Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before They Expire

As the year draws to a close, many patients may not realize that they are leaving valuable dental benefits unused. If you have dental insurance with Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Ameritas, United Concordia, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Guardian, Assurant Employee Benefit, GEHA, AARP Medicare Advantage (Gold Plus HMO), AARP Medicare Advantage (UnitedHealthcare), or UnitedHealthcare, now is the time to schedule your visit before your coverage resets.

At Fort Collins Dental Center, our team helps patients maximize their benefits each year—especially when it comes to preventive care, restorative treatments, and emergency dental needs.

Understanding the “Use It or Lose It” Rule

Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar-year basis, meaning your benefits refresh on January 1. Unused benefits from 2025 won’t roll over into 2026. If you’ve paid monthly premiums all year but haven’t used your coverage, you could be missing out on hundreds of dollars in care that’s already yours.

Each plan has an annual maximum, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per person. Once that limit is reset, any remaining funds are lost. Scheduling your treatment before the end of the year helps you maximize the benefits of what you’ve earned.

Preventive Visits Save Money and Prevent Emergencies

Most insurance plans (especially those from Delta Dental, Cigna, and Aetna) cover two cleanings and exams per year at little to no cost. These routine visits help protect your oral health and can prevent more serious issues from developing.

Minor problems, such as cavities, cracked fillings, or mild gum inflammation, are easier and less expensive to treat when detected early. Delaying care often leads to emergency visits, root canals, or extractions—all of which can be costly if your deductible resets in January.

If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, now’s the perfect time to schedule your next appointment.

Don’t Delay Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times, but quick action can save your tooth and reduce pain. Our emergency dentist offers same-day appointments for issues like:

• Severe toothaches or swelling
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Lost fillings or crowns
• Knocked-out teeth
• Gum or jaw infections

Many insurance plans, including UnitedHealthcare, Anthem BCBS, and Guardian, cover emergency dental treatment when it’s medically necessary. Even if you’ve met your deductible or used part of your annual maximum, it’s often more affordable to address an emergency before your plan resets.

Make the Most of Your Insurance Before Year-End

To maximize your benefits:

1. Check your remaining annual maximum: Our office can help verify what’s left on your plan.
2. Schedule outstanding treatments now: Fillings, crowns, or periodontal care can often be completed before the end of the year.
3. Utilize your preventive coverage: Regular cleanings and exams are the best way to maintain oral health and prevent emergencies.
4. Bundle treatments when possible: Starting multi-step treatments now allows you to use two benefit years for larger procedures.

We work closely with all major PPO plans and Medicare Advantage providers, including Delta Dental Premier/PPO, Cigna Dental PPO, MetLife PPO, Aetna PPO, Ameritas PPO, United Concordia PPO, Anthem BCBS PPO, Guardian PPO, Assurant/Employee Benefit PPO, GEHA Connection Dental Network, AARP Medicare Advantage (Gold Plus HMO), AARP Medicare Advantage (UnitedHealthcare), and UnitedHealthcare PPO.

How Fort Collins Dental Center Can Help

Our experienced team, led by Dr. Craig Martin, DMD takes the stress out of understanding your insurance. We verify benefits, submit claims, and explain out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. Whether you need preventive care, cosmetic improvements, or urgent dental assistance, we ensure your insurance dollars work for you.

FAQs About Dental Insurance and End-of-Year Benefits

1. What does “use it or lose it” mean for dental insurance? It means that most plans reset on January 1, and any unused benefits from the current year are forfeited. If you don’t use your coverage before year-end, you lose those dollars.
2. How can I find out if I’m in network with Fort Collins Dental Center? We are in network with Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Ameritas, United Concordia, Anthem BCBS, Guardian, Assurant Employee Benefit, GEHA, and AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. Call our office, and we’ll verify your coverage for you.
3. Are emergency visits covered by insurance? Yes. Most plans cover emergency exams, X-rays, and urgent procedures when they’re medically necessary. We’ll help you confirm your coverage before treatment whenever possible.
4. What if I don’t have any remaining benefits left this year? We can help you plan your treatment schedule strategically—starting urgent care now and completing the remainder after your benefits renew in January.
5. Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental emergencies? Yes, some AARP Medicare Advantage plans include limited dental coverage. Call our office, and we’ll review your specific policy.
6. How do I make an appointment before my benefits expire? Simply call (970) 482-1477 or request an appointment online to schedule your visit. Our team will handle the insurance verification and assist you in obtaining the care you need before your coverage resets.

Schedule Before It’s Too Late

Appointments fill quickly during November and December. To avoid losing unused benefits, call Fort Collins Dental Center today at 970-482-1477 or request an appointment online.

Let our team help you start the new year with a healthy, confident smile.