Big Treatment, Smart Planning: How to Split Major Procedures Using the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Calendar

As the year comes to a close, most patients finally realize that they have not taken advantage of using their dental benefits or will lose out on them when it comes to major procedures. “Use-It-or-Lose-It” sneaks up on individuals, leaving them with benefits left unused and money wasted. Surgical procedures such as implants, crowns, or orthodontics are often timing-dependent.

This blog will show you how to spread treatments over a two year period for the best coverage, at the least cost. Patients can maximize their dental insurance benefits before they run out by thinking smart when it comes to planning.

Understanding “Use-It-or-Lose-It” in Dental Treatment Planning

The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy is one in which dental benefits terminate every year. Unused coverage for the year is lost. This policy tends to impact those patients who are receiving extensive dental treatment.

Dental procedures like implants, root canals, or orthodontia require several visits or phases. Timing is reasonable so that these procedures are split so that patients can apply their benefits before they disappear.

Advantages of Splitting Large Procedures Across Two Calendar Years

By splitting treatments, patients can spread their “Use-It-or-Lose-It” benefits over two years. This prevents losing money and splits the cost of treatments.

For example, the first phase of a dental implant may be charged in the current year, while the second phase qualifies next year. Splits in treatments reduce patients’ out-of-pocket costs, rendering dental procedures more affordable.

By splitting visits or crowning teeth in phases, patients can have each procedure within their insurance deadlines.

Smart Planning: How to Segment Your Procedures Successfully

It is important to discuss with your dentist on how to portion out a procedure over the course of two years. You can coordinate effectively with your insurance policy by having a good discussion. Reviewing your benefits with your provider allows you to plan effectively and not lose valuable coverage.

Additionally, knowing of recovery periods ensures your treatment stages do not overlap, with enough time to recover well between stages. This prevents having to wait for treatments as you maximize your insurance.

Examples of Common Procedures That Benefit from Smart Splitting

Dental Implants: The procedure for implantation tends to have multiple stages. Dividing it over two years ensures each stage benefits from the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule.

Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners can be spaced out to fall in line with your insurance deadlines, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

Major Restorative Work: Crowns, bridges, or dentures can take longer than one visit. Spreading them over two years will enable each step to be covered by your insurance.

What If You Missed the Deadline?

If you’ve lost the deadline for spending your dental benefits, all is not lost. You can spend money from Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA). These accounts permit you to roll over some unused cash, so you won’t lose it all.

If you didn’t take advantage of dividing your procedures, next year you should plan ahead. Get your treatments done early and plan according to your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” deadline so that you won’t end up in the same situation again.

Spacing significant dental treatments over two years prevents you from losing your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” benefits. Intelligent planning maintains costs under control and gets maximum coverage.

Don’t wait until the clock is ticking. See your dentist today for a consultation on how to space your procedures into two halves. Maximize your dental benefits before they expire.