Your 2026 Asthma & Allergy Health Checklist
With the holidays upon us and a new year fast approaching, life can feel especially busy. For those with allergies or asthma, it’s easy for everyday health management to slip to the bottom of the list. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself though is to keep your health and health care top of mind.
The start of a new year marks a new beginning — the perfect time for a quick health check. January often brings changes to insurance plans, deductibles, and coverage. Taking a few minutes to look over your benefits now can help you understand what’s available to you and avoid surprises later.
This guide offers a simple checklist to help you get organized, make the most of your coverage, and head into the new year feeling prepared.
Review and Refresh Your Medical Information
One of the simplest ways to prepare for managing your allergies or asthma is to ensure all of your medical information is current. Most doctors’ offices update patient records annually, so getting ahead of any changes now can save you time at future appointments.
Check Your Prescription Coverage
Take a moment at the start of the year to confirm that your medications are still covered under your prescription plan. Health insurance plans typically update their list of covered medications each year, and sometimes coverage can change.
If you notice a medication you rely on is no longer covered, reach out to your doctor as soon as possible. Our providers can help you find alternatives or make adjustments to your treatment plan.
Update Your Pharmacy with New Insurance Details
Just as you keep your doctor’s office in the loop, your pharmacy also needs your current insurance information. A quick phone call or visit to your pharmacy after the new year begins can prevent frustrating delays when you need to fill a prescription. If there have been any changes to your plan since last year, your pharmacist can clarify your options and ensure your medications are ready when you need them.
Prepare for Winter Weather Challenges
Winter weather can disrupt daily routines and access to care. Taking a few steps now to protect your medications and treatment plan can give you peace of mind when conditions become unpredictable.
Keep Medications Safe from the Cold
It’s crucial to make sure your medications remain safe and effective during the colder months. Certain treatments, like inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, can be particularly sensitive to freezing temperatures. Extreme cold can affect the chemical compound and reduce overall effectiveness.
To be safe, it’s best to avoid leaving medications in your car or any unheated space where they could freeze. Instead, make it a habit to store them at a stable, indoor temperature to ensure they’ll work correctly when you need them.
Create or Update Your Emergency Plan
Think ahead about how severe weather or power outages might impact your ability to manage symptoms. Checking that you have essential supplies on hand at the start of the year and having a simple emergency plan in place can make a huge difference if you find yourself without electricity or easy access to pharmacies.
Take Full Advantage of Your Health Benefits
For many, insurance benefits and deductibles reset on January 1. This “use it or lose it” situation means that now is the perfect time to review your coverage to ensure you’re making use of all remaining benefits that may not carry over into the new year.
Use Your FSA or HSA Funds
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), check with your allergist’s office about how these funds can be used for upcoming treatments. FSAs and HSAs typically cover allergy and asthma-related expenses, making them a great way to manage costs. You can use these funds for prescription co-pays, and other eligible medical needs, helping you stay on top of your health while saving money.
Plan for a Healthy Year Ahead
Caring for asthma and allergies takes effort, but a few simple steps can go a long way. By reviewing your medical information, preparing for seasonal challenges, and maximizing your health benefits, you can move into 2026 feeling prepared.
If you have questions about your treatment plan or need to schedule an appointment, reach out to the team at the Oklahoma Asthma & Allergy Clinic. Our specialists have decades of experience helping patients with allergies live life with fewer limitations and they are ready to help you kick off the new year with confidence in your health.
