The festive season is approaching, bringing with it the familiar whirlwind of holiday shopping, family gatherings, and end-of-year celebrations. But while you’re busy checking off your gift list and planning holiday feasts, there’s another important deadline quietly ticking away: your dental benefits expiration date.

Call 509-707-8696 to maximize your dental benefits in Moses Lake, WA at Skyview Dental.

The Clock Is Ticking

Think of your dental benefits like a gift card that expires on Dec. 31. You wouldn’t let a gift card go to waste, so why leave your dental benefits unused? Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year basis. Here’s the kicker: those benefits typically don’t roll over into the new year. When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, any unused benefits simply vanish.

Decode Your Coverage

Before you schedule an appointment, take a moment to become a dental benefits detective. Pull up your insurance plan details and investigate:

  • Your remaining annual maximum (the total amount your insurance will pay for your dental care)
  • How much of your deductible you’ve already met
  • Which preventive services are fully covered (hint: many plans cover preventive care at 100%)

Most plans include coverage for essential services like:

  • Routine cleanings and comprehensive exams
  • Diagnostic X-rays
  • Protective fluoride treatments
  • Dental sealants for cavity prevention
  • Ongoing periodontal maintenance for gum health

Strategic Planning

December appointments fill up faster than hot chocolate on a cold day, so timing is everything. Here’s your strategic approach to maximizing those benefits:

  1. Lock in your preventive care appointments first
  2. Address any nagging dental issues causing discomfort
  3. Plan multi-visit procedures strategically
  4. Consider cosmetic improvements if you have remaining benefits

The Smart Money Two-Step

Here’s an insider tip: For major dental work, consider straddling your treatment between December and January. This clever timing allows you to tap into both this year’s and next year’s benefits, potentially saving you significant out-of-pocket expenses. 

It’s like getting double the coverage for one treatment plan.

Remember Your FSA/HSA Funds

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), check those balances too. Many FSA plans have a strict “use it or lose it” policy when the year ends. These funds can cover various dental expenses, including:

Insurance deductibles

  • Co-payments
  • Orthodontic treatments
  • Dental procedures not fully covered by insurance

Remember, investing in your oral health now isn’t just about maximizing insurance benefits—it’s about preventing small issues from becoming major problems down the road. Your smile is an investment worth protecting, and there’s no better time than now to ensure it gets the care it deserves.

Call Skyview Dental today at 509-707-8696 for an appointment in Moses Lake, WA. You can also request an appointment online. Don’t let another year of dental benefits slip away.