Ah, January. A fresh calendar, ambitious resolutions… and that not-so-gentle reminder that your health insurance deductible just reset. Before you panic, take a deep breath. This doesn’t mean you should avoid healthcare — it just means it’s time to be a little more strategic.

Most insurance deductibles reset at the start of the year, typically January 1. That means any progress you made last year goes back to zero. Annoying? Yes. A reason to ignore your health? Absolutely not.

The good news: there are smart, simple ways to save money while still getting the care you need.

Top Ways to Save Money When Your Deductible Resets

**1. Don’t Panic — Be Smart About Where You Go for Care**

Your deductible resetting doesn’t mean you should “wait it out” and hope injuries magically disappear. Skipping care often leads to bigger problems (and bigger bills) later. Instead, focus on choosing the right level of care for your situation.

Not sure if an injury needs treatment?
Start with our free Hurt! App, where you can connect within minutes to an orthopedic specialist for triage — at no cost. They’ll listen to your concerns, help guide you through your options, and determine whether immediate care is needed.
If you have a non-life-threatening injury:
Visit our Immediate Injury Care clinics for fast, expert treatment — without the high costs that often come with emergency rooms.
If your concern isn’t injury-related:
Many urgent care centers can see you without an appointment and typically charge far less than an ER visit, especially since they usually don’t include a hospital facility fee.
If it’s an emergency:
Chest pain, severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, major trauma — these are not “wait until your deductible is met” situations. If you believe you’re experiencing an emergency, go to the ER immediately. Some things are more important than unplanned expenses, and your life is at the top of that list.

2. If You Need Imaging, Ask About Outpatient Options

If imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are recommended early in the year, ask whether you can be referred to an outpatient independent diagnostic testing facility (IDTF).

These facilities are licensed to provide diagnostic imaging and often do so at significantly lower costs than hospital-owned imaging centers. The difference is largely due to how they’re reimbursed — outpatient centers typically don’t carry the same facility fees as hospitals.

If you’re already inpatient or dealing with an emergency, you may not have a choice. But if you’re an outpatient, remember: you usually do have options.

3. Ask Where a Procedure Can Be Performed

If a surgery or procedure is recommended before you’ve met your deductible, it’s worth asking where it can be done.

In-office procedures (like many interventional pain management injections we perform at Aptiva Health) are done in procedure suites within an office setting and typically do not include facility fees, helping lower out-of-pocket costs.
For surgeries that don’t require overnight stays, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are often far less expensive than hospital settings while still providing high-quality care.

Asking this simple question can make a meaningful difference in what you pay.

4. Always Ask for the Cash-Pay Price

Here’s a tip many people don’t realize is allowed: ask for the self-pay or cash-pay price upfront.

If you know you haven’t met your deductible and are worried about your out-of-pocket responsibility, paying cash at the time of service can sometimes cost less than having insurance billed. It never hurts to ask — and it may save you from unexpected bills later. Feel free to check out all of our affordable care options!

The Bottom Line

Yes, your deductible reset.

No, that doesn’t mean you should delay needed healthcare.

Being informed about where you go, what options you have, and what questions to ask can help you get the care you need — without unnecessary costs. A little planning now can protect both your health and your wallet all year long.

If you have questions or need help deciding where to start, we’re here to help.