How to Set Yourself Up for a Healthier Year in 2026 (It Starts With Your Coverage)
January is the season of fresh starts. New routines. New goals. New intentions.
But while most people focus on fitness goals and healthier habits, one of the most important foundations for a healthy year often gets overlooked: your health insurance coverage.
Your coverage impacts how easily you can access care, how much you pay out of pocket, and how supported you feel when health issues arise. Here are five smart ways to set yourself up for a healthier, less stressful year… starting now.
1. Schedule preventive care early
One of the simplest ways to stay healthy is also one of the most underused benefits.
Most health insurance plans (including Medicare and Marketplace plans) cover preventive services such as:
Annual wellness visits
Physical exams
Routine bloodwork
Screenings and vaccinations
These visits help catch issues early, before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.
Pro tip: Booking these appointments early in the year makes it easier to stay on track and avoid long wait times later.
2. Choose coverage that supports your lifestyle
Your health insurance shouldn’t just be there for emergencies. The right plan can actively support your everyday wellness.
Many plans include benefits like:
Telehealth access
Mental health services
Fitness or wellness programs
Chiropractic or therapy coverage
Prescription savings
If your current plan doesn’t match how you live, work, and care for yourself, maybe taking a look at your other options in the fall would be a good idea.
3. Actually understand how your plan works
Confusion leads to avoidance. And avoidance leads to skipped care.
Understanding a few basics can make a big difference:
What your deductible is
When copays apply
What your out-of-pocket maximum means
Where to go for care (urgent care vs ER vs primary care)
When you know how your coverage works, you’re more confident about using it, and more likely to prioritize your health.
4. Plan for healthcare costs instead of guessing
Healthcare expenses are one of the biggest stressors for individuals and families.
A healthier year includes financial peace of mind.
That means understanding:
Monthly premiums
Prescription costs
Expected routine care expenses
Your maximum yearly exposure
When your coverage aligns with your budget, you avoid surprises and feel more in control.
5. Update your coverage after life changes
Life moves fast, and your insurance should move with it.
Major changes that often require a coverage review include:
Marriage or divorce
Having a baby
Changing jobs
Income changes
Moving
Retirement planning
These transitions can create new options and opportunities for better coverage, but only if you take action.
A healthy year starts with the right support.
A healthy year isn’t just about workouts and nutrition. It’s about having a healthcare foundation that supports your goals, protects your finances, and gives you peace of mind.
At Platinum Benefit Advisors, we help individuals and families navigate their coverage with clarity and confidence. Our personalized benefit reviews are always free, and designed to make sure your insurance is truly working for you.