Year-End Health Benefits Checklist for Katy Households

Most health benefits expire at midnight December 31 — FSA dollars, deductible progress, free preventive visits. A one-hour review before year-end can save Katy families real money. Here's the checklist.

Use it or lose it: FSA dollars

Most Flexible Spending Accounts expire December 31 (some allow a small rollover or grace period — check yours). Eligible spending includes glasses, contacts, dental work, first-aid supplies and many over-the-counter items.

Met your deductible? The clock resets January 1

Knowing your number changes the smart move — check your insurer's portal or call us.

• Met your deductible? Scheduled procedures and follow-ups cost far less before January 1
• Nowhere near it? Non-urgent care may be cheaper planned into next year
• Your insurer's member portal shows your progress — or call the number on your ID card

Free preventive care you're leaving on the table

ACA plans cover annual wellness visits, many screenings and immunizations at 100% with no copay. If your family skipped theirs this year, there's still time — Katy-area clinics book up fast in December.

Confirm January 1 coverage is locked

Coverage doesn't start until the binder payment clears.

• Verify your enrollment is complete on HealthCare.gov or with your carrier
• Pay the first premium as soon as the invoice arrives
• Watch for new ID cards in late December
• Update your pharmacy with new plan details before your first January refill

Get local help — free

You'll work with a licensed, Katy-based independent agent — not a call center. We shop the carriers, check your doctors against Katy-area networks (Memorial Hermann Katy, Houston Methodist West, HCA Houston Healthcare West, Texas Children's West Campus), and explain the trade-offs in plain English. No obligation, no pressure.

Keep reading

*Some ACA plans in some areas have a small one-time enrollment fee due to little or no broker compensation. Agency enrollment fees never apply to Medicare products.