Use, Don’t Lose, Your Dental Benefits

Ever had that moment when you realize you forgot to use a gift card, and now it’s expired? Well, the same thing can happen with your dental benefits – except we’re talking about potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars in coverage. Let’s chat about why you shouldn’t let these valuable benefits slip through your fingers as we approach year-end.

Call 888-596-5598 to plan your year-end appointment in Concord, NH at Riverview Dental Associates.

Get What You Deserve

Here’s the deal: most dental insurance plans are like Cinderella’s carriage at the ball. When the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, they turn into a pumpkin. Okay, maybe not literally, but your benefits do disappear! 

Unlike your favorite streaming service subscription, these benefits don’t roll over into the new year. That means any unused coverage vanishes into thin air, and you’re starting from scratch come Jan. 1.

Become a Benefits Detective

Before you panic and rush to book every dental procedure under the sun, let’s do some quick detective work. Pull up your insurance plan. You may have probably fled that document in a drawer somewhere. Look for these key pieces of info:

  • How much of your annual maximum is still available? This is basically your dental care piggy bank for the year
  • Have you hit your deductible? If you have, you’re in the sweet spot for maximizing your coverage
  • What preventive services are covered? (Spoiler alert: usually quite a few!)

Most plans cover the basics like regular cleanings, check-ups, x-rays, and fluoride treatments that keep your teeth happy. Some even throw in dental sealants and gum health maintenance – it’s like a spa day for your mouth!

Your End-of-Year Game Plan

Time for some real talk: December dental appointments are harder to snag than concert tickets to your favorite band. So here’s your strategy for winning the end-of-year dental game.

First, lock down those routine cleanings and check-ups. Then, tackle any pesky problems you’ve been putting off (we all do it, no judgment here!). If you need bigger procedures, here’s a pro tip: consider splitting the treatment between December and January. It’s like having two insurance birthdays instead of one!

The FSA/HSA Factor

Got an FSA or HSA? These accounts are like bonus levels in a video game – they can help cover what insurance doesn’t. But watch out! FSA funds especially tend to have that dreaded “use it or lose it” policy. You can use these funds for all sorts of dental expenses, from covering your deductible to trying out that fancy orthodontic treatment you’ve been eyeing.

The Bottom Line

Think of your dental benefits like a yearly subscription to good oral health. Not using them is like paying for a gym membership and never showing up. But unlike skipping the gym, ignoring dental care can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your phone, call your dentist, and schedule that appointment. Future you will be flashing a healthy, happy smile – and that’s something to truly celebrate as we wrap up the year.

Remember: your smile is an investment worth protecting, and there’s no time like the present to make the most of your dental benefits. Don’t let them disappear like holiday leftovers!

Call Riverview Dental Associates today at 888-596-5598 for an appointment in Concord, NH. You can also request an appointment online.