As the year winds down, many of us take stock of our goals, our calendars, and especially our finances. Two things that often get overlooked? Our health, and with it, the opportunity to make the most of our health benefits.
Each year, millions of dollars in Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds insurance, and other benefits go unused. When that happens, those dollars don’t just disappear. Some go back to your employer or insurer instead of helping you and your family stay healthy. We know how confusing navigating healthcare costs can be. Between copays, deductibles, separate deductibles, coinsurance, coverage limits, and in and out of network rules – it can feel like you need a translator just to understand your insurance coverage. With prices that vary from one clinic or hospital to the next, even simple visits can come with very unexpected costs.
Worse, studies are showing Americans delaying or completely neglecting important medical treatment in larger and larger numbers to avoid rising costs. In the U.S., healthcare isn’t priced like most things. Two patients can get the same service and pay very different amounts depending on their insurance plan, location, or timing in the year. Add in the fact that deductibles reset in January, FSAs often expire, new policies roll out during open enrollment, and new coverage limitations present themselves unexpectedly throughout the year and it’s easy to see how people lose track of what they’re actually entitled to use.
That’s why we want to make things easier. We believe everyone deserves clear information and a chance to use those benefits they’ve already paid for. So let’s break down what “use it before you lose it” really means, and how a few smart moves now can help you start the new year healthier and more financially confident.
Why This Year Matters Even More
If it feels like everything from groceries to gas to healthcare costs more these days, you’re not imagining it. Inflation has made nearly every household expense stretch thinner all across the country, and that includes the price of staying healthy.
Here’s what experts are seeing:
- Employer costs are climbing: According to the Business Group on Health’s 2025 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey, employer healthcare costs are expected to rise nearly 8% in 2025, the biggest jump in more than a decade. We probably don’t have to tell you that rising employer costs tend to mean higher premiums, plans with higher out of pocket amounts or both.
- Medical costs are outpacing general inflation: A recent analysis by PwC’s Health Research Institute projects an 8.5% medical cost trend for employer-sponsored insurance in 2026, showing that health expenses continue to grow faster than other consumer costs.
- Many Americans are worried about affordability: And rightfully so! A 2025 poll from KFF found that 62% of adults worry about whether or not they’ll be able to afford routine healthcare, and 61% are concerned about unexpected medical bills.
- Medical debt is widespread: Research from The Commonwealth Fund found that 41% of working-age adults have struggled with medical bills or debt in the past year.
These trends only validate what most communities have been experiencing. The real value of each healthcare dollar is shrinking. That’s why using your benefits before they reset, or before FSA funds expire, isn’t just a smart move. It’s a way to make sure the money you’ve earned and already invested in your health doesn’t go to waste. When we talk about “making the most” of your health benefits, we’re not just trying to save you a few dollars. We’re talking about protecting your health and your budget in a time when both matter more than ever.
Understanding your Year-End Benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Use it or lose it
If you have an FSA through your employer, you’ve been setting aside pre-tax money all year for medical expenses. While this is a fantastic incentive when used right, most FSAs expire at the end of the calendar year. Some plans offer a short grace period or allow you to roll over a small amount, but many don’t.
Now’s the time to:
-
Check your balance.
-
Use the balance to pay off or work down any medical bills.
-
Stock up on eligible items like contact lenses, first-aid kits, asprin, over-the-counter medications and more! It’s so easy to forget all of the things you can buy with your FSA funds. When in doubt, reference this list of eligible expenses from fsafeds.gov. NOTE: One of our most frequently asked questions is whether or not orthotics are covered by insurance. While that depends on the plan, they are an eligible FSA expense! Our team is ready and happy to answer any questions!
-
Schedule appointments or procedures you’ve been putting off before the end of the year.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Save and Grow
HSAs are different from FSAs. The money DOES roll over year to year, and in many cases, it can even grow with interest or investments. Still, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it at the end of the year!
Here’s how to make the most of your HSA funds:
-
Double-check how much you’ve contributed this year. You can often add more before December 31 to reduce your total taxable income.
-
Review your medical receipts and consider reimbursing yourself for eligible expenses. You can find a comprehensive list and clarification on eligibility rules at hsalist.org.
-
Keep your receipts organized. They can be useful for future reimbursements or tax documentation.
Even though HSAs don’t expire, using them strategically before year end can give your finances a little extra boost.
End-of-Year Insurance Benefits: What you need to know
Before the calendar flips to a new year, it’s a smart idea to take stock of your health insurance benefits. Many of these benefits reset in January, so using them now ensures your money and coverage don’t go to waste.
Key Information
Many people don’t know the difference between their separate out of pocket balances, where they come from, and how to get the most from their benefits. Confused? You aren’t alone! Contact one of our local offices with any questions.
-
Deductible: This is the amount you pay out of pocket for covered services before your insurance starts paying. If you’ve already met your deductible, the rest of the year is your chance to get care at little to no extra cost. Don’t miss the window before it resets.
-
Copay: A fixed amount you pay for a visit, prescription, or procedure. Even a small copay counts toward your out-of-pocket maximum.
-
Coinsurance: This is a percentage of the cost you pay after your deductible has been met. Using services before year-end helps you maximize the coverage you’ve already contributed toward. Example: Many of our patients ask, “I have an 80/20 plan. What does that mean?” In an 80/20 plan, your insurance covers 80% of covered services after you’ve met your deductible, and you pay the remaining 20% coinsurance. For example, a $500 procedure would cost you $100 while your insurance pays $400. Using services before year-end means that your 20% could be all you pay for care you’ve already contributed toward, instead of waiting until next year when your deductible resets.
-
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Visiting providers in your insurance network usually costs less. It’s also important to note that many plans have a separate out of network deductible.
-
Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Once you reach this limit, your insurance covers 100% of covered services. Year-end care can help you reach this cap if you’re close, meaning any additional care is free for the rest of the year. Met your out-of-pocket max? Schedule those appointments and procedures ASAP!
Tip: Take a quick look at your insurance portal or explanation of benefits. Note how much you’ve paid toward your deductible, your copays for the year, and how close you are to your out-of-pocket maximum. Then, consider scheduling any appointments, therapies, or dental/vision visits while your coverage is at its peak.
Other hidden benefits worth reviewing
You may have more year-end opportunities than you realize! Take a few minutes to check your plan for things like:
-
Preventive visits: These are often covered at 100% by insurance whether or not your out of pocket amounts have been met.
-
Vision and dental benefits: Also frequently reset in January. The end of the year is a fantastic time to schedule your exams!
-
Wellness or fitness reimbursements: Many plans offer credits for gym memberships, fitness classes, or orthotic inserts.
A quick call to your provider or HR department can help you find out exactly what’s still available. Never be afraid to ask!
Make time to take care of yourself
Okay. So, making appointments, buying and being reimbursed for eligible FSA/HSA expenses, and ensuring your insurance claims are processed before the end of the year making sure your insurance claims are processed before the end of the year will help you get the care you need while making the most of benefits you’ve already paid for. We also understand this information still falls short. Navigating healthcare costs can sometimes feel overwhelming or even out of reach. That’s why we are committed to making care accessible for everyone in our communities.
We’re happy to help you review your insurance balances, explain your FSA/HSA options, and offer a variety of payment plans so that cost never stands in the way of your health. Your well being matters to us, and not just your foot health. You can count on us to support you in starting the new year on solid footing.
