New Deductible Alert: Why Completing Treatment Now is Crucial Under the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rule

The clock is ticking on your dental coverage at year-end. The majority of patients forget about the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy, placing worthwhile coverage on the shelf. The policy causes unused dental benefits to lapse by the end of the year, which resets your deductible.

Knowing about this policy can make a tremendous difference in your dental care. Finishing treatments now, before you renew benefits, will allow you to get the most out of your benefits, not throw your money away, and spare you additional stress. Taking action now will allow you to make the most of your coverage before it is too late.

What is the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rule?

The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule is a common provision of dental insurance plans. It requires patients to use their yearly benefits by year’s end or forfeit any unused benefits. These advantages recharge at the start of each year, leaving you with a fresh deductible. The rule applies to a variety of dental procedures, including routine exams, cleanings, and more complex treatments.

Failing to utilize these benefits will result in no opportunity to complete treatments in your existing plan year. It is thus important to be aware of your insurance plan deadlines and remaining coverage prior to a deadline running out.

Advantages of Completing Treatment before the Year’s End

Completing your dental treatments by December ensures that you won’t lose your benefits under the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy. With a reset deductible, you’ll start all over again, and unused benefits for the current year are forfeit.

For people who are getting extensive dental procedures or preventive care, this means a lot of money. Waiting until next year can result in paying out of pocket for procedures that could have been covered.

Forgetting your treatment wastes money and risks losing valuable dental care. Don’t let your benefits expire. Set up your treatments now to prevent unnecessary cost and stress.

Most Vital Treatment Types to Get Done Before Year-End

To make the most of your dental benefits, it’s essential to complete routine care like exams and cleanings before the year resets. These services are typically covered under the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule.

If left incomplete, patients risk losing out on the coverage for these necessary appointments. Major treatments such as fillings, crowns, or orthodontic work also fall under this rule and should be scheduled as soon as possible.

By getting them done now, you get the most out of your insurance plan before it starts over. If you wait, you can face higher costs when therapy starts in the new year.

Make the Most of Your Benefits

Start by seeing what benefits are still available and how much coverage you have remaining. Knowing what’s remaining can lead you to take action. Consult with your dentist to schedule consultations and year-end final treatments. Don’t wait until the last several weeks of December to do so.

Scheduling early, you are able to make it less stressful to complete treatments before your deductible is renewed. Planning can prevent last-minute inconvenience and enable you to get the most out of your dental benefits in the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy. Being proactive now will cost you less and give you peace of mind throughout the rest of the year.

To maximize your dental benefits, getting treatments completed before the deductible period runs out is crucial. Don’t let your benefits go to waste.

Visit our dental office now to schedule your final appointments before the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” deadline. Take this as an opportunity to save money and maintain your dental health. Act fast before it’s too late!