As the year comes to an end and we look forward to the next, it’s a good opportunity to reflect and cross off the last items on our to-do lists for 2025 before we set new goals.
At AXA XL, we are committed to supporting you and your family’s overall wellbeing through a variety of benefits and programs designed to support your medical, financial, and social health. Make sure you’re taking advantage of all that is available to you by using your benefits before the year ends!
It’s flu season—schedule your flu vaccination and other preventive care appointments
Under all AXA XL medical plans, eligible in-network preventive care—such as flu vaccinations, well exams, dental cleanings, and vision exams—is free, so you have coverage that protects both your wallet and your long-term health. Regular health monitoring through preventive care can help you stay healthy by preventing illness and raising awareness of potential problems before they develop.
Get your appointments on the calendar before the year is up! Find out more.
Use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars and submit your claims
Remember that you can carry over $660 from your 2025 Health Care FSA and Limited Purpose FSA to 2026, but any unused funds in your Dependent Day Care FSA will be forfeited at the end of the year. To use up your FSA dollars, all 2025 expenses must be incurred by December 31, 2025 and submitted by March 31, 2026. See below for spending suggestions so that you don’t lose out on your funds:
- For Health Care FSA participants: You can use your FSA dollars on qualified health care expenses such as deductibles and copayments for medical, vision, and dental care—a great reminder to schedule any health appointments before the end of the year (in addition to your free in-network preventive care visits).
- For Limited Purpose FSA participants: You can use your funds on qualified health care expenses such as deductibles and coinsurance for out-of-pocket dental and vision care.
- For Dependent Day Care FSA participants: You can use your balance for day care centers for dependent children or adults, nursery schools, after-school centers, babysitters, and summer day camps (not overnight camp). Take the time to plan ahead for the next school year and see if any of the options listed above have early bird registration.
Complete last-minute Staying Well Program activities to maximize your awards
At AXA XL, your wellbeing and health is important to us. The Staying Well Program encourages you and your medical plan-enrolled spouse/domestic partner to each earn up to $450 in awards by completing specific wellness activities.
Most of these activities have a completion deadline of December 31—why not accomplish two things at once by completing other Staying Well Program eligible year-end activities (such as preventive care screenings, annual check-ups, and vaccinations) for awards and cashing in those awards to receive gift cards that you can spend or share during the holiday season? Learn more about your eligible activities here.
Need a little extra self-care and life hack help?
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has you covered.
With the change in seasons, height of holiday fanfare, and end of year in sight, you might want someone to talk to. Thankfully, you get five free counseling sessions per issue per year (plus your household members do, too).
Feel like you could use a little extra help around the house, like a cleaner ahead of the holidays, additional childcare help, or a handyman to fix up a leak before winter hits? Find referrals for vetted helpers near you by exploring the EAP website.
If you’re enrolled in an AXA XL medical plan, you also have access to Evernorth Behavioral Health and MDLIVE for additional mental health care support.
Schedule your OOO notices and plan for some well-earned time off
At AXA XL, we prioritize our employees' wellbeing and encourage you to take time off to maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially as the year-end holiday season approaches. Remember, you can carry over up to five vacation days into the new year after December 31st; any unused vacation days beyond that will be forfeited. You have until April 30, 2026 to use your carryover days.
As we near the end of the year, make sure to take advantage of this opportunity to recharge and enjoy your well-deserved time off before the deadline! Read more about paid time off and talk to your manager.
Don’t forget! If you enroll in Commuter Benefits and set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified transit and parking expenses, take a moment to review your account balance and adjust your monthly contribution if you plan on taking time off at the end of year and know you will not be commuting to the office. Review your enrollment on the Inspira Financial website.
Maximize your 401(k) match and check up on your financial health
As we get closer to the new year, it’s a good time to refresh your finances and evaluate our financial health for the future. Through the Employee Savings Plan, AXA XL will match 200% of your pre-tax and/or Roth 401(k) contributions combined, up to 5% of your eligible compensation.
The money you contribute to your 401(k) account will always belong to you—the sooner you begin participating and making contributions, the more you can save for retirement. You can review, make, and adjust your contributions at www.benefits.ml.com.
Thinking ahead: Perhaps in 2026, you’ll be turning age 50 or you’re already there. If so, keep in mind that you can contribute additional funds to your 401(k) through the catch-up contribution. See more resources here.
Are your dependents’ circumstances changing?
In some instances, your currently covered dependents may need to take action if their circumstances change. Two instances of this is when a dependent child turns age 26 and if you or your spouse/partner become eligible for Medicare.
When your child(ren) reaches age 26
If you cover any dependent children, this is a reminder that dependent children are eligible for benefits coverage with AXA XL through the end of the calendar year in which the dependent child turns 26, regardless of marital status, student status, residence or access to other employer health coverage. That means that any dependent children who turned 26 during the 2025 calendar year, will be removed from your AXA XL benefits coverage beginning on January 1, 2026 and they will be offered COBRA continuation coverage through Inspira for up to 36 months.
When you or your spouse/partner become eligible for Medicare
If you and/or your spouse/partner become eligible for Medicare, you will be able to update your benefits to:
- Keep your current AXA XL medical plan
- Change your AXA XL medical plan
- Waive AXA XL medical coverage in favor of Medicare or other options available to you
If you remain enrolled in an AXA XL medical plan while also enrolling in Medicare, the AXA XL plan will pay benefits first and then Medicare will be applied to covered services.
If you and/or your spouse/partner are enrolled in Medicare and enroll in one of AXA XL’s OAP HSA plans, you will no longer be able to contribute, or receive contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA). Once you reach age 65, you may use your HSA balance, if applicable, for a wider range of qualified expenses, such as long-term care. Speak with your tax advisor for additional considerations.
You and your spouse/partner, as well as household members, may use SmartConnect for assistance with transitioning to Medicare, at no cost to you. Contact SmartConnect at (833) 460-6126.
AXA XL is here to help you navigate this transitory period; see more information and resources on next steps here