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Your Healthcare Benefits and Year-end Tips

It might be hard to believe, but fall is here and the end of the year is not that far behind. This is the time of year where things go from busy to hectic as our schedules fill rapidly with schools, sporting events, and preparation for holidays. But this is also an important time to make sure you’re getting the maximum benefit from your health insurance plan.

Deductibles — the money you’re required to pay out of pocket before the insurance covers all or part of your healthcare services — are becoming more prevalent and more expensive. If you’ve already met your annual deductible or you’re close to it, you may be able to receive medical care at very little or no cost to you! Most health insurance plans calculate deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket expenses based on a calendar year. For instance, all deductibles for Medicare are based on the calendar year. At the beginning of the calendar year, everything resets with new out-of-pocket limits and deductibles.

Another factor to consider is your flexible spending account (FSA). These pre-tax contributions can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses, but they expire at the end of your benefit period and must be forfeited. Taking care of any necessary medical procedures before the end of the calendar year can help you apply your unused FSA funds before they expire.

This is the perfect time to take care of the unsightly varicose veins that cause poor circulation in the legs not only affecting your quality of life but also exposing you to complications such as ulcers and clots if left untreated. Doctors’ offices typically experience heavy demand for procedures towards the end of the year as patients try to maximize their benefits. Fall is a very busy time for us also at Alsara Vein Clinic. Hence, the sooner you schedule your appointment, the better.

Keep in mind that some insurance plans require a trial of conservative therapy including the use of compression stockings from six weeks to as much as three months. Also, you will likely need at least a few visits to provide the long term benefits made possible by modern technology and our expertise. For snowbirds, the earlier you start the process, the more likely it is that you will be enjoying the warm weather with “cool” legs when you are in the south.

Schedule your appointment today, and let your insurance plan work for you!

Call us at 816-396-0245

Consultation

 

Alsara Vein Clinic specializes in treating varicose veins, spider veins, and vein disease. Chat with our staff, grab some brochures, and watch Spider Vein Treatment and Patient Education videos.

Alsara Vein Clinic • 1105 S Belt Hwy • St. Joseph, MO 64507 • 816-396-0245

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