As the end of the year approaches, it’s important to take full advantage of your health insurance benefits. Many people don’t realize that unused benefits typically don’t roll over into the new year. Here’s how to ensure you get the most from your plan before December 31st.
Use it or lose it!
Most insurance plans have an annual deductible—the amount you pay before your insurance starts covering costs. By the end of the year, if you’ve already met your deductible, you can save significantly on medical expenses since your insurance will cover more, or even all, of your visit costs. Delaying until January means starting over with a fresh deductible.
What can be covered?
Now is the time to consider scheduling important procedures, tests, or treatments you’ve been postponing, such as:
- Preventive screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.)
- Diagnostic tests (MRIs, X-rays)
- Elective surgeries
- Dental checkups
- Physical therapy sessions
Many insurance plans also cover annual wellness visits, flu shots, and other preventive services at little to no cost, so check with your provider about what’s included.
What’s needed to use your benefits?
To maximize your insurance benefits:
- Review Your Plan: Contact your insurance company to understand what’s covered and how much of your deductible you’ve met.
- Schedule Appointments: Call your doctor’s office soon—end-of-year appointments fill up quickly. Some procedures may require pre-authorization, which can take a week or two.
- Verify Coverage: Ask your provider to verify insurance coverage for specific services, so there are no surprises later.
How Long Does It Take?
Scheduling your appointments should be done as early as possible. Keep in mind:
- Routine visits can be booked within 1-2 weeks.
- Specialized treatments or surgeries may take longer, especially if prior authorization is needed from your insurance.
Take action now to maximize your benefits before they reset in January!
