Year-End Checklist: 15 Smart To-Dos Before New Year’s Eve
The end of the year sneaks up faster than the dessert table at a holiday party. Before the ball drops, here’s a quick, practical checklist to wrap up your health, benefits, and peace-of-mind tasks—sprinkled with light humor and zero pressure.
1) Lock in/adjust your 2026 health plan (Marketplace)
Most states run Open Enrollment Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026. Enroll by Dec 15 for coverage starting Jan 1; enroll by Jan 15 for Feb 1 coverage. Don’t love your current plan? This is your window to switch. HealthCare.gov+2HealthCare.gov+2
2) Max out (or catch up) your HSA for 2025
If you’re HSA-eligible, 2025 contribution limits are $4,300 (self-only) and $8,550 (family), plus a $1,000 catch-up if you’re 55+. (Eligibility requires an HSA-qualified HDHP—min deductibles $1,650 self-only / $3,300 family.) IRS+1
Pro tip: Even if you’re switching plans for 2026, HSA dollars roll over and stay yours.
3) Use your FSA dollars (or confirm your plan’s rules)
Health FSA salary-reduction limit for 2025 is $3,300. If your employer allows carryover, the max carryover into 2026 is $660. Some plans instead offer a 2½-month grace period to use funds after year-end—employers choose one option or neither, not both. Check your plan so you don’t leave money behind. IRS+2IRS+2
4) Schedule last-minute care if you’ve met your deductible
If you’ve already hit your 2025 deductible, it may be cost-effective to complete planned procedures, therapies, or imaging before Dec 31 rather than resetting in January. (Your provider’s schedule fills fast—channel your inner holiday planner.)
5) Refill maintenance prescriptions and review formularies
Check your 90-day refills, prior authorizations, and whether your meds or preferred pharmacies change on Jan 1. Marketplace and Medicare drug lists (formularies) can shift every year; a quick look now can prevent January surprises. HealthCare.gov
6) Medicare: review your 2026 plan
For you or a family member on Medicare: the annual window to compare Medicare Advantage/Part D plans is Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2025. There’s also a Medicare Advantage change window Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 if you need a do-over. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services+2Medicare+2
7) Update beneficiaries (life insurance & retirement)
Life changes—marriage, divorce, a new baby—don’t automatically update beneficiaries. Take five minutes to confirm who’s listed on life insurance and retirement accounts so your intentions (not ancient paperwork) win.
8) Review life insurance needs
Has your income, mortgage, business, or family situation changed? A quick needs check can confirm your current coverage still fits or whether a term or supplemental policy review makes sense for 2026.
9) Verify providers and networks for 2026
Even if you’re staying put, networks can change each year. Confirm your primary care, specialists, and preferred hospitals are still in-network next year to avoid “surprise out-of-network” plot twists. HealthCare.gov
10) Capture preventive care you’ve earned
If your plan covers annual wellness visits, vaccines, or screenings you haven’t used yet, check appointment availability. Preventive care is like flossing—future-you says thanks.
11) Gather your tax health docs
If you buy coverage on the Marketplace, keep an eye out for Form 1095-A for your taxes. HSA contributors: save receipts for qualified expenses in case you need documentation later. (Marketplace timelines and tax forms are outlined at HealthCare.gov.) HealthCare.gov
12) Audit medical bills & EOBs
Match your Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) to provider invoices, correct errors, and request itemized bills where needed. If a claim was denied, ask about resubmission—year-end is a great time to clean the slate.
13) Consider year-end charitable giving for medical causes
If charitable giving is part of your plan, some organizations allow HSA-eligible sponsorships (e.g., 5K registration where fees cover qualified expenses) and many accept appreciated stock. (Ask your tax pro—this isn’t tax advice!)
14) Set 2026 payroll elections early
During your employer’s open enrollment, choose next year’s health plan, HSA/FSA amounts, and any supplemental benefits. Putting this on autopilot beats a frantic January HR email.
15) Make a simple “Health File” for the new year
Create a digital folder with: ID cards (medical/dental/vision), plan summaries, HSA/FSA balances, key contacts, and a running list of deductibles and OOP max. Future claims will be easier than assembling a toy without instructions.
Friendly wrap-up
Year-end planning isn’t glamorous (no confetti… yet), but a focused hour now can save money, stress, and time in January. If you’d like help comparing plans, understanding HSA/FSA rules, or reviewing life insurance needs, our team is happy to walk you through options—pressure-free.
