2018 is fast-approaching: scheduling necessary appointments, tests and surgeries now
can maximize your health plan benefits
SPARTANBURG, SC--During the fall and winter months it’s easy to get caught up in holiday planning and forget to take advantage of your insurance benefits. At the beginning of November, individuals should direct their attention to outstanding healthcare needs and take full advantage of paid-up deductibles or available funds in Flexible Spending Accounts.
“In considering their healthcare needs, people should also consider the best strategy for using their available health insurance plan benefits,” said Stephen Shepherd, Vice President, Mary Black Physicians Group. “Now is the time to take advantage of unused benefits to complete outstanding treatments or 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. Shepherd says it’s crucial to know how close you are to meeting your deductible—or if you’ve already met it “because 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 says.
The close of 2017 also affects individuals who have Flexible Spending Accounts (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 December 31. It’s a “use it or lose it” proposition, says Shepherd.
If you have been putting off scheduling care, such as an annual check-up, allergy testing, or knee-replacement surgery, it would be wise to check your deductible status and your FSA balance to see if there’s money to be saved, encourages Shepherd.
“It’s important to schedule services promptly so that 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 2017 coverage,” he says.
Every health plan is different. It is important to know how your plan works so you can get the most from your benefits.
With Mary Black Physicians Group online scheduling, you can make an appointment with primary care providers any time – on your time at MyMaryBlackPhysician.com.
About Mary Black Health System
Mary Black Health System LLC is a health care delivery system comprised of Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg, Mary Black Health System - Gaffney, Mary Black Physicians Group, and Mary Black Health Network, Inc. The combined organization has 332 licensed beds, more than 1400 employees and more than 400 physicians on medical staff. Providing health care services to Upstate residents for more than 90 years, Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg’s acute care hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, The Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (Chest Pain Accreditation), and is a Certified Stroke Center. It features surgical suites, a warm and inviting Family Birthing Center, nationally credentialed (CARF) Inpatient Rehabilitation, a 24 bed Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Geriatric Psychiatric Services, and a Sleep Center. Outpatient services include Radiology, Endoscopy Center, Wound Center, Rehabilitation Services and Women’s Breast Health Center featuring same-day digital mammography and bone density testing. We are a patient-centered, professional, highly skilled health care system, which provides a continuum of care through the dedicated work of our nurses, staff, and volunteers.