By Trish Pearson
Insure Your Future
Trish Pearson
As we come to the end of the calendar year, there are a few insurance items to attend to.
First, if you have a family savings account, spend it. Any unused funds will not carry over to next year. HSAs carry forward, but FSAs do not.
Second, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, use the over-the-counter benefit before Dec. 31.
Third, submit receipts for dental work or eyeglasses to your Medicare Advantage insurance company for reimbursement.
Fourth, schedule any unused wellness benefit such as mammograms, blood work or physicals (if you can) before the end of the year.
If you get your health insurance through the Access Health CT, the time to renew is now. Open enrollment for Jan. 1 ends Dec. 15. However, you can still enroll or renew for 2024 until Jan. 15. This year’s plans do not renew automatically; you must log in to AccessHealthCT or call to renew coverage for next year.
Did you miss the Medicare Advantage renewal deadline? No worries; you have the first three months of the year to make a change. The television and internet ads will remind you constantly that you have another bite of the apple.
Be proactive and join the gym now before the New Year’s resolution crowds show up. For Medicare Advantage subscribers, Silver Sneakers works at most gyms in our area. What are you waiting for? Some plans are now offering additional fitness benefits for 2024 that are worth considering.
Get vaccinated. Most insurance plans cover the cost of vaccinations, including COVID, RSV, flu, pneumonia and shingles. Some locations require an appointment, but it is time well spent.
Plan your next vacation. As we approach the dark, cold days of winter, a getaway to a brighter, warmer place is just what the doctor ordered. While your health insurance won’t pay for it, you could end up healthier. Remember, if you leave the US it is wise to get travel insurance just in case.
Finally, take time to enjoy friends and family, whether in person or remotely. Meet for a drink, a meal or email, call or do FaceTime. The holidays are an opportunity to reconnect, refresh and remember.
However you celebrate, I hope you have a happy and joyous holiday. I am so appreciative of you, the readers of my column. I am glad that you find value in the content and appreciate your feedback. This year has been quite the adventure in insurance. Hold on to your hat, because there is more to come. Wishing you good health and happiness in the year ahead.
Trish Pearson is a licensed independent insurance agent and certified long term care specialist. Contact her at 203-640-5969 or trishpearson281@gmail.com.