What is Open Enrollment?

Posted on August 31, 2023 in Insurance

*Updated October 2025

Key takeaways about open enrollment 

• Most employers host open enrollment in the fall for a January 1 effective date.
• Preparing ahead makes open enrollment a simple, stress-free process.
• Dental insurance supports both oral and overall health by making care more accessible and affordable.
• Use this time to review your needs and select the plan that fits your health and budget.

Open enrollment can feel overwhelming, whether it’s your first time electing benefits or your 30th. With a clear understanding of the process and a little research, it can become a simple, stress-free experience completed in just a few clicks.

Understanding open enrollment

Open enrollment is the timeframe each year when employees can enroll in or change health benefits with their employer. If these benefits are not offered at your workplace, there will also be an open enrollment period where individuals can sign up for external health insurance plans or adjust existing coverage.

As you move through open enrollment, it’s important to think about your health needs and consider how coverage can support your overall well-being.

Dental insurance makes dental care more accessible and affordable, ensuring you can get the treatment you need. Take advantage of open enrollment season to choose the plan that best fits your health and budget for the year ahead.

Choosing the right dental insurance plan

When selecting a dental insurance plan, it’s important to explore your options in advance. Open enrollment is the best time to evaluate your coverage and make sure it aligns with your health goals.

Tips to prepare:

• Review your current coverage. Does it still meet your oral health needs?
• Consider upcoming care. Will you need new treatments, surgeries or medications? Factor these into your decision.
• Compare plan options. Look at costs, coverage and provider networks.
• Understand costs. Pay attention to premiums, deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket costs to get the full picture.
• Ask questions. If you’re unsure about what’s covered, reach out to your insurance provider.
  • If you have an employer-provided plan, your company may offer a meeting or presentation that outlines options and benefits before enrollment. 
  • If you purchase an individual plan, reach out to your insurance provider’s customer service team for guidance on what plan may be the best fit.

Navigating the enrollment process

Once you’ve identified the plan that best fits your needs, check enrollment dates and mark your calendar so you don’t miss them.

Watch for emails or notifications from your HR team to confirm your enrollment window, and reach out if you’re unsure.

Note: Outside of open enrollment, changes to health insurance are typically restricted to qualifying life events, such as getting married, having a child or losing other coverage.

Open enrollment puts you in control of your health care

Once you’ve reviewed your healthcare options, selected a plan and confirmed your enrollment dates, you’re ready for the final step: to enroll in a dental insurance plan.

Follow your employer’s instructions to complete the process, or if you have an individual plan, visit your insurance provider’s website and search “open enrollment” to get started.