The start of a new year brings fresh goals, new routines… and for most insurance plans, a reset of your annual deductible.

If you’ve ever been surprised by a bill in January or February, you’re not alone. Understanding how deductibles work can help you plan your dermatology care more confidently and avoid unexpected costs.

What Does “Deductible Reset” Mean?

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket each year before your insurance starts covering certain services. For most plans, this amount resets on January 1.

That means:

• Any deductible you met last year starts back at $0

• You may owe more out of pocket for visits or procedures early in the year

• Insurance coverage often improves once your deductible is met again

How This Affects Dermatology Visits

Dermatology care often includes a mix of preventive, medical, and procedural services, and insurance coverage can vary by plan.

You may notice higher out-of-pocket costs early in the year for:

• Medical visits for rashes, acne, eczema, or other skin conditions

• Biopsies or in-office procedures

• Treatments that apply toward your deductible

Some services—like certain annual skin exams—may be covered differently depending on your plan, so it’s always worth checking your benefits.

Why Early-Year Appointments Still Make Sense

Even with a deductible reset, delaying care isn’t always the best choice.

Seeing your dermatologist early in the year can:

• Catch skin cancer or concerning changes sooner

• Prevent minor skin issues from becoming more serious (and costly)

• Help you plan treatments strategically over the year

If you anticipate needing ongoing care, starting earlier can actually make future visits more affordable once your deductible is met.

Tips to Avoid Insurance Surprises

A little preparation can go a long way. We recommend:

• Reviewing your insurance benefits at the start of the year

• Knowing your deductible, copay, and coinsurance amounts

• Calling your insurance company if you’re unsure what’s covered

• Asking our office staff—we’re happy to help explain what we can

Plan Ahead for Your Skin Health

The new year is a great time to prioritize your skin health and get established on the schedule—especially since appointments can fill up quickly.

If you’re due for a skin check, managing a chronic skin condition, or have a new concern, now is the perfect time to book.

Our schedule is open well into the future, making it easy to plan care that fits your needs and your budget.

If you have questions about your insurance or upcoming visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care—every step of the way.