2018 is fast-approaching: scheduling necessary appointments, tests and surgeries now makes sense.
Spartanburg SC--When New Year’s Day 2018, rolls around in a few short months, the slate will be wiped clean and everyone will gain a fresh start to another new year.
The slate that’s wiped clean will also include the tally of healthcare expenses you’ve incurred through 2017 which count toward your deductible.
“Now’s the time to play it smart and check to see if you’ve met your deductible,” says Brett English, CFO Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg. “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,” says English. “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.”
English stresses 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 2017 coverage and funds,” he adds.
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.