What is Open Enrollment?

Posted on August 31, 2023 in Insurance

Open enrollment can be a stressful time, whether it’s your first time doing it or your thirtieth.

However, if you take the time to understand what open enrollment is and research plans and coverage ahead of time, you can turn the process into a simple, stress-free experience that can be done with just a few clicks.

Understanding Open Enrollment

Open enrollment is the time of year when companies allow their employees to either enroll in or modify existing health benefits for the coming year. It’s also the time for people to sign up for individual insurance plans or modify their current coverage outside of the workplace.

As you navigate the open enrollment period, typically held in the fall, it's important to think about your health needs and consider how coverage could positively impact your overall well-being. For example, good oral health is directly tied to your overall health. Fortunately, having dental and vision insurance allows you to simplify both the accessibility and affordability of care, making sure you seek help when you need it. It's important to take advantage of open enrollment to choose the best plan for you and your overall health needs as you look at the year ahead.

Choosing the Right Insurance Plan

When it’s time to select the right dental and vision insurance plan, it's essential that you evaluate your needs and research plan options ahead of time. You may ask yourself things like, "Do I need to add or remove a dependent?" or "Do I have a procedure coming up that isn't covered by my current plan?"

Once you've determined your needs, the next step is to compare different plan options. What type of coverage do they offer? What is the cost of that coverage? If you have an employer-provided plan, they should offer some sort of meeting or digital presentation that highlights different plans and their benefits prior to enrollment. If you have an individual plan, don't hesitate to reach out to a specialist to talk through options and get a recommendation on what plan best suits your needs.

Navigating the Open Enrollment Process

Once you've picked out the perfect plan, be sure to check for open enrollment dates and mark your calendar so you don't miss it. Open enrollment dates vary. Therefore, be on the lookout for emails or notification from your human resources (HR) team to know when your specific enrollment period is, or reach out if you're unsure.

Once you've familiarized yourself with what open enrollment is, identified your ideal plan, and marked your calendar for the opening and closing dates of the enrollment period, you're ready to take the next step – enrollment! Follow your employer's guidance to navigate the selection process, or if you have an individual plan, simply head to your insurance provider's website and search for "open enrollment" to complete the process.

Have more questions about our dental and vision plans? Don't hesitate to reach out to one of our sales specialists.

Happy enrolling!