It is December. You are probably thinking about holiday shopping. You are thinking about travel plans or what to cook for dinner. You definitely do not want to be thinking about health insurance.
We get it. Dealing with insurance companies is probably the least fun part of being a patient.
But we need to have a quick, honest conversation about money. Because if you have been navigating a cancer diagnosis this year, you have already dealt with enough stress. You don’t need financial stress on top of it.
The January 1st reset
Here is the reality of how most insurance plans work.
For the last 11 months, you have been paying co-pays. You have been paying for scans and visits. There is a very good chance that you have met your “deductible” or your “out-of-pocket maximum” for the year 2025.
Basically, you have paid your dues. Your insurance is now picking up the heavy lifting.
But on January 1, 2026, the clock resets.
The deductible goes back to zero. The out-of-pocket max goes back to zero. If you wait until January to start a treatment plan, you might have to pay that initial chunk of money all over again.
Why starting now makes sense
We know what you are thinking. Who wants to start cancer treatment during the holidays?
It sounds crazy. You want to be home with your family.
But starting your process in December—even if it is just the consultation and the planning scans—locks in your benefits for the current year. It allows you to use the coverage you have already paid for.
Even if your treatment continues into January, getting the ball rolling now can often save you thousands of dollars in upfront costs.
Don’t forget your FSA
Also, check your benefits at work. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), those funds often have a “use it or lose it” rule.
If you have money sitting in that account, it disappears on December 31st. You can use that money right now for co-pays, medications, or travel costs related to your treatment. Don’t let the bank keep your money.
Let us do the math for you
Insurance is confusing. It is designed to be confusing.
You do not have to figure this out by yourself. We have a team here at the Tennessee Proton Center whose entire job is to look at insurance plans.
Call us. We can look up your specific policy. We can see where you stand with your deductible. We can tell you exactly what it would look like to start now versus waiting until January.
We want you to focus on getting better, not on worrying about the bill.
Talk to our financial team today – Contact Us
Read more about insurance plans we accept – Insurance Info
