As 2024 draws to a close, encourage the patients in your community to make the most of their health insurance policy and get the care they need before year-end.

Understanding Deductibles

Most insurance policies require patients to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket before their insurance kicks in. This is known as the deductible. Once a deductible has been met for the calendar year, insurance begins to cover a larger portion of medical expenses. If a patient has met his/her deductible for 2024, now is the perfect time to encourage them to schedule any necessary medical procedures or exams before new deductibles reset in January.

By acting now patients can:

Save Money: By scheduling exams and procedures before the end of the year, insurance will likely cover a larger portion of the costs, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Improve Health: Regular check-ups, vaccinations and preventive screenings can detect health issues early when they are easier to treat.

Rest Easy: Knowing that essential health screenings and procedures are taken care of can provide peace of mind going into the new year.

Recommended Exams and Procedures:

1. Annual Physicals: Schedule a comprehensive physical to catch any health issues early.
2. Bone Density Tests: According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, regular bone density tests are crucial, especially for older adults and those at risk of osteoporosis.
3. Cancer Screenings: The CDC and NIH recommend regular screenings for cancers such as breast, colorectal, and cervical, which can be lifesaving.
4. Vaccinations: The CDC highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccinations, particularly the flu shot this time of year.
5. Chronic Condition Management: If a patient has chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, they can check with their provider and be sure they are current with their management plan, including medications and regular check-ups.

Help spread the word to the people in your community! Maximizing insurance benefits before the year ends not only saves money but also help each person to ensure that they are making their health a priority.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control (CDC); National Institutes of Health (NIH); Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation