So, how can you ensure you get the full value from your dental coverage?
Understand Your Dental Insurance Timeline
To maximize your dental insurance, you must know the timeline and how it works. Most dental plans reset at the beginning of the year, giving you a set amount of coverage that needs to be used before the end of the year.
Therefore, keep in mind when your coverage expires and how much of your coverage you have used. Knowing your dental insurance timeline helps you plan treatments such as cleanings, fillings, or crowns before benefits renew. If you are not sure about the details of your plan, take some time to review it now or call your dentist’s office for assistance.
A better understanding of your insurance will prevent you from leaving benefits unused.
Plan Preventive Visits Early
Preventive care is one of the most important things that dental insurance can cover. Regular checkups and cleanings will keep teeth healthy and prevent costly procedures later. Many insurance plans fully cover such preventive care, often making these visits virtually free if you’re using your benefits correctly.
Scheduling your preventive care early in the year ensures you get the most out of your dental benefits before they expire. Regular checkups can catch early issues like cavities or gum disease and help avoid more expensive treatments like fillings or root canals later.
Use the ‘Use It or Lose It’ Rule to Your Advantage
Many dental insurance plans have the “use it or lose it” rule, where unused benefits don’t roll over into the following year. They will be lost if you don’t take advantage of your coverage before the calendar year resets. Pay attention to the expiration date on your dental insurance plan so that you don’t let your benefits go to waste.
Once you know what your plan’s limits are, schedule appointments for treatments you may need, such as restorative or orthodontic care. That way, you’ll be sure to use up your annual benefits before they expire.
Scheduling Treatments for Maximum Benefit
After you’ve assessed your remaining benefits, consider scheduling treatments still covered under your plan. A good strategy is to break up larger treatments across two plan periods.
For example, if you need a crown, consider having the procedure start late in the year and finishing in early January. This way, you can use up your current year’s benefits and then tap into the new year’s coverage to complete the treatment. Many dental insurance plans cover multiple visits for exams, cleanings, and fillings. If you’re planning more extensive work, such as orthodontics or periodontal care, it’s best to schedule your visits based on your plan’s coverage and calendar.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Remember that dental offices get busier toward the end of the year as people rush to use their benefits. If you wait too long, you might find no appointments before the year ends. Scheduling your dental appointments well in advance ensures you will not struggle to get the care you need at the last minute.
The earlier you book, the greater your flexibility in finding times that work best for you. Now that you know how to plan your treatments to maximize dental insurance value, it is time to act. Review your plan, identify unused benefits, and book your appointments in advance so you don’t miss out.
Contact us today at Cottleville Smiles to schedule your next appointment.
