PHOENIX — As the end of the year approaches, like most people, you’re probably planning to use your remaining vacation time and looking forward to upcoming holidays, so you may be surprised to learn that now is also a great time to have and/or schedule elective surgery. Why?

If you’ve met your 2025 health insurance deductible(s), you could save significantly on out-of-pocket medical costs by scheduling elective procedures before December 31, especially if you're mindful of your health insurance plan and its benefits. 

Here's why/how scheduling elective surgery now could help you maximize your health insurance benefits before the end of 2025.

• Deductible: Many health insurance plans operate on a calendar year basis. This means your deductible, the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering costs, resets at the beginning of each year.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: Similarly, most plans have an out-of-pocket maximum — the absolute most you'll pay for covered services in a year before your insurance covers 100% of the cost.
• Strategic scheduling: If you've already met a significant portion, or even all, of your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum by this point in the year, scheduling your elective surgery before the year ends (typically December 31) could mean your insurance covers a larger portion of the costs.

“As we near the end of the year, it becomes harder to schedule most surgeries, especially elective ones, because doctors and facilities book up. So, we urge patients who are waiting on elective procedures to investigate the timing now with their insurance companies, because now is the time to potentially maximize your savings if you’re going to get in this year,” says Todd Haner, Arizona Group Chief Nursing Officer, Abrazo Health.

Knowing the end of the year tends to be a busy time for elective procedures, it’s important to realize that there are only a limited number of cases that can be scheduled. If you’ve decided that this is the right time to have surgery, you may want to book it now, while there are still spaces available.

“The decision to have surgery is an individual one, and not to be taken lightly. But as we approach the final months of the year, consider these reasons to have surgery now. It's always best to have a thorough discussion with your doctor(s) and insurance provider to make informed decisions about the best time for surgery and the best ways to maximize your financial benefits,” says Haner.