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Quick Reminder: Check Your Benefits Before They Reset

This guide explains how to make the most of your benefits before they reset, what to schedule now, and how Artesia General Hospital (AGH) can help. AGH proudly serves Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and surrounding communities across southeast New Mexico.

Use It Before You Lose It

Most health plans reset on January 1, meaning:

• Your deductible goes back to $0
• Your out-of-pocket maximum resets
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars may expire
• You may miss opportunities for lower-cost care you’ve already paid toward

If you’ve already met your deductible — or are close — this is the best time of year to take advantage
of lower-cost visits, imaging, labs, and procedures.

Quick Action Checklist

Here’s what to do right now:

1. Check your deductible status
   Log into your insurance portal or call the number on your card.
2. Review your out-of-pocket max
   If you’re close to meeting it, many services may cost very little.
3. Look at your FSA balance
   Most FSA dollars expire on December 31.
4. List the care you’ve delayed
   Follow-ups, imaging, labs, or screenings.
5. Call AGH to schedule
   Appointments fill quickly in November and December.

This simple five-step process helps you avoid missing out on benefits you’ve spent all year earning.

Understanding Your Deductible and Benefits

1. Deductible
   This is the amount you pay before insurance covers more of your medical expenses.
   If you’ve met your deductible, many services cost far less right now.
2. Out-of-Pocket Maximum
   If you reach this limit, your insurance covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
   Patients close to this limit can often access high-value care at minimal cost.
3. FSA vs. HSA
   • FSAs generally expire at year-end (use it or lose it).
   • HSAs roll over and accumulate over time.

   If you have an FSA, December is the time to use remaining dollars on approved healthcare expenses.

If you find insurance details confusing, AGH’s Patient Financial Services team is happy to walk you
through your benefits.

What to Schedule Before the Year Ends

Primary Care Visits & Annual Checkups

Now is an excellent time to:

• Review medications
• Address ongoing symptoms
• Discuss preventive screenings
• Update labs or chronic condition care plans

AGH’s family practice teams in Artesia and Carlsbad care for adults and children, making it easy
to get the whole family caught up.

Women’s Health Appointments

• Annual well-woman exams
• Pap tests and breast exams
• Birth control and family planning
• Prenatal and postpartum visits

Many women also schedule mammograms and bone density exams at year-end, especially if
their deductible is met.

Imaging & Diagnostic Testing

If your provider recommended:

• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI
• Bone scans
• Other diagnostic tests

This may be your most cost-effective window to complete them. AGH offers imaging in Artesia and
Carlsbad, minimizing travel time for busy families.

Lab Work

• Cholesterol and lipid panels
• Diabetes and blood sugar tests
• Thyroid function tests
• CBC and metabolic panels

Routine lab testing can reveal important health information. Catching issues early means easier,
more effective care heading into the new year.

Rehab & Pain Management

• Start or finish a therapy plan
• Manage chronic pain
• Improve strength, stability, and range of motion

AGH’s Rehabilitation Center and Pain Management services provide individualized plans to support
comfort and long-term wellness.

How to Check Your Health Benefits Quickly

1. Log into your insurance portal
   Find a breakdown of your deductible, spending, and covered services.
2. Review recent claims
   This shows what you’ve already paid toward your deductible.
3. Check your FSA balance
   Use remaining funds for appointments, copays, imaging, therapy, or lab work.
4. Call AGH for help
   Our team can explain your benefits and estimate the cost of recommended services.

FAQs

How do I know if I’ve met my deductible?
Log into your insurance portal or call your insurer. Look for “deductible met” or “year-to-date spending.”

Do my benefits really reset at the end of the year?
Most deductibles and out-of-pocket limits reset on January 1. FSAs generally expire unless your plan offers a small grace period.

What services should I schedule before my deductible resets?
Many AGH patients choose checkups, imaging, lab work, women’s health visits, physical therapy, or chronic care follow-ups.

Can AGH help explain my insurance coverage?
Yes — our Patient Financial Services team can walk you through your benefits and help estimate costs.

Does AGH serve patients outside Artesia?
Absolutely. We serve Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and surrounding southeast New Mexico communities.

How do I schedule an appointment?
Call AGH directly or schedule online through our website or patient portal.

The Bottom Line

Check Your Benefits: You’ve spent all year contributing to your health insurance plan. Before your deductible resets —
and before FSA dollars expire — take a moment to review your benefits and schedule the care
you’ve been meaning to complete.

Whether you need a checkup, imaging, lab work, women’s health visit, pain management, or
rehabilitation, Artesia General Hospital is here to help you make the most of your year-end benefits.

AGH proudly serves patients from Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and surrounding areas across
southeast New Mexico. Call today and let us help you get the care you need before the year ends.