The holiday season looks different for everyone, but one thing’s for sure: it’s a busy time of year. Between the whirlwind of get-togethers, travel plans, and generally packed schedules, it’s easy to let important health benefits tasks slip through the cracks. Make your life easier and use our checklist below to stay ahead of the game and enjoy a stress-free holiday season.
Is your insurance ready for 2026?
Take a moment to update your Alto account information now, if needed, so that you can take advantage of your prescription benefits and avoid any refill delays in 2026. Simply log into your Alto app or online account and go to Account>Profile>Benefits to review your current plan information.
If you need to provide new insurance info, select “Add benefits.” The form will prompt you for all the required data points (you’ll find these on your prescription insurance card) or you can upload photos of your insurance card.
Prevent any potential billing issues in the new year, update your insurance now.
Use (or lose) your FSA funds
If you have money in a flexible spending account (FSA), don’t let it go to waste—unused funds may not roll over into the new year. Check your plan’s details and make sure to spend your dollars before it’s too late!
Make the most of your FSA by purchasing eligible essential products through Alto, or by refilling prescriptions you regularly use.
Alto also keeps track of your prescription spending, making it easy to access your year-end FSA receipts. Simply download them under “Payment Details” in the Alto app or through your online account.
Stock up before the holiday rush
Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, the final weeks of December can be hectic. Take a moment to review your medications and make sure you’re covered through the end of the year. If a refill is due around the holidays, consider scheduling your delivery a little early to avoid interruptions during your celebrations.
If you’re planning extended travel and need to adjust your refill dates, let us know as soon as possible. We can help you navigate the vacation override process if needed.
Learn more about your options for early prescription refills.
Avoid surprises in the new year
As the new year approaches, changes to your health insurance coverage—and your medical costs—are common. At Alto, even if your prices change, our commitment remains the same: helping you save and keeping your care affordable. We’ll do everything we can to minimize any increase to your costs, and if there's a significant change we’ll work with you to find the best alternatives.
As you review your coverage for 2026, here are two important factors to consider that could impact your healthcare spending:
Deductible resets: Most health plans reset their deductibles—the amount you pay out-of-pocket— on January 1. This means you’ll need to cover costs until your 2026 deductible is met. As you plan your holiday budget, consider setting aside a little extra for any temporary increases in medical expenses.
Coverage and pricing updates: Insurance companies often update medication coverage and pricing at the start of each year. At Alto, we make sure you know your out-of-pocket costs before confirming your delivery, and we’re here to help you explore other options if you have any concerns.
Learn more about what to look for when reviewing your updated insurance coverage.
'Tis the season for a better pharmacy
Skip the holiday hassles with Alto’s supportive, affordable pharmacy experience. We offer convenient courier delivery and reliable 50-state shipping, so your medications arrive right at your door. With our express delivery feature, you can count on reliable last-minute fills—keeping you on track without the stress of the season.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out any time through our 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.
