You At Your Best

4 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST dEcEmBER - SEniOR cElEBRATiOnS | SATURdAY, nOvEmBER 24, 2018 Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette When New Year's Day 2019 rolls around, the slate will be wiped clean and everyone will gain a fresh start to another new year. The slate that's wiped clean also will include the tally of healthcare expenses you've incurred through 2018 which count toward your deductible. Now's the time to play it smart and check to see if you've met your deductible. Health plans typically begin paying for the majority – if not all – of your healthcare expenses once you've met that threshold. So if you have met your deductible or are close to reaching it, this is the ideal time to maximize your plan benefits and schedule appropriate appointments, testing and procedures. You may save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on what healthcare you need, if it's obtained before the end of the year. Additionally, individuals who have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) need to check their balance. The Internal Revenue Service requires these accounts, which hold pre-tax dollars set aside to pay for healthcare-related expenses, be depleted by the end of the year or the money is forfeited. This adds another incentive to schedule services now: ensure those hard-earned dollars are spent, not lost. Health insurance plans reward individuals who plan and manage their health care, it's that simple. Taking 15 minutes to set-up appointments, now, could save you a significant amount of money. The key is to obtain all the health services you need before December 31, because with the New Year comes a new deductible, and any balance in an FSA account is lost. It's crucial to be prompt with your scheduling to ensure the test, check-up or procedure can be done before the end of the year. Getting everything squared-away by early December will ensure the services you receive are considered part of your 2018 coverage and funds. To schedule an appointment with a Northwest Health physician, call 833-757-WELL (9355) or visit NW-Physicians.com. Playing it smart with year-end healthcare 2019 is fast-approaching: scheduling necessary appointments, tests and surgeries now makes sense Health insurance plans reward individuals who plan and manage their health care, it's that simple.

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