Splitting the Cost: Using the “Use-It-Lose-It” Rule for Major Dental Work Over Two Years

Dental work is expensive. Most people have no idea they are leaving money on the table when it comes to their dental benefits. By far, most dental insurance policies will have a “Use-It-Lose-It” rule, whereby benefits unused at the end of the year simply expire.

There is, however, a way to avoid that with the management of costly procedures: by splitting major dental work over two years, you can optimize your benefits and save money without compromising on treatment. This blog will show how you can plan for the best use of your “Use-It-Lose-It” benefits.

What is the ‘Use-It-Lose-It’ Rule?

“Use-It-Lose-It” simply means that dental benefits are reset every year. Unused benefits do expire, and it is crucial to use them before the end of the year. Most dental plans do have an annual maximum. This is the most your insurer will pay in one calendar or fiscal year.

Patients who don’t use their benefits risk losing hundreds of dollars in coverage if they don’t act in time.

The Costs of Major Dental Work

Major dental work includes crowns, bridges, root canals, and implants. In most instances, these procedures are costly. Very few patients can afford to pay for such treatments in one year. Since large procedures require several appointments, the stretching of work into more than one year is often necessary.

This, therefore, presents a good scenario where the “Use-It-Lose-It” rule can be applied to two different years to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

How to Split the Cost: A Two-Year Strategy

When planning any major dental treatments, start by consulting with your dentist. Break your work into phases and spread the costs over two years. For example, if you need a crown and root canal, use the benefits of the first year for one procedure and the following year for the other.

Set strategic appointments so each procedure fits within the annual limits of your dental benefits. This method allows you to maximize the “Use-It-Lose-It” rule, keeping the treatment affordable without sacrificing quality care.

How to Maximize Your Benefits

To get the most out of your “Use-It-Lose-It” benefits, use up any remaining funds for preventive care. Cleanings, exams, and other little treatments are perfect to clear out the unused balance before the end of the year. You can then plan for more expensive procedures the following year.

Take into account your annual deductible and maximum limits when splitting treatments. Knowing how your plan works can help you avoid underuse of your benefits and prevent you from losing money when you don’t need to.

Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

There are risks in using the “Use-It-Lose-It” rule for major work. The most common pitfall is missed deadlines. Unused benefits won’t roll over to the next year. Another danger is overestimating your coverage.

Not all procedures may be fully covered, so make sure to understand what is and isn’t included. Unexpected costs may come up that were not in the original treatments. Keep tabs on these potential issues and do not become reactive.

The “Use-It-Lose-It” rule can be useful if you’re trying to manage your dental expenses. With proper planning, you may save money by maximizing your benefits for major dental work over two years. Of course, it’s very important to stay ahead of deadlines, know what’s covered, and avoid surprise costs.

Set an appointment with our dentists to create a plan that helps you utilize the most out of your benefits. Don’t let your benefits go to waste-make the most of them today.