It’s December — the month when your health insurance deductible can finally work for you.
If you’ve already met your deductible for health insurance, this is the perfect time to book that dermatology appointment you’ve been putting off. Once January hits? Your deductible resets, and you’ll start from zero again. At Aglow Dermatology, we take insurance — and this little timing trick can save you real money.
Let’s break it down so you can make the smartest end-of-year move.
How Does a Deductible Work for Health Insurance?
Think of your deductible as the amount you have to pay first before your insurance company starts covering your medical costs.
Here’s the plain-English version your best friend would tell you over brunch:
- Your insurance says, “Pay this amount yourself first.”
- Once you’ve paid that amount toward covered medical care, you’ve “met your deductible.”
- After that point, your insurance starts paying a larger portion, depending on your plan.
This is why December is such a sweet spot.
If you’ve met your deductible already, many visits and procedures may cost you very little — or sometimes nothing at all — before January 1st.
Deductible for Health Insurance Meaning
The meaning of a deductible for health insurance is simple:
It’s the amount you must spend on your healthcare before your insurance coverage fully kicks in.
Once you cross that threshold, your insurance may cover more of your care — often dramatically more.
That’s why December is the month people suddenly remember that mole check, rash, hair loss evaluation, medication refill consultation, acne follow-up, or cosmetic concern that has a medical component.
If you’ve met your deductible, it makes sense to take advantage of your benefits before the clock resets.
Deductible Health Insurance Example
Let’s say your deductible is $2,000.
- You’ve already spent $2,000 this year on medical visits, lab tests, or prescriptions.
- That means your deductible is met.
- From now until December 31st, your insurance may cover most or nearly all of additional medically-necessary visits — depending on your plan.
If you wait until January?
- Your deductible resets back to $0,
- And you’ll be responsible for the full amount again until you meet it.
This is why dermatology visits in December are one of the best financial “insider moves” when you’re insured.
Why You Should Schedule With Your Dermatologist Now
As a dermatology practice that accepts insurance, we see a surge of patients at year-end because they realize they can:
- Handle that skin issue before costs reset
- Follow up on chronic conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne)
- Check suspicious moles
- Evaluate hair loss or scalp issues
- Get prescription renewals when out-of-pocket costs may be lower
If you’ve met your deductible this year, December appointments are often your most affordable medical visits.
Call to Action
Book your end-of-year dermatology appointment now. Don’t let your 2025 deductible reset catch you by surprise.
Aglow Dermatology – Manhattan, NY
Insurance accepted. New and existing patients welcome.
Call: 212-627-1004
Book Online: www.dinastrachanmd.com
