How to Get the Most Out of Your Benefits Before the Year Ends

As the office manager and benefits coordinator at 4 Points Health and Wellness, one of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I make the most of my extended health benefits?”

It’s an important question—especially as we head into the last four months of the year. In Alberta, most benefit plans operate on a “use it or lose it” system. This means any unused coverage for 2025 will not carry over into 2026. The money you don’t use essentially goes back into your provider’s pocket instead of supporting your health and well-being.

The good news is, you still have plenty of time to get organized and take full advantage of your benefits—not only for yourself but also for your family. Here’s how to do it while creating a truly integrated approach to your health.

Why an Integrative Approach Matters

Health isn’t one-dimensional. Stress, pain, fatigue, and even injuries often have multiple contributing factors—physical, mental, and even lifestyle-related. That’s why at 4 Points Health and Wellness, we believe in integrative care: combining multiple therapies and disciplines so you get a complete, personalized approach to feeling your best.

Instead of only treating symptoms in isolation, an integrated plan works on the root causes and helps prevent issues from returning. For example:

• Pairing massage therapy with chiropractic adjustments helps correct misalignments and release muscle tension, creating lasting results.

• Combining physiotherapy with shockwave therapy accelerates healing from chronic injuries and stubborn pain.

• Adding dietitian support to your personal training plan ensures you’re fueling your body for recovery, energy, and long-term success.

• Using psychology sessions alongside acupuncture or yoga can help with stress management, anxiety, and better sleep.

This is the heart of integrative health—and your benefits can help you take full advantage of it.

1. Review Your Coverage and Options

Start by checking your insurance plan. Log in to your provider’s portal or give them a quick call. Many people don’t realize just how much is included in their benefits package.

At 4 Points Health and Wellness, we offer a wide range of complementary services that work together for your health:

✔ Chiropractic Care

✔ Massage Therapy

✔ Physiotherapy

✔ Athletic Therapy (coverage varies—check your plan)

✔ Shockwave Therapy

✔ Acupuncture

✔ Psychology

✔ Dietitian Services

✔ Craniosacral Therapy

✔ IV Therapy (not direct billable, but a great way to boost energy and immunity)

✔ Personal Training (covered if supervised by a physiotherapist)

✔ Yoga Workshops & Weekly Fitness Classes

Direct Billing Vs. Non-Direct Billing

This is a common question we get asked. Some of these services can be direct billed, while others may require you to submit your claim manually or use your Health Spending Account (HSA). Specifically:

• Direct billable: chiropractic, massage therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, psychology, dietitian services, personal training (with physiotherapy supervision), shockwave therapy, craniosacral therapy.

• Not direct billable: IV therapy.

• Varies: athletic therapy (check your plan).

Also, make sure you check whether your plan is per family member or a shared amount across the household. This is key for scheduling your family’s care before year-end. If you're not sure, you can ask with your human resources department. We can often help if you have questions.

2. Book Early—For Yourself and Your Family

Fall is one of the busiest times of year at 4 Points Health and Wellness. With holidays coming and calendars filling fast, appointment spots disappear quickly in November and December.

Booking now ensures you:

• Get in with your preferred practitioner.

• Schedule enough sessions to meet your goals.

• Avoid the stress of last-minute holiday rush appointments.

The same goes for your family. If your kids need athletic therapy for sports injuries, your partner wants chiropractic care, or you all benefit from massage, book now for everyone so you can make the most of your coverage together.

3. Align Your Appointments With Your Health Goals

Your benefits aren’t just for emergencies—they’re there to keep you healthy and feeling your best. Think about what you want to achieve before the year ends:

• Better stress management → massage, psychology, yoga workshops, acupuncture.

• Pain relief and injury recovery → physiotherapy, athletic therapy, chiropractic, shockwave therapy.

• Boosting energy and immunity → IV therapy, dietitian support, magnesium and electrolytes.

• Improving nutrition and metabolism → dietitian consults, personal training, nutritional supplements.

Planning ahead ensures you’re using your benefits with purpose, not just filling time.

4. Combine Services for Maximum Results

An integrative approach gives you better, longer-lasting results. Here are some smart combinations:

• Chiropractic + Massage + Physiotherapy → total musculoskeletal care for posture, pain relief, and mobility.

• Dietitian + Personal Training → a complete plan for weight loss, muscle building, and improved energy.

• Psychology + Yoga or Acupuncture → mental health support combined with stress reduction and nervous system regulation.

• Shockwave Therapy + Physiotherapy → faster recovery from chronic pain, tendonitis, or stubborn injuries.

When your care plan is connected, you heal faster, perform better, and feel stronger.

5. Use Your HSA and Explore Health Products

Your coverage isn’t limited to services. If you have a Health Spending Account (HSA), you may be able to apply it toward services or products that support your health—even if they aren’t covered by your regular plan.

At 4 Points Health and Wellness, we offer a range of premium health products, including:

• Custom-fitted Pillowise orthotic pillows (perfect for posture and sleep).

• Designs for Health protein powder, magnesium, and electrolytes.

• Nutritional gummies for collagen, creatine, and metabolic health.

• Resistance bands to keep you moving at home.

• CBD pain relief balms and sticks for sore muscles and joints.

These items can make a big difference in your recovery, energy, and overall wellness—and your HSA might cover them.

6. Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste

Your extended health benefits are part of your compensation package. Not using them is like leaving money—and your health—on the table.

Our front desk team at 4 Points Health and Wellness can help you:✔ Check which services and products are covered.✔ Coordinate bookings across multiple practitioners.✔ Maximize your coverage before the year ends.

Book Today and Start Strong for 2026

Appointments fill fast, especially in November and December. Book early, plan for your family, and let’s make the rest of 2025 your healthiest yet—with a care plan that looks at the whole picture of your health, not just one piece of it.

~Sam

4Points Office Manager

Health Benefits Coordinator