Time gets away from us faster than we realize, especially when dental insurance benefits are at stake. Hundreds are lost when end-of-year appointments are missed by many patients each year. The Use-It-Lose-It rule keeps policyholders aware that benefits disappear when the calendar a reset.

For most, benefits renew on Dec. 31, and any unused coverage vanishes without warning. Later visits are more often than not higher in cost and larger in scale. The good news is that there’s still time. Here’s what you should do to take advantage of your benefits before the year is out.

5 Steps to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Before You “Lose-It”

Step 1: Check Your Current Dental Insurance Coverage

Start by checking all aspects of your plan. Review annual maximums, deductibles, copays, and coverage left carefully. Having an idea of what’s left helps plan ahead of the Use-It-Loss deadline.

Most PPO plans, except a couple of them, cycle back on December 31 with no second chance. Planning saves you shock and money. Checking your coverage today keeps you in charge of your benefits left.

Step 2: Schedule Any Outstanding Procedures Now

Appointments are scarce at year’s end. Book your pending surgeries by the time the holidays are here. Completing the unfinished procedures now avoids stress and extra expenses later.

Use-It-Lose-It becomes procrastination, equaling time and money wastage. Get your crown, filling, or root canal while benefits are in effect. If you make a move early, then you can receive easy care and full insurance.

Step 3: Don’t Miss Preventive Care Visits

Invest in your health with preventive care. Cleanings, exams, and X-rays are often covered in full. The Use-It-Lose-It plan incentivizes consistency towards lifetime oral health.

Missing these visits wastes coverage you’ve already earned. Regular checkups stop cavities, gum issues, and future costly treatments. Prevention always beats repair, especially when it’s already paid for.

Step 4: Maximize Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Unused FSA money disappears at the end of the year with the Use-It-Lose-It policy. Verify your balance before it’s too late. Spend these dollars on required dental treatment, night guards, or whitening if applicable. Wasting FSA dollars avoids losing hard savings.

Ask about deadlines with your employer to get the most from each dollar. Wise FSA spending balances finances and your smile.

Step 5: Prepare for Next Year’s Coverage

Good planning does not stop here. Plan major treatments across two benefit years for savings. The Use-It-Lose-It cycle is about to renew, so plan. Negotiate a treatment schedule with your dentist so that it aligns with insurance cycles.

Savvy scheduling maximizes benefits and saves future out-of-pocket costs. Start next year in control, not crisis.

Time and benefits wait for no one. Unused coverage means lost money and delayed care. The Use-It-Lose-It reminder grows louder as December approaches. Take action before the final days arrive.

Schedule your visit, review your benefits, and make every dollar matter. You’ve earned your benefits. Don’t let them disappear with the calendar year.