Use It or Lose It: Getting the Most From Your Dental Benefits Before December 31
If your dental plan runs on a calendar year, the clock is ticking. Many plans reset on January 1, and any annual maximum you didn't use simply goes away. Using your dental benefits before December 31 is one of the easiest ways to get value from coverage you've been paying for all year, and if you work downtown, a visit can fit right into a lunch break.
Here's what to know, and how to plan your next few months.
Why Your Dental Benefits Reset at Year-End
Most dental insurance plans have a few moving parts that are tied to the plan year:
Annual maximum. This is the most your plan will pay toward your care in a plan year. Whatever you don't use usually does not roll over.
Deductible. If you've already met your deductible this year, additional care before the reset may cost you less out of pocket than the same care in January, when the deductible starts over.
Frequency limits. Many plans cover two checkups and cleanings per year. If you've only had one, you may still have one left.
Not every plan follows the calendar year. Some reset on a different date, such as your employer's benefit year. Check your plan documents or member portal, or call us and we'll help you look it up.
Using Dental Benefits Before December 31: A Simple Checklist
A few minutes now can save you money and stress later:
Check your remaining maximum. Your insurer's website or app usually shows how much you've used.
Count your cleanings. If you're due for a second checkup this year, book it now.
Look at unfinished treatment. Was a filling or crown recommended earlier in the year? Starting it before the reset may let you use this year's benefits. Some treatment can also be planned across two plan years.
Review your FSA or HSA balance. Flexible spending account (FSA) dollars are often use-it-or-lose-it, though some employers offer a grace period or a small carryover. Health savings account (HSA) funds generally stay with you, but they can still be used for eligible dental care.
Book early. Fall schedules tend to be more open than late December, when many people try to fit in a visit at once.
Which Insurance Plans We Accept
Nutmeg Family Dentistry is in-network with:
Aetna (PPO)
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Delta Dental
Guardian
Coverage varies by plan, even within the same insurance company. Before treatment, our office verifies your benefits so you have a clearer picture of what your plan is expected to cover. You can learn more about insurance, financing and payment options on our finances page.
Don't have dental insurance? Our Membership Savings Plan for uninsured patients starts at $399/year, and CareCredit financing is also available.
Make It a Lunch-Break Visit
One of the hardest parts of using your benefits is finding the time. Our office is at 50 State House Square, right in downtown Hartford, so many people who work nearby can walk over, have a checkup and cleaning, and head back to the office. Learn more about being a dentist near downtown Hartford offices.
Good things to fit in before year-end:
Checkups and cleanings. Preventive care is often covered at a high percentage on many plans.
Fillings. Small cavities are usually simpler to treat before they grow.
Crowns or other recommended treatment. If a crown has been on your to-do list, now may be a good time to start.
Night guards. If you clench or grind, ask whether your plan covers a custom guard.
Our team speaks English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Arabic, so you can ask questions about your benefits in the language you're most comfortable with.
If Something Hurts, Don't Wait for January
Saving benefits is never a reason to put off a problem. A toothache, a broken tooth, or a filling that fell out can get worse with time. If you have facial swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing, seek emergency care right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do unused dental benefits roll over to next year?
On most plans, no. The annual maximum usually resets at the start of the plan year. A few plans offer rollover features, so check your plan details or ask our team to help.
Can I use my FSA or HSA at the dentist?
Generally, yes, for eligible dental care such as cleanings, fillings and crowns. Cosmetic treatments are usually not eligible. Rules on FSA grace periods and carryovers vary by employer, so confirm with your benefits administrator.
How do I know how much of my benefit is left?
Your insurer's member portal or customer service line can tell you. Our office also verifies benefits before treatment and can walk you through what we find.
Ready to Book?
Nutmeg Family Dentistry is at 50 State House Square in downtown Hartford. Call us at (860) 560-2898 or book your visit online.
