How to Save Money with Your Dental Insurance Before Year-End

As the year winds down, you’re likely busy with holiday planning and wrapping up projects. But there’s one important item that should be on your end-of-year checklist: your dental insurance benefits. Many people don’t realize that their dental benefits often reset on December 31. This means any unused funds from your plan could disappear, forcing you to start over in the new year.

Understanding how your dental insurance works can help you save a significant amount of money and finish the year with a healthy, confident smile. Let’s break down how you can make the most of your plan before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Why Your Dental Benefits Expire

Most dental insurance plans operate on a “use it or lose it” basis. They come with specific features that reset annually. Understanding these terms is the first step to maximizing your coverage.

Your Annual Maximum

The annual maximum is the highest dollar amount your dental insurance provider will pay for your care in a single year. If you have unused funds left in your account, they typically do not roll over. For example, if your plan has a $1,500 maximum and you’ve only used $500, you could lose out on $1,000 worth of dental care if you don’t use it before December 31.

Your Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company starts covering costs. If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, now is the perfect time to schedule any pending treatments. Once the new year begins, your deductible resets, and you’ll have to pay it all over again before your benefits kick in.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Benefits

Don’t let your hard-earned benefits go to waste. Here are some simple, actionable ways to use your dental plan to your advantage before the year ends.

Schedule Your Second Cleaning

Most dental plans cover two professional cleanings per year. If you’ve only had one, now is the time to schedule your second visit. Preventive care like cleanings and check-ups helps catch small issues before they become complex and expensive problems.

Complete Pending Treatments

Have you been putting off a filling, crown, or other recommended procedure? The end of the year is an ideal time to get it done. If you have a more extensive treatment plan, we can often phase it out. By starting part of the treatment now and finishing it in the new year, you can use the benefits from both years, making complex care more affordable.

Use Your FSA or HSA Funds

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are excellent tools for covering out-of-pocket dental costs. Like your insurance, FSA funds are often “use it or lose it.” You can use this money for cleanings, fillings, crowns, orthodontics, and even some over-the-counter dental products.

Know Your Network

Understanding the difference between in-network and out-of-network dentists can impact your costs. In-network dentists have pre-negotiated rates with your insurance company, which usually means lower out-of-pocket expenses for you. While you can often see an out-of-network dentist, your plan may cover a smaller portion of the bill. Horizon Dental is proud to be in-network with many popular plans.

Your Year-End Dental Benefits Checklist

Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

• Check Your Annual Maximum: Find out how much you have left to use.
• Confirm Your Deductible: Have you met it for 2025?
• Book a Cleaning: Use your preventive care benefits.
• Address Pending Treatment: Don’t delay necessary dental work.
• Review Your FSA/HSA: Check your balance and use any remaining funds.
• Call Us: Our team can help you verify your coverage and create a plan.

Finish the Year with a Healthy Smile

Taking care of your dental health now is an investment in your future well-being. By using your dental insurance benefits before they expire, you not only save money but also ensure your smile stays bright and healthy for years to come.

Don’t wait until the last minute—our schedule fills up quickly as the year ends. Let our team at Horizon Dental help you navigate your benefits and get the care you need.

Ready to make the most of your 2025 dental benefits?

Call Or Text: (915) 209-1020

Visit us at:
13660 Horizon Blvd Suite 105 E, Horizon City, TX 79928