14 Nov Don’t Let Your Insurance Benefits Expire: Schedule Your Dermatology Appointments Before Year’s End
As the year winds down and holiday preparations ramp up, it’s easy to let health care appointments slip off your to-do list. However, this is precisely the time to make sure you’re not missing out on one of the biggest perks of your health insurance—maximizing your benefits before they expire at the end of the year. Many insurance plans reset annually, and if you don’t use your allotted medical benefits, including dermatology visits, they may disappear, costing you valuable health care dollars.
Most health insurance plans operate on a calendar year, meaning that your benefits reset on January 1st. Whether you’ve hit your deductible or are close to doing so, now is the ideal time to schedule appointments for medical dermatology concerns. Once the deductible is met, insurance covers a greater portion of medical services, which may leave you with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Waiting until the new year could mean restarting your deductible and paying more for the same services.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, common conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer screenings are often covered by insurance, especially when they fall under the category of medically necessary treatments. If you’ve been putting off seeing a dermatologist, now is the time to take advantage of the care you need while maximizing your insurance benefits.
Common Medical Dermatology Services to Schedule
If you’re wondering which dermatological appointments you should prioritize before the end of the year, here are some of the most common medical concerns that may be covered by your insurance:
- Annual Skin Cancer Screening
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone receive a full-body skin exam annually, especially those with fair skin, a history of sun exposure, or a family history of skin cancer. Dermatologists can identify and biopsy suspicious moles or lesions, catching skin cancer early when it’s most treatable. With insurance often covering preventive services, an end-of-year skin cancer screening can give you peace of mind going into the new year.
- Acne Treatment
Acne is more than just a cosmetic concern—it can lead to scarring, inflammation, and psychological stress. Insurance typically covers prescription acne treatments such as oral and topical medications. If your acne has been persistent despite over-the-counter products, now is the time to see a dermatologist for a tailored treatment plan that may be partially or fully covered by your health insurance.
- Eczema and Psoriasis Management
Chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis require ongoing treatment to manage flare-ups. These treatments can include prescription topical steroids, biologic injections, or UV light therapy. If you’ve already met your deductible, you can often access these more expensive treatments at a lower cost. Plus, winter is a prime time for flare-ups due to colder, drier weather, making now the perfect time to consult with your dermatologist.
- Mole Removal
If you’ve noticed changes in a mole or simply have one that’s bothering you, dermatologists can safely remove it and send it for biopsy if needed. While some removals are considered cosmetic, many insurance plans will cover the procedure if it’s medically necessary. If you’ve been thinking about mole removal, the end of the year is a great time to act.
- Wart Treatment
Warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) are not only unsightly but can also be painful. If over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked, dermatologists can use cryotherapy, laser therapy, or prescription medications to remove warts. Many of these procedures are covered by insurance, making this the perfect time to clear up stubborn warts.
Take Advantage of Your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
In addition to using your health insurance benefits, it’s also essential to remember that your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds can be used for dermatology appointments and treatments. HSAs and FSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses.
However, unlike HSAs, FSA funds often don’t roll over into the next year. If you don’t use the money in your FSA by the end of the year, you could lose it. That makes now the ideal time to schedule dermatology appointments and make sure those funds go toward your skin health rather than getting wasted.
Act Now to Maximize Your Benefits and Protect Your Skin
As the year winds down, don’t let your dermatology appointments fall by the wayside. Scheduling your visit now ensures that you maximize your insurance benefits and address any skin concerns before they become more serious. Whether you need a routine skin cancer screening, help managing a chronic condition like psoriasis, or a consultation for acne, your dermatologist can provide essential care that will benefit you for years to come.
Take advantage of your insurance, HSA, or FSA funds while you still can, and start the new year with peace of mind—and healthy, glowing skin. Call RefinedMD today or fill out the contact form to schedule your derm appointment.