Maximize Your Dental Benefits: How to Use Your Insurance Before it Expires
15 Feb 2026
The holidays are behind us, and for most people, “expiring benefits” sounds like something to worry about in December.
But if you live in the Greenspoint area and have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or want to truly get your money’s worth out of your PPO plan this year, waiting is the wrong move.
At Greenspoint Dental, we don’t like seeing our patients in the 77060 region throw money away. That is why we are sharing the secrets to maximizing your coverage right now, long before the end-of-year rush.
The "Secret" Deadline: March 15th (FSA Grace Period)
You might think your 2025 benefits are long gone, but check your plan carefully! Many employers offer a Grace Period for FSAs that extends 2.5 months into the new year. That means you may have until March 15, 2026, to use remaining funds from last year before they are forfeited forever to the “Use It or Lose It” rule.
If you have unused FSA dollars sitting in your account, this is your last chance to use them. You can use these tax-free funds for:
- Copayments and deductibles
- Restorative procedures (fillings, crowns)
- Orthodontics (check your specific plan)
Don’t let the IRS keep your hard-earned money.
Call us to schedule an appointment before the mid-March cutoff!
Why February is the Best Time to Use Dental Insurance Benefits
Even if you don’t have an FSA, starting your dental care in February is a smart financial strategy. Here is why savvy patients in Houston don’t wait until December:
1. The "Two Cleanings" Rule
Most dental plans cover two professional cleanings per year (one every six months). If you schedule your first one now (in February), you can easily schedule your second one in August.
The Risk: If you wait until June or July for your first cleaning, you might run out of time to squeeze in your second covered cleaning before the year ends.
2. Spreading Out Out-of-Pocket Costs
If you need major work (like a crown or bridge), you likely have a deductible and co-insurance to pay. By starting in February, you can address urgent needs now and spread any remaining treatment, and payments, over the rest of the year.
3. Beating the "December Rush"
Ask anyone who has tried to book a dentist in December, it is chaos! By choosing to use dental insurance benefits now, you get your pick of appointment times without the stress of the holiday season.
We Make Insurance Easy
Navigating insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Greenspoint Dental, we accept a wide range of plans to serve our diverse community, including:
- Aetna
- Spirit Dental
- Assurant
- GE Wellness Plan
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Guardian
- Cigna
- Dental Benefit Providers
- United Healthcare
- United Concordia Dental
- MetLife
- DentalMax
- Oxford Health Plans
- Dental Select
- Humana Dental
We will even submit the claim forms for you to ensure you get the maximum coverage possible.
Please note: We do NOT accept DMO, DHMO, Medicare, or Medicaid plans.
To find out more, visit our Financing page
No Insurance? No Problem.
If you don’t have insurance or have exhausted your benefits, we offer solutions to ensure you still get the care you need:
- Third-Party Financing: We accept CareCredit and The HELPcard, which offer affordable monthly payments.
- $99 New Patient Special: A perfect way to get a full exam, X-rays, and cleaning at an affordable rate. Check out our specials page for details.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Whether it is beating the March 15th FSA deadline or simply setting yourself up for a healthy 2026, the time to act is now.
Check your benefits, look for that “Grace Period” clause, and then give us a call.
Dr. Bosse and the team are ready to help you keep your smile, and your wallet, healthy.
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