January brings a fresh start with New Year’s resolutions, health goals, and a new focus. It also brings something less exciting: a new insurance deductible and out-of-pocket concerns. For many people, that reset can make you think twice before scheduling healthcare appointments.
The good news is that early in the year is actually one of the smartest and most cost-effective times to start physical therapy. Your deductible might have reset but your health goals or concerns remain; delaying care can actually lead to higher costs down the road.
Here’s why starting Physical Therapy now sets you for a healthier and more affordable year.
1. Deductible Reset Anxiety Is Real But Delaying Treatment Might Be Worse
When deductibles reset in January, many people hold off on care because they’re unsure what the first visit will cost. A recent survey1 found that over 72 million American adults did not seek treatment due to cost concerns.
Physical Therapy (PT) is actually one of the more affordable2 healthcare options. Compared to advanced imaging, injections, and specialist visits, PT typically has lower out-of-pocket costs and can help you avoid more expensive treatments (like surgery) altogether. For common issues (like back or knee pain), PT is the most cost-effective first step. Addressing pain early prevents them from becoming chronic, and chronic conditions are almost always more expensive3 to treat.
2. Put Your Renewed HSA Dollars To Work
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can begin making new tax-free contributions, building on your existing balance. PT is HSA-eligible which means you can use those funds to address pain or movement issues before they become more debilitating and expensive. Utilizing your HSA for PT is one of the best ways to stretch your healthcare dollars while investing in long-term well-being.
3. PT Aligns With New Year Goals And Resolutions
January through March is peak goal season; with movement being critical to both physical well-being4 and aging strongly5 it’s critical to move more, feel better, and address pains that held you back last year. PT helps with that momentum, whether you’re trying to:
- Get back to exercising safely
- Recover from an old injury
- Address post-holiday strains
- Improve mobility and comfort
PT gives you a personalized, hands-on approach to reaching your goals without relying on medicine or invasive procedures. PT isn’t just about fixing pain, it’s about building strength, confidence, and sustainable habits for the year ahead.
Insurance is inherently complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We will verify your benefits for you, after which you can expect:
- Clear explanations of deductibles, copays, and HSA options
- Direct access, meaning no doctor referral is needed in most states
- Fast scheduling so you can start treatment right away
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to focus on feeling better without worrying about finances.
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Resources
- https://www.carecredit.com/providers/insights/help-patients-navigate-annual-deductible-reset/
- https://www.apta.org/news/2017/07/26/study-says-cost-savings-of-physical-therapy-for-lbp-are-significant#:~:text=From%20an%20intervention%20cost%20perspective,common%20type%20of%20services%20delivered
- https://uspainfoundation.org/news/the-financial-and-emotional-cost-of-chronic-pain/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/health-benefits-exercise-and-physical-activity