How to Actually Use Your Wellness Benefits Before the Year Ends

1. Understand What “Wellness Care” Means

Wellness care usually includes:

• Annual physicals
• Screenings (e.g., mammograms, cholesterol, blood pressure)
• Vaccinations
• Wellness checkups for kids
• Mental health check-ins
• Nutrition counseling (depending on your plan)

📑 2. Review Your Plan’s Preventive Services

Most insurance plans — especially under the ACA (Affordable Care Act) — cover preventive services at no cost to you. That means no co-pay, no deductible.

Look for coverage for:

• Annual exams
• Cancer screenings
• Vaccines
• Contraceptive counseling
• Depression screenings

👉 Check your insurance provider’s list of covered preventive services online, or call customer support.

💪 3. Use All the “Extras” Your Plan Might Offer

Some plans offer additional perks at little or no cost. Don’t leave these unused:

• Gym membership discounts or reimbursements
• Nutrition or weight-loss programs
• Smoking cessation support
• Telehealth visits
• Stress management tools or mental health apps

📆 4. Schedule Your Wellness Visits Early

Preventive care appointments fill up fast — especially near year-end when everyone scrambles to use benefits.

Book ahead for:

• Your annual physical
• Age-appropriate screenings
• Dental and vision exams (typically covered by separate policies)

🧘 5. Track Your Deductible and FSA/HSA Funds

If you’ve met your deductible, now’s the time to take care of lingering health needs while your insurer covers more of the cost.

Have an FSA or HSA? Use those tax-free dollars before they expire (FSA) or to get ahead (HSA). Eligible expenses include:

• Fitness trackers
• Chiropractic or acupuncture (if covered)
• Mental health services or therapy

🧾 6. Document and Follow Up

Don’t just show up — keep track:

• Note what was done and what’s due next
• Follow up on lab results or referrals
• Track how your wellness goals (like cholesterol, weight, blood pressure) are improving

This helps avoid duplicate testing, missed boosters, and gaps in care.

✅ Bonus Tips

• Establish care with a primary doctor if you haven’t already — it improves continuity and coordination
• Ask your provider what preventive care you’re due for based on your age, gender, and family history
• Check if your plan offers wellness incentives for completing screenings, activity tracking, or health education programs

Bottom Line:

Don’t wait until December to scramble. You pay for these benefits — use them while they actually benefit you.