Need a New Q4 Marketing Idea? Read on! If you are struggling with new ideas to incorporate into your marketing plan for Q4, here is a great one that you may not have considered: Flexible Spending Accounts. Many companies have “open enrollment” toward the end of the calendar year. Besides setting up health insurance coverage, employees may be able to elect other benefits such as life insurance, wellness programs, retirement plans, disability and Flexible Spending Accounts. Flexible Spending Accounts are designed to help people pay for elective medical procedures such as LASIK vision correction, premium Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) for cataract surgery, cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dentistry, medications and other out-of-pocket expenses. The plans work by allowing people to place part of their pre-tax earnings into a short-term, tax-free savings account. This money can be used to fund the procedure or medications they desire. It often won’t cover the entire cost of the procedure, but it can result in a significant savings for these life-changing and confidence-boosting procedures. Q4 Flex Marketing Plan Your practice can help prospective patients realize their potential Flex Plan savings on the services you provide by: Sending out targeted emails or newsletters Running internet radio ads Developing pay-per-click advertisements Advertising at local events Establishing grassroots efforts with local companies The Flex Catch When marketing the use of Flex Plans for your specialty, make sure you include the common pitfalls that prospective patients may fall into: They must make sure they are a good candidate for the procedure they desire before enrolling in the program. Offering a free consultation is a risk-free way for people to obtain this information. The money saved must be used by the deadline (typically within one year). It’s a “use it or lose it” plan. The proper amount of money should be saved. Your practice should provide information about cost of the procedure during the free consultation. Patients must fully understand all of the rules of their specific plans. The more information you provide about this often overlooked benefit, the more your practice will become a trusted source…and the more likely patients will choose you over your competitors. Fast Track Marketing has helped dozens of clients boost their Q4 marketing efforts through Flexible Spending Accounts campaigns. To learn more, contact Brandi Musgrave at 303-447-9192 or brandi@fast-trackmarketing.com.