December 31 marks more than the end of another year \u2014 it\u2019s your last chance to use health benefits that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. From flexible spending accounts to preventive care visits, many perks expire when the calendar flips to 2026, leaving unused money behind.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve put off that dental cleaning, eye exam or annual checkup, now\u2019s the time to get them on your schedule. Here are the healthcare benefits you should use before the year wraps up.<\/p>\n
1. Flexible spending accounts<\/p>\n
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. But most plans have a \u201cuse it or lose it\u201d policy. If you contributed $3,000 this year and only spent $2,500, that remaining $500 disappears at midnight on December 31.<\/p>\n
Some employers offer a grace period \u2014 typically until March 15th \u2014 or let you carry over up to $660<\/a> into the next year, but it\u2019s not guaranteed. Check your plan’s rules and spend down your balance before it\u2019s gone.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd0d Read more: What hospitals won’t tell you: 7 steps to lower your medical bills<\/a><\/p>\n 2. Health savings accounts<\/p>\n Unlike FSAs, health savings accounts (HSAs) roll over year after year. But if you haven’t maxed out your 2025 contributions yet, you have until the April 15 tax filing deadline to do it.<\/p>\n For 2025, the contribution limits are $4,300 for self-only coverage and $8,550 for family coverage, with a $1,000 catch-up for those ages 55 or older. Those limits increase to $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families in 2026.<\/p>\n Contributions reduce your taxable income and grow tax-free, making HSAs powerful tools for both health care and retirement savings.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd0d Read more: Got an hour? 8 weekend money hacks that can really pay off<\/a><\/p>\n 3. Insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve put off that medical procedure and you\u2019re close to meeting your annual deductible, scheduling it before December 31 could save you big. Once you hit your deductible, your plan covers a larger share of your costs. But that all resets January 1.<\/p>\n Same goes for out-of-pocket maximums. If you\u2019ve reached yours for the year, any additional covered services cost you nothing \u2014 but only until the clock strikes midnight on New Year\u2019s Eve. Sign in to your insurance portal to see where you stand.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd0d Read more: 6 insurance policies that matter most after retirement<\/a><\/p>\n 4. Preventive care benefits<\/p>\n Most health insurance plans cover 100% of your annual preventive care visit with no copay or deductible \u2014 but only once a year. If you skip your annual physical, well-woman exam or routine screenings in 2025, you can\u2019t make up for it by scheduling two in 2026.<\/p>\n Many providers are booked solid in late December, and you don\u2019t want to wait until the last minute. Beyond being free, preventive care is one of the best ways to catch health issues early, when they’re easier and cheaper to treat.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd0d Read more: 6 simple ways to save money on your prescriptions \u2014 without skipping your meds<\/a><\/p>\n 5. Vision benefits<\/p>\n Vision insurance plans typically only cover one comprehensive eye exam and a set amount toward glasses or contact lenses each year. If you haven\u2019t used these benefits yet, you\u2019re leaving money on the table \u2014 and they don\u2019t roll over.<\/p>\n Even if your prescription hasn\u2019t changed, a vision exam can catch early signs of serious conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd0d Read more: 4 Sam’s Club hacks that work without a membership \u2014 including eye exams<\/a><\/p>\n 6. Dental benefits<\/p>\n Most dental plans cover two free cleanings per year, plus X-rays and fluoride treatment. If you\u2019ve only had one cleaning this year, schedule that second appointment before December 31.<\/p>\n Beyond preventive care, many plans cap annual coverage for dental work at $1,000 to $2,000. If you\u2019re approaching that limit and need work done, scheduling it before your plan year-end helps you maximize your benefits.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd0d Read more: 20+ clever money tricks frugal people swear by (that actually work!)<\/a><\/p>\n 7. Dependent care FSAs<\/p>\n The \u201cuse it or lose it\u201d rule also applies to dependent care FSAs for child care or elder care expenses. In 2025, the limit is $5,000 for each household (or $2,500 if married and filing separately). That limit jumps to $7,500 per household and $3,750 if married and filing separately in 2026.<\/p>\n Unless your employer offers a grace period, unused funds disappear at year-end.<\/p>\n Eligible expenses include daycare, preschool, before- and after-school programs, summer day camps and adult day care for elderly dependents. Submit your receipts now before those dollars vanish.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd0d Read more: New 401(k) and IRA limits for 2026: See how much more you can save<\/a><\/p>\n 8. Wellness incentives and rewards<\/p>\n Many employers offer wellness programs that include cash bonuses, gift cards or premium discounts for completing health assessments, hitting fitness goals or joining wellness challenges. These incentives can add up to hundreds of dollars but often expire at the end of the year.<\/p>\n Log in to your employer\u2019s wellness portal to see if you have any unused rewards. Even if the reward is small, wellness programs can inspire habits that reduce your healthcare costs in the long run.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd0d Read more: Big tax changes are coming: 13 rules that may boost your refund \u2014 or shrink it<\/a><\/p>\n Bottom line: Unused benefits = lost savings in disguise<\/p>\n Healthcare benefits are one of the best parts of your compensation package. Letting them go unused is like leaving part of your paycheck behind. Review your FSAs, HSAs, insurance deductibles, and preventive care benefits to ensure you’re taking full advantage of what’s available before the year ends.<\/p>\n Schedule that physical, dental, or eye exam, and check your wellness portal for unclaimed rewards. A little planning now can save you hundreds \u2014 or even thousands \u2014 and set you up for a healthier, more financially secure new year.<\/p>\n Other stories you\u2019ll likeAbout the writer<\/p>\n Michael Kurko<\/a> is a finance writer and editor who covers investing, real estate, personal budgeting and financial literacy. His expertise has been featured in FinanceBuzz, The Balance, Investopedia, U.S. News & World Report and Forbes Advisor, among other top financial publications. In addition to his work in finance, Michael is also a freelance book editor and fiction writer. He strives to make complex money topics clear and approachable so readers can make informed decisions and build lasting financial confidence.<\/p>\n Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner<\/a><\/p>\n