As the year comes to an end, it’s time to optimize health insurance benefits before year-end to make the most of your coverage. Many plans, especially employer-sponsored ones, have limits that reset on January 1st. To get the best health insurance benefits before the year ends, it’s wise to plan ahead. Whether it’s for dental, vision, or paramedical services, now’s the time to use your benefits before they expire.
Here’s a guide to making the most of your coverage in Ontario:
Review Your Health Spending Account (HSA)
If you have a Health Spending Account (HSA), now is a great time to check your balance and plan to use it. HSAs cover a variety of health-related expenses, including:
- Dental work
- Prescription medications
- Paramedical services (physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, etc.)
Why It Matters:
- Funded by pretax dollars – The plan is usually funded by the employee with pretax dollars, making it a tax-efficient way to cover healthcare expenses.
- Potential rollover or interest gains – Some HSAs allow remaining balances to carry over or accumulate interest. However, others may expire at year’s end, so be sure to use your balance if that’s the case.
Schedule Dental Check-Ups and Treatments
Dental care is commonly covered under private health insurance plans. Each year, plans often limit the amount they cover for services such as:
- Cleanings
- Exams
- Fillings
If you haven’t used your full dental benefits yet, schedule any outstanding check-ups or treatments.
Tip:
- Book early – Many dental offices fill up quickly toward year-end. Canadians often turn to communities like Reddit for advice on how to take advantage of health insurance Reddit threads and recommend scheduling appointments early to secure a spot.
Order Prescription Medications Before Your Deductible Resets
Prescription drug coverage is common in health insurance plans, often with an annual deductible. To make the most of your plan:
- Refill medications before the new year if you’ve met your deductible
- Request a 90-day supply from your pharmacy if possible, so coverage extends into the new year
Why this helps:
- Refilling now avoids paying the deductible again in January.
Use Your Vision Care Benefits
Vision care is another benefit that often goes unused. Many plans cover:
- Eye exams
- Glasses and contact lenses
Even if you don’t feel your vision has changed, eye exams can detect underlying conditions. Plus, you can get new frames or contacts if your plan covers them.
Tip:
- Get a backup – If your plan covers glasses or contacts, consider getting a backup pair or replacing outdated frames.
Take Advantage of Paramedical Services to Optimize Health Insurance Benefits Before Year-End
If you’re experiencing lingering discomfort, paramedical services can be valuable. Coverage often includes:
Using these services before year-end can ensure you’re making full use of your coverage.
- Physiotherapy
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
Tip:
Book multiple sessions – For ongoing conditions, booking several appointments before the year ends can help maximize your paramedical benefits.
Optimize Health Insurance Benefits Before Year-End: Contact Us
Taking these steps to maximize your health insurance benefits before year-end ensures you get the most from your plan. Whether it’s dental, vision, prescription drugs, or paramedical treatments, using your benefits now can help you avoid unnecessary costs in the new year.
Have questions about your health insurance plan? We’re here to help—contact us today and let us assist you in making the most of your benefits before they reset! 1-866-848-8836