Beyond December 31st: Planning Your Two-Year Treatment with the “Use-It-Lose-It” Policy

Are you taking advantage of your dental insurance before the end of the year, or are you looking ahead to next year? Some patients miss the “Use-It-Lose-It” provision, forfeiting precious benefits they’ve already paid for. Learning how to plan for multi-year treatments can prevent you from losing out on these missed benefits.

The “Use-It-Lose-It” rule doesn’t only apply to cleanings or fillings. It applies to treatments that last more than one year. Planning procedures that occur within two years, such as orthodontics or implants, maximizes your use of your dental benefits, today and in the future.

What is the ‘Use-It-Lose-It’ Policy?

The “Use-It-Lose-It” policy is the most significant aspect of dental insurance. It is a policy that renews your benefits each year, and unused coverage doesn’t carry over. Your maximum benefit per year under your plan is accessible annually, yet on December 31st, it renews.

This policy encourages patients to utilize their benefits before they expire. For long-term treatments, failing to use your benefits in a timely fashion may result in enormous out-of-pocket expenses.

Long-Term Dental Procedures: Planning More than One Year Ahead

Procedures like braces or implants typically have a plan that extends more than a year into the future. Procedures like that would typically involve multiple appointments and steps involved, and therefore, it is required to factor in the “Use-It-Lose-It” policy in planning.

Without planning, patients would lose benefits on procedures carried over into the following year. For example, the first year can include first-year work, while the second year can complete the treatment. Proper planning enables you to enjoy both years’ benefits without starting from scratch.

Maximizing Your Dental Benefits Over Two Years – Strategies

Begin by taking full advantage of the benefits this year, such as cleanings, fillings, or other treatments needed. Schedule your appointments before the end of the year so you don’t leave benefits on the table. Schedule consultations in the early part of the new year for ongoing treatments to maintain continuous care.

When treatments continue over two years, schedule ahead so that your insurance benefits pay for the procedure. Taking action early will make the second year of treatment more manageable.

Coordination with Your Dentist: An Important Step

Discuss openly with your dentist or orthodontist about your two-year treatment plan. Discuss your goals, treatments, and how the “Use-It-Lose-It” policy affects your coverage. Your orthodontist or dentist will help you schedule your treatment to gain the greatest benefit during both years.

Scheduling treatment phases in tandem with your benefits guarantees every step of the process is covered, minimizing out-of-pocket costs. Open communication can give you confidence that you are not skipping an important step and can get maximum use from your dental insurance.

The Financial Benefit: Maximizing Your Insurance Money

Stretching treatment over two years decreases out-of-pocket costs. By planning, you can maximize benefits annually. The “Use-It-Lose-It” policy allows you to use both years’ coverage, and therefore, the cost of treatment is lower overall.

Create a budget for the second year of treatment and plan how you will spread costs. Utilizing both years’ insurance limits effectively can save you hundreds of dollars by avoiding unnecessary cost burdens.

Mistakes to Be Avoided

Do not wait until year’s end to book treatments. Delaying procedures till the year’s end might limit your treatment options. Remember that the “Use-It-Lose-It” plan does not allow you to carry benefits over to the next year.

Ignoring upcoming benefits is also a common mistake. Focusing on benefits only for the current time can cost you opportunities for treatment that will be necessary for you next year. Plan ahead so that you will not lose out on useful coverage.

Scheduling two-year treatments with the “Use-It-Lose-It” policy can guarantee a healthier, less costly tomorrow. Pre-planning takes full advantage of this year and next.

Don’t see your benefits go to waste. Call us today and discuss long-term treatment options. Book appointments and plan for treatment in advance to get the most out of your dental insurance.