The start of a new year is a great time to take a fresh look at your health insurance. Many insurance benefits reset in January, which means you may have new chances to get care at a lower cost. If you are at risk for lung cancer or living with lung cancer, using your insurance wisely can help you stay healthier and reduce stress. 

Here are some tips that can help you make the most of your insurance in the new year. 

Know what your insurance covers 

Before scheduling appointments, take time to review your health insurance plan. This can help you avoid surprise bills later. 

Look for details about: 

  • Preventive care and screenings 
  • Doctor visits and specialist visits 
  • Prescription drug coverage 
  • Deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket limits 

You can usually find this information on your insurance company’s website or by calling the phone number on your insurance card. 

Take advantage of lung cancer screening 

If you are at high risk for lung cancer, lung cancer screening could save your life. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover annual low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for people who meet certain age and smoking history guidelines. Lung cancer screening: 

  • Can find lung cancer early, when it is easier to treat 
  • Is often covered at no cost as preventive care 
  • Only takes a few minutes 

If you think you may qualify, talk to your doctor. Don’t miss out on this important benefit. 

Schedule preventive doctor visits early 

Many insurance plans cover preventive care visits at no extra cost. These visits help catch health problems early and keep you on track. Consider scheduling: 

  • An annual primary care check-up 
  • Follow-up visits if you have symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain 
  • Smoking cessation counseling if you currently smoke or recently quit 

Booking these visits early can help you use your benefits before schedules fill up later in the year. 

Understand your specialist coverage 

People at risk for lung cancer may need to see specialists, such as: 

  • Pulmonologists (lung doctors) 
  • Oncologists (cancer doctors) 
  • Radiologists (providers who do imaging/screening) 

Check whether you need a referral to see a specialist and confirm that the provider is in-network. Staying in-network usually means lower costs for you. 

Plan around your deductible 

Your deductible is the amount you must pay before insurance starts covering more of your care. Deductibles often reset in January. If you know you’ll need tests, scans, or regular visits: 

  • Plan care throughout the year to spread out costs 
  • Ask your provider about estimated costs ahead of time 
  • Keep track of bills and payments, including receipts 

Once you meet your deductible, insurance may cover a larger share of your care. 

Use an FSA or HSA to save money on care 

A flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) is a special savings account you can use to pay for health care. You put money into the account before taxes are taken out, which helps you save money. You can use these funds to pay for things like doctor visits, scans, prescriptions, and some medical supplies. FSAs usually must be used within the year, while HSAs let you keep and grow your money over time. If your insurance plan offers one of these accounts, it can be a smart way to lower your health care costs. 

Review prescription benefits 

Medications can be expensive, especially for people managing chronic conditions or cancer-related symptoms. To save money: 

  • Check your insurance drug list (formulary) 
  • Ask about generic options 
  • See if mail-order pharmacies offer lower prices 
  • Look into patient assistance programs if needed 

Your pharmacist or doctor can often help you explore options. 

Ask for help when you need it 

Health insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Asking questions can help you feel more confident and avoid unexpected costs. Helpful resources include: 

  • Insurance customer service representatives 
  • Hospital financial counselors 
  • Patient navigators or social workers 

If you’d like free, one-on-one guidance through lung cancer resources or just want someone to talk to, contact our HelpLine team at 1-800-298-3426 or support@go2.org.  

Start the year strong with your health 

A new year brings new opportunities—and that includes taking care of your health. By understanding your insurance benefits and using them early, you can take important steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

Whether it’s scheduling a lung cancer screening, seeing your doctor, or asking questions about coverage, every small step matters.