It's January. Everything Just Reset.

The first month of a plan year is when the most avoidable surprises happen. Ten minutes on this list prevents most of them.

What resets

• Your deductible and out-of-pocket max go back to zero. A visit that was "free" in December (because you'd hit your max) costs full price in January.
• Prior authorizations often expire at year-end. Ongoing therapy, infusions, specialty drugs, DME rentals — check whether each needs re-approval.
• Your FSA — last year's balance is either gone, in a grace period (usually through mid-March), or rolled over up to a limit. Your plan documents say which. Claims for last year's expenses often have a deadline (commonly March 31).

What may have changed

• Your ID card. If the plan, carrier, or group number changed, the old card is wrong. Give the new one to every provider and the pharmacy — old cards cause denials that look scary and are just clerical.
• The formulary. Drugs move tiers or drop off every January. Check yours before the first fill.
• The network. Providers come and go. Re-verify your regulars, especially specialists.
• Your premium and paycheck deduction. Confirm the first January paystub matches what you elected.

The January checklist

1. Save a photo of the new ID card (front and back) on your phone.
2. Log in to the carrier portal and confirm your plan and dependents are correct.
3. Check the formulary for every prescription.
4. Call about any prior authorization that carries over.
5. Submit any leftover FSA claims from last year.
6. If you're on a high-deductible plan, set your HSA contribution.
7. Note your deductible and out-of-pocket max somewhere you'll see them.