KNOXVILLE, TN (WLAF) – As the holidays approach, it’s easy to forget to take advantage of  insurance benefits. Tennova Healthcare is urging individuals to direct their attention to outstanding healthcare needs and take full advantage of paid-up deductibles or available funds in flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

“In considering their healthcare needs, people also should consider the best strategy for using their available health insurance plan benefits,” said Jason Collins, M.D., a family medicine physician with Tennova Primary Care – Choto. “Now is the time to take advantage of unused benefits to complete outstanding treatments and recommended tests or procedures.”

Most health insurance plans have a deductible requirement—a predetermined amount of healthcare expense that must be covered before the plan begins paying the majority of (if not all) remaining expenses. Dr. Collins says it’s crucial to know how close you are to meeting your deductible, or if you’ve already met it. Once you reach that threshold, you have a limited window of opportunity to obtain healthcare services and have the bulk of that expense covered by your plan. “Remember, a new year brings a new deductible,” he said.

The close of 2019 also affects individuals who have FSAs, which are pre-tax dollars set aside primarily for health-related expenses. The Internal Revenue Service requires those funds to be spent—or forfeited—by Dec.31. It’s a “use it or lose it” proposition.

“If you have been putting off scheduling care—such as an annual check-up, a colonoscopy, or even knee replacement surgery—it would be wise to check your deductible status and your FSA balance to see if there is money to be saved,” Collins said.

According  Collins, it is important to schedule services promptly so there is enough time to have the test or elective procedure done before the end of the year. Getting everything squared-away by early December will help ensure the services you receive are considered part of your 2019 coverage.

Every health plan is different. It is important to know how your plan works so you can get the most from your benefits.

To find a physician or schedule care, call 866-APPT-TMG (866-277-8864) or visit TennovaMedicalGroup.com. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/26/2019-6AM)

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