Each year seems to fall into crazy, busy schedules at the end of the year. School, holidays, and work take up many priorities on the to-do list, with little time left to go around. Make sure you schedule time to assess your end-of-the year health benefits and dental coverage to maximize their full advantages.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Balances
You’re literally throwing money away at the end of December when you don’t use all of your money in your FSA. You voluntarily added those funds to your account every pay period, just as in a savings account, to cover medical expenses throughout the year. If you don’t use them, they disappear on January 1! Go ahead and schedule that diagnostic ultrasound or diabetic foot care. You’ll be one step ahead for the next year without losing a penny.
Deductibles
Many health and dental insurance plans require deductibles that must be reached before services are covered. Are you nearing your deductible maximum for this year? If it’s already been met, this may be a good time to make a move on those health benefits by having procedures you may have delayed such as medical screenings, surgery, or podiatry care by foot specialists.
Annual Maximums
Healthcare plans—especially those for dental needs—sometimes present a maximum coverage amount for your account. If you still have funds available, schedule a visit to the dentist to take care of fillings or go to your podiatrist to address any foot pain you might have. It’s okay to wait until the new year to tap these services, but you will be left with expenses you may have been able to avoid the previous year.
Healthcare Plan Changes
It’s important to note that just like seasons change, so do healthcare plans. To ensure you reap the health benefits you have now, take advantage of them while you can. There’s no promise they will be in your same health plan next year when you need them.
Haven’t Been to the Doctor or Dentist This Year? Maybe It’s Time
If you have health benefits remaining in your account because you have not been to the doctor or dentist at all this year, you could be missing out on check-ups, diagnostic testing, and other important health routines that help you live a healthier life. When you skip on these preventive measures and health maintenance, you could be setting yourself up for bigger health expenses later on—from treating conditions that could have been prevented.
Take Advantage of Your Health Benefits Before They Run Out
There’s still time this year to take advantage of your FSA or maxed-out deductibles on your healthcare plan. Schedule services today or contact a professional medical specialist to learn how they can help your health benefits work for you.
