Spring Cleaning Your Health Plan

Spring is the time for cleaning up and cleaning out. Take a day or a weekend to wash the windows, put away the sweaters and blankets, and organize your life after the brutal wintry season. Not only is this the perfect time to clean out your messy closet, it's also the perfect season to organize your health records.

A quick clean-up can have some big payoffs with your health benefits plan. If your records are accurate and organized, you can:

* Prepare and plan for tax season

* Learn new ways to save money by using pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical expenses

* Make the right health benefit choices for this time in your life

"The change in season is just the right time to get your health and financial records in order," said Elizabeth Jetton, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (TM) professional and former chair, Financial Planning Association. "This can be a first step toward setting your goals, taking control of your finances and setting up a solid financial plan you'll benefit from for the rest of the year."

Quick & Easy Cleaning Tips

* While sweeping under the bed...

Locate medical bills and receipts from doctors' visits during the year - whether paid by you or your insurance company. Next, talk to your tax advisor about any new tax laws that could impact your personal health insurance needs. Recent changes in the tax code that may influence how families save and pay for health care and long-term care needs. Remember, the deadline to file taxes is April 15.

* While dusting the furniture...

Remember that allergy season is fast approaching. See if your trip to the allergist is covered. Also, check with your HR department to determine if you should consider a flexible spending account  (FSA) next year. With an FSA, money is taken from your paycheck and put into an account to be used for medical expenses, like allergy medication or contact lenses, throughout the year.  For more tips on FSAs, visit www.planforyourhealth.com.

* While organizing your office...

Take a moment to review your health benefits plan to make sure that your plan is right for your current situation. For example, having a baby, getting married, taking a new job and starting over are all times when you have an opportunity to re-evaluate your health insurance needs.

Some other considerations for when you are sitting in your office chair:

* Think about the aspects of your plan that you utilized the most in the past year and those that you did not

* Be prepared.  Review your Open Enrollment packet.

Understand any changes to your insurance package and how best to use your health benefits. Visit your health plan Web site or your employer's intranet site for information specific to you and your needs. Keep track of your annual health care expenses including copayments for doctors' visits and prescriptions.  For more tips on making decisions for Open Enrollment, visit www.planforyourhealth.com.

Now that you've organized your health records, be sure to maintain your new system throughout the year. Set aside time each week when paying bills or sorting mail to keep your health records organized. When things don't pile up, it's easier to have more time to enjoy spring.

Copyright © 2006, ARA Content