Now Is the Time to Review and Use Your 2017 Health Care Benefits

By The Sense via Iris.xyz

Let the traditions begin this week! Gather with loved ones, give thanks, and try – really try – to eat everything your eyes see. Take a break from finances for the week but next week, remember that holiday leftovers may not be the only thing going to waste this time of year. Certain health care benefits also have a shelf-life that is quickly approaching. To ensure that you don’t miss out on your own, hard-earned money, read on and set a reminder to revisit next week.

If you’ve already met your insurance deductible or out-of-pocket maximum for the year, now could be a great time to move up the appointment with your dermatologist or finally schedule more expensive procedures you’ve been putting off like dental work, an MRI or a stress test. While waiting until after the new year may sound easier, remember that you are also waiting for a whole new deductible, ensuring that you will pay more.

If you contribute to a health flexible spending account (FSA), remember: use it or lose it. A healthcare FSA plan is an employer-provided benefit that allows employees to set aside up to $2,600 to be used for approved medical expenses throughout the year. The benefit of an FSA is that contributions are not subject to income tax.

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