Question: I received a mailer that said that my insurance benefits will run out by the end of the year and I should get into their office.  I am nervous about this and a little worried.

Answer: Most insurance plans have a renewal date on January 1 of each year.  If patients don’t use their insurance before December 31 they miss out on the benefit for that year.  For example, I get patients in the office who haven’t been in for many years.  When I plan out their treatment it can go over their annual dental maximum and they have to pay more out of their pocket to get the necessary dentistry completed.  If they came into the office in mid-November or early December then we can take advantage of both years of benefits.  If you have been delaying treatment, now is the time to make an appointment with your dentist to reduce your out of pocket costs.