As December approaches, many people are focused on holiday shopping and year-end festivities. However, there’s another important task that shouldn’t be overlooked: making the most of your dental insurance benefits before they expire. Most dental plans run on a calendar year, and unused benefits typically don’t roll over – meaning you could be leaving money on the table if you don’t act soon.

Call 865-685-9939 today to schedule your appointment at My Family Dentistry in Powell, TN.

Understanding Your Benefits

Before scheduling any procedures, review your dental insurance plan details. Check your annual maximum – the highest amount your plan will pay for dental care within the year. Also, verify your remaining deductible and whether you’ve met it. If you have, additional covered treatments will cost you less out-of-pocket until the year ends.

Common covered preventive services often include:

  • Routine cleanings and exams
  • X-rays
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Dental sealants
  • Basic periodontal maintenance

Treatment Planning Strategy

If you’ve been putting off dental work, now is the time to act. Start by scheduling a check-up if you haven’t had one recently. This allows your dentist to identify any necessary treatments that could be completed before year-end. Many dental offices experience a rush of appointments in December, so booking early is crucial.

Consider prioritizing treatments in this order:

  1. Essential preventive care
  2. Any diagnosed problems causing pain or discomfort
  3. Treatments that require multiple visits
  4. Cosmetic procedures using remaining benefits

Maximizing Multiple Years’ Benefits

For extensive dental work, consider splitting treatment between December and January. This strategy allows you to use this year’s remaining benefits and next year’s benefits for a major procedure. For example, if you need a crown that costs more than your annual maximum, you could start the procedure in December and complete it in January, potentially saving more money.

FSA & HSA Considerations

Don’t forget about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA). FSA funds, in particular, often have a “use it or lose it” policy at year-end. These pre-tax dollars can cover out-of-pocket dental expenses not covered by your insurance, including:

Planning for Next Year

While maximizing this year’s benefits, start thinking about next year’s dental needs. Create a treatment plan with your dentist that aligns with your benefits cycle. Consider scheduling routine cleanings early in the year to ensure you don’t miss these important preventive services.

Taking Action

Here are steps to take now:

  • Contact your insurance provider to verify remaining benefits
  • Schedule an appointment with us
  • Discuss treatment options and timing
  • Check FSA/HSA balances and deadlines
  • Pre-authorize any major procedures

Remember, dental problems rarely improve with time and often become more expensive to treat when delayed. By taking advantage of your remaining dental benefits now, you’re not just saving money – you’re investing in your long-term oral health and overall well-being.

Call 865-685-9939 to make an appointment in Powell, TN. Or you can simply schedule online. Don’t let your dental benefits go to waste!