How to maximize your benefits

Read up on your options

Ask your human-resources department for a copy of your Summary Plan Description (called a Summary of Benefits in the Medicare program), which will spell out all the plan's details. That way you'll know ahead of time the rules of your plan, how often wellness visits are covered, the intervals at which you can fill prescriptions, what providers are available, and which services are covered.

Follow the rules

If you don't, your care might not be covered. For example, make sure you get approved to see a specialist if you need it. And try to stay within your plan's network to save the most money.

Consider a flex plan

If your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account, sign up for it. You can generally put up to $5,000 of your pay in the account every year, tax-free, and you can spend it on a long list of expenses that are not covered by your plan, including deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance (but not premium contributions), over-the-counter drugs and medical supplies, dental care, and eyeglasses and contact lenses. The catch is that if there's money left in the account at the end of the year, you lose it.

Be proactive

If you fear you'll lose your job, plan elective procedures, such as dental work or a colonoscopy, as soon as you can. Fill your prescriptions, and consider getting a 90-day supply of medications if your plan allows it.