As the end of the year approaches, many health insurance plans are coming to their final days. If your plan is one of them, it’s a good time to review what’s included in your plan and strategize how to get the most use out of it. Here are some questions to ask yourself.

Did I see my primary care doctor for a check-up this year?

Regular health check-ups are important. Your primary care provider can give you a physical, and potentially detect anything abnormal that’s happening with your health. It’s also a good time for you to ask any questions and share any concerns with your doctor. If you haven’t had a physical this year, make an appointment with your primary care provider by the end of December.

Did I schedule all of the preventive health services available to me through my health insurance plan?  

Vaccinations are an important way of protecting your health and the health of others. Cancer screenings, which can be done for the colon, breasts and other areas, can detect cancer early, which may allow for more treatment options and improved outcomes. Talk to your primary care doctor about which vaccinations and screenings you should schedule.

Are there prescriptions my plan covers that I can refill?

If you have prescription medications that are due for refills, go ahead and get them before the end of the year. That way, if your prescription plan changes or there are future delays for any reason, you’ll be covered.

Did I meet my deductible this year?

Your deductible is the amount you pay for eligible health services in a year before your insurance policy begins to share costs. If you have met your deductible this year, or think you will before the end of December, consider scheduling any needed appointments, services and procedures before the year ends.  

On the other hand, if you haven’t met your deductible yet and you know you will be needing a non-urgent surgery or procedure in the coming months, talk to your doctor about whether it’s ok to delay it until the new year. That could help you meet your deductible so that your health plan will share in more upcoming costs.

Did I meet my out-of-pocket maximum this year?

The out-of-pocket maximum refers to the most an individual will pay in a year for eligible health services. After paying this amount, your insurance policy will pay for all other covered services. If you have met this for the year, your eligible services and procedures will be paid for by your policy. Book them as soon as you can, before a new policy begins.

Do you have a flexible spending account (FSA)?

If the answer is yes, does the FSA still have funds in it? Now is the time to spend that money so you don’t lose it. There are many ways to spend your FSA funds. Some options include a new pair of glasses, contact lenses, prescription medications, deductibles, copayments, medical equipment, dental expenses, acupuncture, chiropractor and more. Here’s a list from the IRS.

Your health insurance is there for you to use, whether you’re sick or healthy. As this year’s policy comes to an end, make sure you’ve gotten the most bang for your buck. And once you’ve done that, get ready to do the same with the new policy in the new year.