The holidays look different for each of us, but one thing’s for certain: it’s a busy time of year. Amid the whirlwind of get-togethers, travel planning, and generally packed calendars, don’t forget that the season also brings some important healthcare to-do’s. You can use our handy checklist below to stay ahead of the game.
Use (or lose) your FSA funds
If you have money in a flexible savings account (FSA), it won’t roll over at the end of the year, meaning any unused funds will be lost. Make sure to spend those dollars before the deadline on December 31st.
Alto is here to help you take advantage of your FSA account. You can purchase FSA and HSA-eligible over-the-counter pharmacy products in the Alto mobile app, with select items up to 20% off. Prescription refills are another great way to use your available funds.
Don’t forget — Alto keeps track of your prescription spending details for you. You can find your year-end FSA receipts available for download under “Payment Details” in the Alto app and your online account.
Stock up on medication before the end-of-year frenzy
Whether you’re traveling or staying home this holiday season, the final weeks of December can be a blur. Take stock of your medications now to ensure that you’re covered through the end of the year. If you have a refill due around the holidays, consider scheduling your delivery a little early so you don’t have to worry about it in the midst of your celebrations.
If you’re planning for extended travel and need to adjust your refill dates, let us know as soon as possible. We can support you with the vacation override process, if needed.
Learn more about your options for getting an early refill here.
Avoid billing surprises in the new year
The fresh start of a new year often brings changes to your health insurance status — which can also mean some less welcome changes to your medical costs. Here are two variables to keep in mind that may affect your healthcare spending in January:
With most health plans, your deductible — the amount you are responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance starts covering the costs — resets on January 1st. As you put together your holiday budget, you may want to plan for a temporary uptick in medical costs until your 2024 deductible has been met.
Insurance companies often update their medication coverage and pricing at the start of each year. At Alto, we’ll always share your out-of-pocket costs before you confirm your delivery window, and we’re also here to help you explore your options if you have any concerns.
Learn more about what to look for when reviewing your updated insurance coverage here.
‘Tis the season for a better pharmacy
Avoid additional holiday stress with Alto’s supportive and affordable pharmacy experience. We offer reliable home delivery of your prescriptions and tools for medication management, so that you never miss a dose during this hectic time of year.
Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.
