The end of the year is upon us, and your benefits start over in 2024. If you haven’t seen your primary care provider for an annual exam yet, now is the time to call and make an appointment. “Go in, get your routine stuff taken care of,” said Dr. Josephine Young, medical director at Premera Blue Cross. “Get your screenings done. It’s all there. It’s your benefit. Go use it.” Health plans cover a preventive exam or annual check-up every year at no cost to you if you see a provider who is in-network with your plan. Several routine screenings and vaccinations are considered preventive and are also covered by your health plan every year. Your provider will determine what tests and screenings you need depending on your concerns, family history, age and other risk factors. It’s important to think through what concerns or questions you have ahead of your appointment, as well as any medical conditions that run in your family. “Make a list,” Dr. Young said. “Take it in with you, and then run through it.” Common preventive services include breast and colon cancer screenings, birth control and contraception and blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. If you don’t already have a primary care provider, it’s never too late to find one. Scheduling your annual exam is a great opportunity to find a provider that’s right for you. “Talk to your friends,” Dr. Young said. “Talk to your family. If they approach healthcare similarly to the way you do, say ‘Hey, who do you go see?’” An annual check-up can help ensure any issues are addressed early, and providers can help you determine what signs and symptoms to watch for based on your risk factors. “People think about check-ups for babies and kids all the time,” Dr. Young said. “It’s important for everybody. Every adult should be getting their check-ups done.” You can start looking for a provider by finding who is in-network with your plan. Learn more about preventive care on the Premera website. Sponsored by Premera Blue Cross. Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.