The end of the year is fast approaching! While you probably don’t need one more task on your to-do list, make sure you’ve used all your 2025 plan year benefits before the year ends.   

1. Schedule appointments for any missed annual check-ups: If you’re behind on annual check-ups or screenings—such as a wellness exam, dental cleaning, or vision exam—consider scheduling appointments before the end of the year.  

• View health benefits information.  

• View dental benefits information.  

• View voluntary benefits information (such as vision or legal).  

2.  Be proactive in case of illness: Teladoc is an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a health care professional via the web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. A doctor can even write you a prescription if necessary. Enroll in Teladoc now so you’re prepared when illness strikes.  Available to employees and their dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan.  

3. Note flexible spending account (FSA) deadlines for 2025 plan year funds: If you are enrolled in a health care or dependent care FSA for the 2025 plan year, you have a grace period in 2026 to use these funds. Be sure to use 2025 plan year funds by March 15, 2026, and submit your receipts by April 30, 2026. If you miss the grace period deadline, the IRS requires you to forfeit any unused funds, so plan your remaining expenses for the coming months. View FSA information.  

4. Review your retirement contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year (the 2026 limits will be shared in January). Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2025 IRS retirement contribution limits and adjusting contributions for the remainder of the year, if needed.  

5. Take advantage of special employee discounts for holiday shopping: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys. 

6. Schedule any vacation/personal PTO: Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain your health. Make sure you use all your paid time off (PTO) by planning and scheduling your time off in advance with your supervisor’s approval. This year, the full Winter Break (including Christmas and New Year’s holidays) extends from Thursday, December 25, through Friday, January 2. View the Holiday Schedule for more details. 

7. Use educational assistance funds: Support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use toward professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities this year, it’s not too late to sign up for a course offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.    

We hope this list will help keep you on track as you plan how you and your family will use your employee benefits for the rest of the year. You can learn more about all these benefit options on the HR website.