2025 Year-End Health Checklist
Your 2025 Year-End Health Checklist: A Guide for Southeastern New Mexico
As the end of the year approaches, your calendar probably fills up quickly. Because of this, it’s easy to miss a golden opportunity for your health and finances. Now is the perfect time to maximize your health insurance benefits with the 2025 Year-End Health Checklist before they reset.
Taking a few simple steps now can save you money and prepare you for a healthier new year. At Artesia General Hospital, we’re your regional partner in wellness for communities from Artesia and Carlsbad to Roswell and Hobbs. Therefore, we’ve created this guide to help you make the most of your year-end health benefits in Southeastern New Mexico.
## 1. Check Your Deductible and Save on Care
Have you met your health insurance deductible for 2025? If you have, your out-of-pocket costs will be much lower for the rest of the year. Once you meet that deductible, your insurance plan pays more. As a result, this is the most affordable time to schedule care you may have been postponing.
“We see many families save hundreds of dollars by scheduling procedures after their deductible is met,” explains an AGH Patient Financial Advocate. “For example, it’s the smartest time to book specialist visits or necessary imaging.”
You can use this opportunity for important, non-urgent procedures. Explore our comprehensive services to see how we can help. This includes consultations at our Specialty Clinics (Meet our new General Surgeon) or getting an MRI with our state-of-the-art imaging services.
## 2. Use Your FSA & HSA Dollars Before They Expire
Many people have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). If you have one, those funds are likely “use-it-or-lose-it.” You don’t want your hard-earned, pre-tax dollars to vanish at the end of the year.
Now is the perfect time to stock up on health essentials. In addition to using your FSA/HSA card, there’s another powerful way to manage costs. You can check out our partnership with MDSave. It allows you to purchase medical services at a discounted, upfront price, which is ideal for high-deductible plans.
## 3. Schedule Your Preventative Care
Your health plan most likely covers preventative care at 100%. This means you can get crucial check-ups at no cost to you. These appointments are important because they catch potential health issues early. Before the year ends, be sure to schedule:
- An Annual Physical: This is the cornerstone of good health. Our primary care providers at Memorial Family Practice are ready to see you.
- Important Screenings: It might be time for a mammogram, colonoscopy, or another vital health screening, depending on your age.
- Immunizations: You can protect your family by getting up-to-date on flu shots and other routine vaccinations.
## 4. Proactively Manage Your Health
If you live with a chronic condition, you should use the end of the year for a health check-in. Schedule follow-up visits with specialists and complete any pending lab work. You can also review your medications with your provider. You can find the right provider by browsing our dedicated medical staff.
Don’t wait for the December rush. Taking these steps now ensures you enter 2026 healthy and prepared. Ready to get started? You can call us or request an appointment online.
## Frequently Asked Questions related to the 2025 Year-End Health Checklist
Is preventative care really free? For most insurance plans, a specific list of preventative services are covered at 100%, meaning you shouldn’t have a co-pay. It’s always a good idea to confirm with your specific insurance provider what’s covered under your plan.
What happens if I don’t use my FSA funds in time? While some employers offer a grace period or a limited rollover, most FSA plans have a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule. This means any money left in the account on January 1st is typically forfeited.
How do I know if I’ve met my deductible? The easiest way is to log into your insurance provider’s online portal. You can also call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. They can tell you exactly how much you’ve paid toward your deductible.
Can I use my FSA or HSA for my family members? Yes, you can typically use your health savings funds for qualified medical expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This makes it a great way to cover co-pays for the whole family.
What’s the difference between a deductible and an out-of-pocket maximum? Your deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance plan starts to pay. After that, you usually only pay a copayment. The out-of-pocket maximum is the absolute most you’ll pay in a plan year. Once you reach it, your insurance pays 100% for covered benefits.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist at Artesia General Hospital? Whether you need a referral depends on your insurance plan. Many plans allow you to see a specialist directly. We recommend checking with your insurance provider first to confirm their requirements.
What’s the best way to schedule multiple year-end appointments? The most efficient way is to call us directly at (575) 748-3333 or request an appointment online. Our team serves patients from across the region and can help coordinate your visits.