8 year-end health perks most people skip — and lose hundreds
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8 year-end health perks most people skip — and lose hundreds
Michael KurkoDecember 26, 2025 at 8:10 PM
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8 year-end health perks most people skip — and lose hundreds (Antoniooo via Getty Images)
December 31 marks more than the end of another year — it’s your last chance to use health benefits that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. From flexible spending accounts to preventive care visits, many perks expire when the calendar flips to 2026, leaving unused money behind.
If you’ve put off that dental cleaning, eye exam or annual checkup, now’s the time to get them on your schedule. Here are the healthcare benefits you should use before the year wraps up.
1. Flexible spending accounts
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. But most plans have a “use it or lose it” policy. If you contributed $3,000 this year and only spent $2,500, that remaining $500 disappears at midnight on December 31.
Some employers offer a grace period — typically until March 15th — or let you carry over up to $660 into the next year, but it’s not guaranteed. Check your plan's rules and spend down your balance before it’s gone.
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2. Health savings accounts
Unlike FSAs, health savings accounts (HSAs) roll over year after year. But if you haven't maxed out your 2025 contributions yet, you have until the April 15 tax filing deadline to do it.
For 2025, the contribution limits are $4,300 for self-only coverage and $8,550 for family coverage, with a $1,000 catch-up for those ages 55 or older. Those limits increase to $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families in 2026.
Contributions reduce your taxable income and grow tax-free, making HSAs powerful tools for both health care and retirement savings.
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3. Insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
If you’ve put off that medical procedure and you’re close to meeting your annual deductible, scheduling it before December 31 could save you big. Once you hit your deductible, your plan covers a larger share of your costs. But that all resets January 1.
Same goes for out-of-pocket maximums. If you’ve reached yours for the year, any additional covered services cost you nothing — but only until the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Sign in to your insurance portal to see where you stand.
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4. Preventive care benefits
Most health insurance plans cover 100% of your annual preventive care visit with no copay or deductible — but only once a year. If you skip your annual physical, well-woman exam or routine screenings in 2025, you can’t make up for it by scheduling two in 2026.
Many providers are booked solid in late December, and you don’t want to wait until the last minute. Beyond being free, preventive care is one of the best ways to catch health issues early, when they're easier and cheaper to treat.
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5. Vision benefits
Vision insurance plans typically only cover one comprehensive eye exam and a set amount toward glasses or contact lenses each year. If you haven’t used these benefits yet, you’re leaving money on the table — and they don’t roll over.
Even if your prescription hasn’t changed, a vision exam can catch early signs of serious conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes.
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6. Dental benefits
Most dental plans cover two free cleanings per year, plus X-rays and fluoride treatment. If you’ve only had one cleaning this year, schedule that second appointment before December 31.
Beyond preventive care, many plans cap annual coverage for dental work at $1,000 to $2,000. If you’re approaching that limit and need work done, scheduling it before your plan year-end helps you maximize your benefits.
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7. Dependent care FSAs
The “use it or lose it” rule also applies to dependent care FSAs for child care or elder care expenses. In 2025, the limit is $5,000 for each household (or $2,500 if married and filing separately). That limit jumps to $7,500 per household and $3,750 if married and filing separately in 2026.
Unless your employer offers a grace period, unused funds disappear at year-end.
Eligible expenses include daycare, preschool, before- and after-school programs, summer day camps and adult day care for elderly dependents. Submit your receipts now before those dollars vanish.
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8. Wellness incentives and rewards
Many employers offer wellness programs that include cash bonuses, gift cards or premium discounts for completing health assessments, hitting fitness goals or joining wellness challenges. These incentives can add up to hundreds of dollars but often expire at the end of the year.
Log in to your employer’s wellness portal to see if you have any unused rewards. Even if the reward is small, wellness programs can inspire habits that reduce your healthcare costs in the long run.
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Bottom line: Unused benefits = lost savings in disguise
Healthcare benefits are one of the best parts of your compensation package. Letting them go unused is like leaving part of your paycheck behind. Review your FSAs, HSAs, insurance deductibles, and preventive care benefits to ensure you're taking full advantage of what's available before the year ends.
Schedule that physical, dental, or eye exam, and check your wellness portal for unclaimed rewards. A little planning now can save you hundreds — or even thousands — and set you up for a healthier, more financially secure new year.
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About the writer
Michael Kurko is a finance writer and editor who covers investing, real estate, personal budgeting and financial literacy. His expertise has been featured in FinanceBuzz, The Balance, Investopedia, U.S. News & World Report and Forbes Advisor, among other top financial publications. In addition to his work in finance, Michael is also a freelance book editor and fiction writer. He strives to make complex money topics clear and approachable so readers can make informed decisions and build lasting financial confidence.
Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner
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Source: “AOL Money”
