Year-End Employee Healthcare Benefits Checklists
The end of the year is near, and we want to help you and your employees get the most out of their current healthcare benefits offerings before programs reset! This is also a great time to prepare them to use their new benefits in the coming year.
As your teams may be weary from the open enrollment season, which often involves in-depth presentations, office hours, and employee communications, it’s best to keep your end-of-year benefits communications as simple and direct as possible. The goal is to inform employees about the action items they should complete, and when they should do them, to maximize their coverage. Checklists are a great way to share deadlines, organize any outstanding action items, and help your teams get organized so they can stay on track with their health goals as they wrap up one benefits year and transition into the next.
Here are two sample checklists to use as a template, and adapt as needed, for your company’s program needs.
Checklist #1: Maximizing In-Year Health Benefits
Before the benefit year ends, here are a few action items to take to ensure you get the most out of your insurance, FSA, and other healthcare offerings.
- If you’re behind on annual screenings (for example, mammograms or colonoscopies), schedule an appointment to take place before the end of the benefits year.
- Make sure you (and any family members on your plan) are up to date on immunizations and vaccinations.
- Schedule an appointment with our primary care physician for an annual wellness exam. Make sure your family members do too.
- Complete any procedures or tests you’ve been putting off, including blood work or other lab tests recommended by your doctor.
- Take advantage of your vision benefits, including exams, contract refills, or ordering new glasses.
- Schedule your semi-annual dental cleaning. It’s free with most dental plans!
- Refill any prescriptions, especially if you have a chronic or acute condition, to avoid any possible delays if you’re switching doctors or plans in the new year.
- Max out your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) pre-tax dollars before they expire. A lot of items are eligible for FSAs—more than you may think. A few examples include:
- Alternative healthcare like acupuncture or chiropractic care
- Mental health appointments
- Medical supplies such as vitamins, first-aid kits, and over-the-counter medications
Checklist #2: Planning for the New Benefit Year
Before the new benefit year begins, here are a few action items to complete so you start your healthcare routine off right.
- Review your statement of benefits coverage (SBC) to familiarize yourself with what’s covered under your plan.
- Look at deductibles/out-of-pocket amounts to know how much you’re responsible for financially in the coming year.
- Get clear on any healthcare plan changes and make necessary adjustments (e.g., choosing new doctors, finding new pharmacies, locating your nearest in-network hospital and urgent care, etc.).
- Review your HSA (health savings account) and FSA (flexible spending account) account options, particularly if this is your first time signing up.
- Explore any new healthcare benefits, including telemedicine options, mental health apps, and chronic condition management programs. Make sure your dependents sign up for services available to them as well.
By clearly communicating the timing and tasks employees should take to prepare themselves for the end of one benefit year and the start of the next, you’ll be taking great strides toward helping employees make informed healthcare decisions and feel prepared for the year ahead.