Do unused dental insurance benefits carry over to next year?

Usually not. The post explains that most dental benefits are yearly and renew at the end of the year, so whatever is left unused is lost to the insurance company. It contrasts this with medical insurance, which it describes as having a lifetime maximum instead of a yearly one.

Does dental treatment have to be finished by December 31 to use that year’s benefits?

Not according to the post. It says treatment does not have to be completed before the end of the year, and that starting it before December 31 lets a patient take full advantage of that year’s policy. It adds that benefits can still be used after necessary treatment is done.

Can secondary dental insurance go unused?

Yes. The post points out that patients may also have secondary insurance benefits that remain unused, and like primary benefits they are lost at the end of the year if they are not used. It says the practice’s patient coordinators can look into remaining benefits when you schedule.

Why does delaying dental treatment cost more?

The post’s view is that delayed dentistry can only lead to more complicated and expensive remedies. That is why the 2018 post encouraged patients to schedule both planned and unplanned treatment while their yearly benefits could still help pay for it, instead of putting the care off.

Unused Dental Benefits and the End of the Year

By Stone Falls Dental Care · Published October 22, 2018

As a service to our patients who have dental insurance, we take the time to remind them that the vast majority of benefits are renewable at the end of the year. These benefits will be lost to the insurance company at the end of the year if left unused. Patients could also have secondary insurance benefits that remain unused.

Unlike medical insurance, which has a lifetime maximum, dental benefits are usually yearly and do not carry over to the next year. This directly affects the completion of a patient’s dental treatment. To better utilize these benefits, we recommend that patients schedule an appointment to complete any planned – or unplanned - treatment. Delayed dentistry can only lead to more complicated and expensive remedies.

Treatment does not have to be completed before the end of the year, but starting it before December 31st will allow the patient to take full advantage of their policy. Even in the case where a patient’s necessary treatment has already been completed, these benefits can still be utilized.

So, as the end of the year approaches, our schedule becomes filled with patients looking to maximize their annual benefits. Please call our office at 618.624.2800 today and our patient coordinators will be happy to look into your remaining benefits and schedule your appointment while convenient times are still available.

Call us to utilize your unused dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year!

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