December 31 can erase perks you already paid for. Many health plans reset deductibles and out-of-pocket caps, while dental and vision allowances disappear if you don’t use them. Flexible spending accounts may also forfeit unused money unless your employer offers a grace period or carryover. Preventive services like vaccines and screenings are typically covered at no cost when you stay in network, but plenty of people skip them. Use this checklist now so you don’t leave easy savings behind, and always confirm your plan’s rules and deadlines.
1. Spend down leftover health FSA dollars
Health FSAs are “use it or lose it.” For 2025, the IRS set the health FSA contribution limit at $3,300, and employers that allow carryover can permit up to $660 to roll into the next plan year if your plan includes that option. Otherwise, schedule eligible expenses now: copays, prescriptions, new glasses or contacts, OTC meds, first-aid supplies, or a spare pair of prescription shades. Remember: plans can offer either a grace period or a carryover, not both. Check your plan’s runout deadline for filing receipts.
2. Use dependent care FSA funds before they vanish
Dependent care FSAs typically don’t allow carryover, but many employers add a 2½-month grace period for expenses early next year. That means you should plan and pay for eligible child or adult care like daycare, preschool, after-school programs, or day camps before the clock runs out. Then submit claims by your plan’s filing deadline. This account is separate from your health FSA, so its rules are different. Confirm your exact grace and runout dates with HR.
3. Book your free annual preventive visit
Most non-grandfathered plans cover a yearly preventive checkup at no cost when you use in-network providers. That visit can include routine labs, counseling, and risk checks based on your age and history. If you’ve been putting it off, snag a year-end slot so your 2025 visit isn’t delayed. Keep the billing “preventive” by sticking to covered services at the appointment and asking questions about any add-ons that might trigger cost sharing.
4. Get covered vaccines while they’re $0 in-network
Adult shots recommended by the CDC’s vaccine advisers (ACIP), like flu, updated COVID-19, Tdap, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines, are generally covered without cost sharing when you use an in-network site. If you’re overdue, book now; it’s common to find weekend and pharmacy appointments. Unsure what you need? Ask your clinician or check your plan’s list tied to ACIP updates.
5. Use your dental cleanings and any remaining annual max
Many dental PPOs cover two preventive cleanings/exams per year and set an “annual maximum” the plan will pay toward other care. If you’ve got work pending fillings, periodontal care, a crown, doing it before December 31 can use up this year’s remaining benefit before the max resets. Ask your dentist to sequence treatment to fit your plan’s calendar.
6. Spend your vision exam and frame/contact allowance
Vision plans often include one eye exam plus a yearly allowance for frames or contact lenses. If you haven’t used it, book an exam and order materials now allowances commonly expire at year-end. Check whether your plan pays more for in-network brands and how out-of-network claims work.
7. If you’ve met your deductible or out-of-pocket max, schedule care
When you’ve already hit your deductible or your annual out-of-pocket maximum, additional in-network care this year is usually covered at a higher rate, sometimes 100% after the max. That makes late-year a smart time for planned imaging, therapy, or procedures your doctor already recommended. On January 1, most individual plans reset.
8. Use your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) sessions
Many employers offer no-cost, short-term counseling through EAPs, plus help with legal and financial questions and referrals for longer-term care. All services are confidential and often extend to household members. If your EAP provides a set number of sessions each year, schedule them now so they don’t expire unused.
9. Finish wellness tasks tied to premium discounts or deposits
Some group health plans give rewards like premium credits or HSA/HRA deposits for completing screenings, health assessments, or activity goals by the plan’s deadline. Those incentives are regulated and often capped as a percentage of coverage cost, but they’re still real money. Check your portal for end-of-year requirements and submit proof before the cutoff.
10. Tap no-cost tobacco cessation benefits
Quitting is hard; paying shouldn’t be. Most non-grandfathered plans must cover evidence-based tobacco cessation counseling and FDA-approved quit meds without copays when you meet plan rules and use in-network providers. If you’ve been on the fence, start before year-end and line up follow-ups for January.
11. Book a well-woman visit (and contraception counseling)
Women’s preventive care typically includes an annual well-woman visit, cervical cancer screening, and contraception counseling and methods without cost sharing when in network. If you’ve put off a visit, get it on the calendar and confirm which services are considered preventive under your plan.
12. Order your covered breast pump and lactation support
Most plans must cover breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment, including double electric pumps when clinically indicated. If you’re pregnant or recently postpartum, contact your insurer or provider now so you receive equipment and support in time and don’t miss the window.
13. Schedule colorectal cancer screening (starting at 45)
Average-risk adults ages 45–75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Your plan should cover USPSTF-recommended screening options, like stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, without cost sharing when done in network and billed as preventive. If you’re due, get it scheduled while this year’s preventive benefits are still open.
14. Get on the mammogram schedule (starting at 40)
The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammograms for women ages 40 to 74 at average risk. Plans generally cover these preventive screenings with no copay in the network. If you turned 40 this year or you’re due for your next screen grab a spot now before schedules tighten in January.
15. File out-of-network and reimbursement claims before plan deadlines
If you paid out of pocket for eligible care like an out-of-network urgent visit or vision hardware submit claims before your plan’s runout date. Under ERISA, health plans must maintain reasonable claims procedures and decide post-service claims within set timelines, but you’re responsible for filing on time. Check your SPD/benefits portal for the exact deadline.
16. Check HSA contributions and top off if you can
HSAs offer triple tax advantages, and 2025 limits are $4,300 for self-only and $8,550 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up if you’re 55+. You can contribute up to the tax filing deadline, but increasing payroll contributions before year-end may help you capture any employer funding and align with your budget. Verify eligibility (you must be in an HSA-qualified HDHP) and adjust now if it makes sense.
