As the end of the year approaches, your to-do list is likely filled with holiday plans and last-minute tasks. But there’s one important item you shouldn’t overlook: your dental benefits. Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar-year basis, meaning they reset on December 31. This “use it or lose it” policy means that any unused benefits from your plan will disappear, and you’ll start over with a fresh deductible in the new year.
Understanding the details of your dental insurance can help you save money and keep your smile healthy. Let’s explore how you can make the most of your coverage before the clock runs out.
Your Dental Insurance, Explained
Navigating dental insurance can feel complicated, but a few key terms can help you understand your plan and how to maximize it.
Annual Maximum
This is the total amount your insurance provider will pay for your dental care within one calendar year. Any unused portion of this maximum typically does not roll over. If you have a $2,000 annual maximum and have only used $700, you could be leaving $1,300 worth of dental care on the table.
Deductible
The deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for certain services before your insurance plan begins to cover costs. If you’ve already met your deductible for this year, it’s the perfect time to schedule any necessary dental work. Once January 1 arrives, your deductible resets, and you’ll have to pay it again before your benefits apply.
Other Key Terms
- Copay/Coinsurance: This is the percentage or fixed amount you pay for services after meeting your deductible.
- Waiting Periods: Some plans have waiting periods for major procedures like crowns or bridges. If you’ve already passed this period, now is a great time to act.
- Frequency Limits: Plans often limit how often they will cover services like cleanings (e.g., twice a year) or X-rays (e.g., once a year).
Smart Ways to Maximize Your 2025 Benefits
Don’t let your hard-earned benefits go to waste. Here are some practical tips to help you use your plan to its fullest potential before year-end.
1. Schedule Your Routine Cleaning
Most dental plans cover two professional cleanings per year at little to no cost to you. If you’ve only had one visit this year, schedule your second one now. Preventive care is one of the easiest ways to maintain your oral health and catch minor issues before they become major, costly problems.
2. Complete Needed Dental Work
Have you been putting off a recommended filling, crown, or other treatment? Now is the time to get it done. By addressing it before your deductible resets, you can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. For more extensive treatments, we can help you create a phased plan, starting work now and completing it in the new year to leverage benefits from both years.
3. Use Your FSA or HSA Funds
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are pre-tax funds you can use for healthcare costs. Most FSA funds expire at the end of the year. Use this money to cover deductibles, copays, or treatments not fully covered by your insurance.
4. Coordinate Benefits for Your Family
If you and your partner both have dental insurance, you can coordinate benefits to maximize coverage for your entire family. Our team can help you understand how to best utilize both plans.
5. Know Your Network
Choosing an in-network dentist, like El Paso Dentist, usually means lower costs for you because we have pre-negotiated rates with your insurance provider. While you can often visit an out-of-network dentist, your plan might cover a smaller portion of the bill.
Your Year-End Dental Checklist
- Review Your Plan: Check your remaining annual maximum and see if you’ve met your deductible.
- Book Your Cleaning: Use your 100% covered preventive care benefits.
- Address Pending Treatment: Don’t wait for small problems to get bigger.
- Check Your FSA/HSA: Use these pre-tax dollars before they expire.
- Call Our Office: Let us help you verify your coverage and create a plan.
Finish the Year with a Healthy Smile
Investing in your dental health is an investment in your overall well-being. By using your benefits before they reset, you can save money while ensuring your smile stays healthy for the new year and beyond.
Our schedule fills up fast as the year comes to a close. Don’t wait to get the care you need.
Ready to unlock your smile and make the most of your dental benefits? Contact our team at El Paso Dentist today.
Call Or Text:
(915) 213-1030
FALCON VILLAGE
12900 Eastlake, Suite 111
El Paso TX, 79928
