Start the Year Strong: Make Preventive Care Part of Your New Year’s Resolutions
January is here — a season of fresh starts and new goals. If you’re among the 77% of Americans intending to set a resolution for 2026, one of the smartest steps you can take is to make preventive health care a priority for yourself and your family.
January is also National Financial Wellness Month, offering a reminder that preventive medical care can help you reduce the risk of developing complex health conditions, while avoiding unexpected medical costs in the future.
For help accessing this type of care, most health insurance plans cover a wide range of preventive services at no additional cost when you visit an in-network provider. These benefits are designed to help keep you healthy and save you money, so here are three ways to use your health insurance to support your well-being in 2026:
TIP: Not sure you have the right coverage for 2026? If you experience a qualifying life event you may be able to enroll in a new Individual or Family health plan; Medicare Advantage enrollees can make changes to their coverage through March 31.
1. Get Your Annual Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
The government recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each season, with some exceptions. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications, including adults 65 and older, young children under age 2, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Flu shots can help reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death — and they’re widely available at no cost through most health plans.
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have evolved. For the 2025–2026 season, the government advises vaccination for everyone 6 months and older based on shared decision-making with a healthcare provider. The vaccine is strongly encouraged for adults 65 and older, people who are immunocompromised, and those at high risk for severe illness. Parents should discuss COVID-19 vaccination for children under 18 with their pediatrician. Staying up to date matters because immunity wanes over time, and updated vaccines are designed to protect against newer strains of the virus.
2. Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam
Your annual wellness visit is one of the most valuable benefits your health plan offers. Yet a recent survey found about 20% of Americans don’t typically get an annual wellness exam. The survey revealed roughly the same percentage of Americans don’t know an annual wellness exam is covered at no additional cost under most employer-sponsored, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act plans when you use an in-network provider.
Annual wellness exams can help catch potential health issues early, plus they give you a chance to review your medications with your doctor and set goals for healthy living. If you’ve been putting off your yearly checkup, now is the time to book it. These appointments are not just routine — they’re an investment in your long-term health.
3. Take Advantage of Age- and Risk-Based Screenings
Preventive care goes beyond vaccines and annual exams and can include recommended screenings and exams, including ones based on age, gender, and various risk factors. Unfortunately, nearly 30% of Americans said they intend to skip getting any recommended preventive exams in 2026. As with annual wellness exams, one third (34%) of Americans are unaware these services are covered by most health plans with no out-of-pocket cost.
Here are a few examples:
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Adults: Blood pressure and cholesterol checks, diabetes screening for those with an elevated body mass index (BMI), and lung cancer screening for adults age 55 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking.
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Women & Men: Mammograms every 1–2 years starting at age 40, for women and screenings for cervical cancer between ages 21 and 65; colorectal cancer screening if you are 50 to 75 years old, and prostate cancer exams for men based on your doctor’s recommendation.
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Children: Well-child visits, immunizations, developmental and autism screenings, and vision, dental and hearing exams.
Start 2026 on the Right Foot
Preventive care is one of the smartest ways to protect your health and your wallet. By scheduling these services, you’ll set yourself up for success and peace of mind.
TIP: Dental and vision care are often overlooked, especially if you’re not covered through an employer plan. For protection, it can help to get dental or vision insurance on your own online.
If you need help, contact your health insurance company or a licensed insurance agency for a breakdown of benefits available to you at no additional out-of-pocket cost. Now is the time to check your plan details, make those appointments, and start the year strong.
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Whitney Stidom is vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, a leading online health insurance marketplace that helps consumers confidently navigate their health benefit decisions.