Year End Medical Planning

Minimize your out-of-pocket medical costs

Many patients don’t realize their out of pocket expenses may decrease throughout the year; coverage may go from 80% to 100%. If you need further treatment or additional orthotics, it is likely to your benefit to do so prior to Dec 31. Some carriers in the new year are introducing plans that will reduce your benefits and increase your out of pocket expenses. The following points will help you maximize your insurance benefits and minimize your out of pocket expenses.

• If you have met your deductible or have a cafeteria plan you may have decreased or no out of pocket expenses for the medical devices or treatment options below:

• Foot orthotics for athletic shoes, dress shoes, sandals or other specialty shoes
• Ankle-foot orthotics
• Ankle braces
• Shock-wave therapy for heel pain
• Regular office visits
• Surgery

• If you have a “cafeteria plan”, that allows employee to choose where his or her benefit dollars will be spent, check on your coverage. These plans usually are structured so funds must be spent each year or they will be lost.

• If your deductible has been met for the year your out of pocket expenses are usually cheaper or at no charge.

• Orthotics are usually covered every 12 months. Don’t miss the opportunity to receive orthotics for different types of shoes including dress shoes, ski boots or sandals.

• Remember that once you reach 65 your coverage will change to Medicare and you may lose coverage for medical devices such as orthotics.

All pages on this website © 2008
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.