With the holidays right on the horizon, there’s much to think about and so much to do.
Here are a few end-of-year reminders to make sure your health—and your pocketbook— don’t get the short end of the stick.
1. Get Your Flu Shot
If you’re like many people, getting a flu vaccination can easily slip your mind. But a flu shot is too important to get bumped to the bottom of your priority list. Every flu season is different, and every person responds to the flu in a different way. The flu can lead to hospitalizations and even death. The flu season often begins in October, so there’s no better time than the present. Schedule online now.
2. Plan For Medicare Open Enrollment
Every year, the open enrollment for Medicare is October 15 through December 7. This is when you can change your health plan and prescription drug coverage. You can get more information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or go to www.medicare.gov. You’ll find a wealth of resources to help you compare hospitals, doctors, drug plans, and other healthcare services. But if you need more help making comparisons and choices, we can help.
3. Consider Generics
Switching to a generic medication might put a few extra dollars back in your pocket. Generic medications are identical to brand-name drugs in dosage, form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance traits, and intended use. They’re usually less expensive than brand-name drugs. But, not all medications have a generic equivalent for a brand-name drug. One way to find out is to go to Drugs@FDA. Or, we can also talk this over.
4. Use It Or Lose It.
Do you have a flexible spending account (FSA)? This plan lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible health care expenses for you, your spouse, and your eligible dependents. Money is set aside from your paycheck before taxes are taken out.
If you have an FSA, now is the time to use up your health benefit dollars—or lose them! Schedule medical checkups before the end of the year, stock up on reading glasses or maybe a new humidifier? Check to see if you have a grace period for using up the money or if you can carry over a limited amount of funds to the next year.
5. Schedule A “Tune-Up.”
Why not schedule a meeting with me to see if your medications are working as well as they can for you? We can help you come up with ways to remember to take your drugs and to order refills—before you run out. Not happy with your drug’s side effects? Both your doctor and I can work with you to adjust your dose or to find a substitute. There’s no need for you to suffer in silence. Contact us today.
Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.