Dental insurance has a “Use-It-or-Lose-It” structure, which requires you to spend the allotted benefits before time runs out. This powerful behavioural nudge gets people to place importance on their dental health and get healthy.
This policy helps encourage early detection of dental problems, and doing so is a wise way to be proactive in maintaining long-term health, keeping them from losing what benefits they didn’t use.
Understanding the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rule
The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” rule resets your dental benefits each year. Unused benefits are lost. The rule forces patients to use their coverage while there is still a year left.
Covered treatments can include cleanings, checkups, exams, X-rays, and preventive care. They do not want to lose valuable dental benefits.
The Behavioral Nudge: Why It Works
Behavioural science focuses on how choices and actions are motivated by nudges. The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy takes advantage of “loss aversion,” a psychological concept wherein people are driven to rescue something valuable from loss.
Knowing that they will forfeit benefits drives people to make dental appointments, turning procrastination into action. With this nudge, people are motivated to be regular in ensuring oral health.
How the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Policy Encourages Preventive Care
Prevention is everything, and we cannot stress it enough. The “Use-It-or-Lose-It”, due-on-renewal feature helps keep those patients coming in for cleanings, checkups, and exams. These visits allow you to catch potentially problematic issues like gum disease or cavities before they become a bigger problem.
Catch it early to avoid having to have costly procedures that waste time and money, hurt, and are stressful. Frequent visits also prevent issues that could get worse without treatment, and help keep your smile and well-being.
Avoiding the Last-Minute Scramble: Planning Ahead for Your Dental Care
Early planning will enable you to get the most out of your benefits. Schedule appointments early in the year, and not so late that you are forced to wait. Keep track of your remaining dental benefits and use them for the treatments that you may require.
Reminders will prevent you from making a last-minute dash to use up your benefits when they are on the verge of expiring. By doing this, you will not lose out on preventive care and treatments, and have your dental health protected all year round.
The Healthy Advantage of Prioritizing Health
Taking an active role in dental care benefits you in more than one way. Proper upkeep keeps your healthy smile going and boosts your overall health and confidence.
Prioritizing your dental care gives you a holistic approach to wellness, resulting in long-term success. Getting the most out of your benefits is investing in your smile and future health.
Maximizing your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” benefits is essential for maintaining optimal dental health. Don’t wait until the last minute. Take advantage of your coverage now.
Schedule your next checkup with us today to ensure you’re making the most of your benefits before they expire. Contact Inspire Smiles today to schedule your next checkup and make health a priority!
