Short Description
The 12-month period in which a dental insurance plan’s benefits, including annual maximums and deductibles, are applied.
Long Description
A benefit year is the designated 12-month period in which a dental insurance plan's benefits are tracked. This period may follow a calendar year (January 1 – December 31) or a plan year, which may start on any date specified by the insurance provider.
At the beginning of each new benefit year, annual maximums, deductibles, and coverage limits reset, meaning unused benefits do not roll over. Patients should schedule treatments strategically to maximize their benefits before they expire at the end of the benefit year.
Understanding when a benefit year starts and ends helps policyholders plan dental treatments efficiently, avoiding unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses and maximizing insurance coverage.