Maximize Your Health Now and in the New Year
It’s the perfect time to refocus on your health and well-being
As the year comes to a close, it's important not only to plan for your health care in 2025, but also to make the most of your current benefits. Many people may not realize they can still maximize their health care plan offerings before the year ends and, at the same time, plan for the year ahead.
By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure you're using your health care coverage to its fullest potential. Here are several actions you can take now to boost your health and well-being:
- Use your over-the-counter (OTC) benefits. Some health care plans offer a set dollar amount of coverage for over-the-counter (OTC) items, which many beneficiaries don't realize. To avoid losing these unused benefits, stock up on essential items like vitamins, first-aid supplies and personal care products before the end of the year.
In addition to vitamins and first-aid supplies, your OTC allowance can be used for a wide variety of health essentials, such as allergy medications, cold remedies and pain relievers. Be sure to take a moment to check your remaining OTC balance for 2024. If you have funds remaining, consider stocking up on essential items for the winter to hold you over until the new year.
As you plan for 2025, review your plan's OTC catalog to see what items are eligible, as each plan may have different options, and think about what you need for the new year. This is a simple yet effective way to make the most of your health care plan and avoid leaving valuable benefits on the table.
- Make your appointments. Many health care plans cover preventive services at no extra cost, including annual wellness visits and vaccinations. If you've been putting an appointment off, there may still be time to fit them in before the year ends.
Looking ahead to 2025, consider making a list of all your specialists and primary care providers — such as your dentist, ophthalmologist and others – to help stay proactive with your health. Start scheduling appointments early in the year to avoid long wait times and ensure you get the care you need without delay.
Be proactive by asking your doctors about any screenings or tests that might be due, especially if you've skipped appointments in previous years. Missing a crucial appointment, such as an eye exam or blood pressure check, can have long-term consequences, particularly for anyone managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension or arthritis. Catching issues early, before they worsen, not only protects your health, but can help you avoid more expensive treatments down the road.
- Look for ways to help plan prescription drug costs. Whether now or in the new year, it's always a good idea to speak with your clinicians and pharmacists about more affordable alternatives to your medications, including generic medicines, which are often less expensive than brand-name versions, but can work just as well.
If you are looking for a different way to manage prescription costs, there are programs available that allow you to spread the payments of your medications over time. This flexibility is particularly impactful for those managing multiple medications or expensive drugs, helping you stay on track while limiting monthly budget disruptions.
By taking a proactive approach, combining options like flexible payment programs with possible alternate medications, you can help ensure access to the medications you need while maintaining control over your budget.
Heading into a new year is the perfect time to refocus on your health and well-being. Use this time to take control of your health by fully understanding and utilizing the benefits available to you. Preventive care, fitness programs and flexible payment options can all help you manage both your health and your budget more effectively.
To learn more about CenterWell Pharmacy, visit www.centerwellpharmacy.com.
CenterWell is a leading health care services business focused on creating integrated and differentiated experiences that put our patients at the center of everything we do. The result is high quality health care that is accessible, comprehensive, and, most of all, personalized. As the largest provider of senior-focused primary care, one of the leading providers of home health care, and a leading integrated home delivery, specialty, hospice, and retail pharmacy, CenterWell is focused on whole health and addressing the physical, emotional and social wellness of our patients. CenterWell is part of Humana Inc. Learn more about what we offer at CenterWell.com.
