It’s hard to believe, but we’re already halfway through 2022. Now is a good time to check in with your health and wellness benefits from work to make sure you’re on the right track. For example, have you completed your annual physical? What about your dental checkup? Staying current on important exams and medications is just one of the keys to maintaining good health. See how many items you can check off this midyear checklist.

 

Midyear Benefits Checklist

 

  • Complete preventive care exams. Preventive care exams, such as physicals, colonoscopies, mammograms, dental checkups and vision exams are crucial to the early detection of more serious conditions. Most medical and dental plans cover preventive care at 100% when you use in-network providers, and vision exams are generally subject to a small copay.
  • Use your FSA funds. Don’t let your flexible spending account (FSA) funds go to waste. You can use the money in your FSA to pay for eligible expenses, such as copays, deductible amounts and other expenses not typically covered by your insurance. Generally, you have until December 31 to spend your funds, although some workplaces let you carry over a certain amount to the following year. Visit your FSA administrator’s website for a full list of eligible expenses.  Did you know…  if you are covered under a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), your FSA is a limited-purpose account. This means it can only be used to pay for eligible dental and vision expenses. However, if your employer allows it, after meeting $1,400 of your HDHP deductible, your limited-purpose FSA can be used as a full-purpose FSA for medical, prescription drug, dental and vision expenses.
  • Earn your wellness benefit. If you’re enrolled in accident, critical illness or hospital indemnity insurance, you may be able to earn up to $75 for completing a preventive care exam. Many times, these wellness credits are available to each person covered by the plan, so you and your spouse or domestic partner (and sometimes children) could each get a $75 check in the mail. Contact your insurer for details.
  • Review your health care expenses. Keeping tabs on how much you’ve spent so far on health care in 2022 is a great way to evaluate whether your current plans are right for you. For example, are you paying a high monthly medical premium for a low-deductible plan, but rarely seeking care? If so, maybe next year consider a medical plan with higher deductible that offers a lower monthly premium.
  • Refill important medications. If you rely on a prescription medication daily to treat a health condition, you know the importance of not waiting until you run out to request a refill. Take time to do a quick sweep of your medicine cabinet to see if you need to request refills and to throw away expired medications.
  • Submit HSA reimbursement claims. If you have a health savings account (HSA) and paid for an eligible expense out of pocket this year, be sure submit your expense for reimbursement. You can submit claims and reimburse yourself on your HSA administrator’s website or app.
  • Participate in your work’s wellness program. Not all workplaces offer wellness programs, but if you have access to one, don’t lose out on its benefits. These programs can inform you about good nutrition, prompt you to exercise more and give you tips on caring for your mental health, social circles and even finances. Many times you can even earn prizes for participating, such as $100-$300 per year in gift cards.