Don’t let your dental insurance benefits go to waste! Learn how to maximize your coverage, use expiring FSA funds, and leverage your HSA before year-end. Schedule your dental treatments now to save on out-of-pocket costs
If you have dental insurance, you may not realize that most plans work on a calendar year basis. This means your dental benefits reset on January 1st, and any unused benefits don’t roll over into the new year. In simple terms: if you don’t use it, you lose it! Don’t let your hard-earned benefits go to waste—now is the perfect time to maximize your dental insurance benefits before they expire.
Dental insurance is designed to help cover the cost of routine care, including cleanings, exams, X-rays, and even more extensive treatments like fillings or crowns. If you don’t use your benefits by the end of the year, you could be leaving money on the table.
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services like cleanings and exams at 100%. These visits help catch small issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. If you haven’t had your two annual cleanings yet, now is the time to schedule.
Dental insurance plans typically have an annual maximum—this is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for your dental care each year. If you don’t reach your maximum by the end of the year, you lose any remaining benefit. So, if you’ve been putting off more expensive treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals, now is a great time to schedule them.
Your deductible is the amount you payout of pocket before your insurance starts covering your treatments. Once you’ve met your deductible, your insurance will cover a significant portion of your dental work. But come January 1st, your deductible resets, and you’ll have to start paying toward it again. If you’ve already met your deductible this year, scheduling additional treatments now can help you save.
Many dental practices review their fees at the start of the year. If you wait until next year to get the treatment you need, you could end up paying more out of pocket. Taking care of any necessary treatments now allows you to lock in this year’s fees.
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it’s important to remember that FSA funds typically expire at the end of the year. Much like dental insurance benefits, if you don’t use your FSA dollars before December 31st, they’ll be lost. FSAs can be used to cover out-of-pocket dental expenses, including copays, deductibles, and non-covered services. Make sure to utilize these funds before they’re gone!
If you have a Health SavingsAccount (HSA), you can use it to pay for eligible dental expenses as well. Unlike FSA funds, HSA funds roll over each year, but they’re still a valuable tool to cover out-of-pocket costs. You can use your HSA to pay for treatments like fillings, crowns, and even orthodontics, reducing your tax burden while ensuring you get the dental care you need.
To make sure you’re making the most of your dental insurance benefits, follow these steps:
Log in to your dental insurance portal or call your insurance provider to find out how much of your annual maximum you’ve used and how much you have left. This will help you prioritize which treatments to schedule before the year ends.
Preventive care visits like cleanings and exams are usually covered at 100%. These visits are not only important for your oral health, but they also help you avoid more costly treatments down the line.
If you’ve been postponing a more costly procedure, such as a crown or root canal, and you still have unused benefits, now is the time to book that appointment. Depending on the amount of coverage you have left, your insurance may cover a significant portion of the cost.
If you require extensive dental work that will exceed your annual maximum, talk to your dentist about scheduling part of the treatment before the end of the year and the rest in the new year.This way, you can take advantage of two years’ worth of benefits.
Check how much money you have left in your FSA account and plan to use it for upcoming dental expenses. Remember, FSA dollars do not roll over into the new year, so this is a great way to cover copays or out-of-pocket costs for treatments before the deadline.
If you have an HSA, remember that you can use it to pay for dental procedures, copays, or even out-of-pocket costs that exceed your insurance coverage. HSAs offer the advantage of tax savings and can be a smart way to handle dental expenses.
Your dental insurance and health care accounts like FSAs and HSAs are valuable resources for maintaining your oral health. By using your benefits before they expire, you not only save money but also ensure you’re taking the best possible care of your teeth and gums.
As the year comes to a close, dental appointments fill up quickly. Don’t wait until the last minute to maximize your benefits. At Swish, we’re here to help you get the most out of your insurance and FSA or HSA funds to keep your smile healthy. Call us today to schedule your appointment or book online.
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“Use It or Lose It” refers to the fact that most dental insurance plans work on a calendar year basis, meaning any unused benefits will expire at the end of the year. If you don’t use your annual coverage by December 31st, you won’t be able to roll over those benefits into the next year.
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care like cleanings, exams, and X-rays at 100%. Treatments like fillings, crowns, root canals, and periodontal care are often partially covered, depending on your plan. It’s a good idea to check with your provider for specific coverage details.
The yearly maximum is the total amount your dental insurance will pay for treatments in a calendar year. If you don’t use up your benefits by the end of the year, the remaining amount doesn’t carryover. Maximizing your insurance before December 31st ensures you don’t leave unused benefits behind.
You can check your current usage by logging into your insurance provider’s portal, calling your provider directly, or asking your dental office for help. This will let you know how much of your annual maximum you’ve used and what benefits are still available.
Yes, you can use your FSA to pay for eligible dental expenses such as copays, deductibles, and non-covered services like orthodontics. Keep in mind that FSA funds typically expire at the end of the year, so be sure to use them beforeDecember 31st.
Yes, you can use HSA funds to pay for a variety of dental treatments, including fillings, crowns, root canals, and braces. Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over each year, but using them to cover out-of-pocket dental expenses can provide tax savings.
If you don’t use your FSA funds by the deadline (typically December 31st), those funds will expire, and you’ll lose access to that money. Some employers may offer a grace period or allow a small rollover, but most FSA plans require you to use the full balance by the end of the year.
An FSA (Flexible Spending Account) isa tax-advantaged account offered by employers where funds typically expire at the end of the year. An HSA (Health Savings Account) is available to individuals with high-deductible health plans, and the funds roll over year to year, offering more flexibility for medical and dental expenses.
Yes! If your dental treatment costs exceed your insurance benefits, you can take advantage of financing options. At Swish Dental, we offer flexible payment plans and financing options to help you manage any out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring that you can get the care you need without the financial burden. Ask our team for details on the various financing options available to you or visit our dental financing page for more details.
If you need extensive dental work that will exceed your annual maximum, you can work with your dentist to schedule part of the treatment before the end of the year and the rest in the new year.This way, you can take advantage of two years’ worth of benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan or the associated costs, don't hesitate to ask! At Swish Dental, we believe in transparency, so our team will walk you through every detail of your treatment plan, explain any procedures, and provide a clear breakdown of costs. We’ll also review your insurance coverage and help you explore financing options if needed. Your comfort and understanding are our priority—just ask, and we’re here to help!
For more information or to schedule your consultation, visit our location page or contact us today!
