Open enrollment made simple: What you need to know

Posted on November 6, 2025 in Healthy You

Open Enrollment is the once-a-year opportunity for you to review, update and enroll in benefits that support your overall health and financial well-being. Whether you're considering Delta Dental of Iowa dental and vision benefits, or other employer-sponsored benefits, taking a few minutes to prepare can help you make smart choices for the year ahead.

When is open enrollment?

Open Enrollment for 2026 will typically take place Nov. 1, 2025 to Jan. 15, 2026, though exact dates may vary by state and/or employer. Your human resources team or benefits administrator will share the specific start and end dates for your organization. Keep these dates on your calendar so you don't forget to enroll in your benefits. Missing the deadline usually means waiting until the next year to make changes, unless you experience a qualifying life event (such as marriage, divorce, birth, or loss of coverage).

Why Dental and Vision Benefits Matter

Having health insurance increases the chances you’ll get preventive care (as opposed to only seeing a dentist or doctor when you’re sick or in pain).¹ When you go to your preventive exams, it’s more likely that any problems are caught early, when they’re easier and less expensive to treat.

All Delta Dental of Iowa dental plans include coverage for preventive services, like cleanings and exams. Dental benefits may also help cover costs for fillings, crowns or more extensive treatment.

Vision coverage helps cover the cost of routine eye exams, and prescription lenses or contacts. Eye exams can also uncover early signs of whole-body health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

By enrolling in both dental and vision benefits, you’re protecting not only your smile and vision but also your overall health. And with the power of early detection from preventive care, you’ll protect your financial health, too.

Open enrollment tips and checklist

Use this quick checklist to make sure you’re prepared when open enrollment begins:

• Review your current benefits. Ask yourself: Did my healthcare needs change this year? Do I anticipate more dental or vision care in the upcoming year?
• Check provider networks. Make sure your preferred dentist and eye specialist is in-network for the most cost savings. The Delta Dental of Iowa Find a Provider tool can help with that.
• Compare plan options. If there are multiple plans to choose from, review the coverage levels, monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs to find the right balance for your budget and care needs.
• Consider your family. If you’re enrolling a spouse and/or children, think about their upcoming dental and vision care, such as orthodontics or eye exams for kids.
• Ask questions. If anything is unclear, reach out to your HR team or benefits administrator before the deadline.

A final tip: Open Enrollment is available for several weeks, but don’t wait until the last minute to enroll. Give yourself time to consider your options and make confident choices. You can’t predict what the future year will hold, but thinking through your potential healthcare needs will help you choose a plan that sets you up for a healthy year ahead.