What is open enrollment?

For many people, it’s open enrollment season – but what does that actually mean?

Open enrollment is typically the only time of year you can sign up for or make changes to a health, dental or vision plan provided by your employer. You can also make changes during the year if you have a qualifying life event, like changing jobs, getting married or having a baby.

Open enrollment for employer-provided benefits frequently occurs in the fall, but the specific dates will vary. If you are shopping for individual or family health, dental and vision benefit plans on your own:

• Enrollment dates for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans can vary, with most states opening from November 1 to January 15.
• Medicare’s open enrollment typically runs from October 15 to December 7 each year.
• You can purchase an individual or family plan from independent benefit providers (like Delta Dental) at any time.

During open enrollment, you can:

• Sign up for new benefits.
• Change coverage for your existing benefits.
• Start, stop or adjust how much you contribute to a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).
• Keep or change your current health insurance plan. 

It’s important to pick the right dental and vision plans because having these benefits will help keep you and your family healthy. Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• Assess your current needs. The right plan for you will be based on your current age, health and family situation. 
• Compare available plans. Review differences in what each plan covers.
• Review your budget. Consider how much you will pay in premiums, your deductible, how the plan handles co-payments and the annual maximum.
• Check the network size. Will your current physician, dentist or optometrist still be covered? Will you have affordable access to care on vacation or while traveling for work?
• Make sure you have coverage for routine preventive visits. Detecting problems early is an important part of maintaining your oral and overall health.

Whether you choose a benefits plan through your employer or purchase your own, open enrollment season is a perfect opportunity to take stock of your current health, dental and vision benefits. Weigh your options and make sure you and your family have the coverage you need.