The end of the year is quickly approaching, and with it comes the expiration of your dental insurance benefits. If you haven’t used all your dental benefits yet, now is the time to act. In many cases, unused benefits do not roll over into the new year—so it’s a classic “use it or lose it” situation. This is especially important for families with children, as pediatric dental benefits can cover a range of necessary treatments.
Here’s how you can make the most of your dental insurance before it’s too late.
Schedule Your Appointments Now
Don’t wait until the last minute to book your dental visits. Here’s why it’s crucial to schedule appointments before the year ends:
- Availability: Dental offices often get busy as the year ends. Schedule now to ensure you get an appointment time that works for your family.
- Time to Prepare: Early booking gives you time to handle any paperwork or pre-authorization that may be needed for treatments.
Review Your Benefits
Understanding what’s covered by your dental plan can help you avoid missing out on valuable services. Consider these steps:
- Check Coverage: Review your dental insurance policy to see what treatments are included and if there are any limits on benefits.
- Identify Needs: Make a list of any dental treatments or cleanings your child may need. Compare this list with your insurance coverage to ensure you are utilizing your benefits fully.
- Consult Your Dentist: Speak with your dentist about any outstanding treatments that could be covered by your insurance before it expires.
Maximize Preventive Care
Preventive care is one of the best ways to use your dental benefits effectively. Here’s why you should focus on it:
- Coverage Benefits: Many dental plans cover 100% of preventive care costs, such as cleanings and exams, with no out-of-pocket expenses.
- Catch Issues Early: Regular check-ups can help catch any potential dental issues before they become more serious and costly.
- Set a Routine: Ensure your child gets a final check-up and cleaning before the year ends to keep their oral health in check.
Take Advantage of Coverage for Orthodontics
If your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, the end of the year is a critical time. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Review Orthodontic Benefits: Check if your dental plan has a maximum annual limit for orthodontic treatments and if you’ve met it.
- Complete Procedures: If your child is close to finishing their orthodontic treatment, use the remaining benefits to complete any final adjustments or payments.
Use Remaining Benefits for Extra Treatments
Sometimes, families have leftover benefits that haven’t been used. Here’s how to utilize those extra benefits:
- Consider Additional Treatments: If your child has had any dental issues this year, use the remaining benefits for treatments or procedures that might have been postponed.
- Plan for Next Year: If you’ve used all your benefits for this year, plan any necessary treatments for the beginning of next year, knowing that you’ll have new benefits available.
Act Now to Avoid Missing Out
The last few months of the year can be hectic, but don’t let this rush cause you to miss out on your dental benefits. Here’s a final push to help you act:
- Create a To-Do List: Make a checklist of everything you need to accomplish before the year ends, including dental appointments and treatments.
- Set Reminders: Use a calendar or reminder app to ensure you don’t forget important dates and deadlines.
- Contact Your Dental Office: Reach out to your dental office now to book any necessary appointments and discuss your benefits.
Don’t let your dental insurance benefits go to waste. Utilize this opportunity to ensure your child receives the dental care they need before the year ends. At Union City Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, we are here to help you make the most of your benefits and keep your child’s smile healthy. Schedule an appointment today to use your benefits before they disappear!
