The Ultimate Guide to Open Enrollment for Young Adults
Key takeaways:
- Open enrollment is a time to choose your dental coverage. This is important if you are aging out of your parent’s plan or starting a new job.
- Dental coverage can be provided by an employer or purchased individually.
- There are different types of dental plans, including Dental PPO, Dental HMO, and Dental discount.
- Dental insurance reduces costs and helps with maintaining good oral and overall health.
Whether you’re a college student, aging out of your parent’s dental insurance, or approaching open enrollment for the first time, there’s a lot to keep in mind as you prepare to choose your dental benefits.
With open enrollment just around the corner, now is the ideal time to get ready! Taking a few proactive steps today can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
What is open enrollment, and why does it matter to young adults?
Toward the end of the year, employers open a window of time for employees to sign up for or adjust their health and dental insurance plans. This period is called open enrollment.
Individuals outside of traditional employment also have an opportunity to explore, enroll in, or update their dental coverage during this window, either on their own or through an insurance exchange.
Open enrollment is an important time of year for young adults, especially as many are taking on the responsibility of managing their own health care for the first time.
What should young adults know before open enrollment?
Open enrollment can feel overwhelming the first time around, but with the right information, you’ll be able to make confident, informed choices about your benefits.
Here’s what to consider before you get started:
Open enrollment timing
Nationwide, dental open enrollment generally opens on November 1 and runs through January 15, but standalone plans may have different dates.
- If you want your coverage to start on the first of the year, you must be enrolled by December 15.
- If you enroll after December 15, your coverage will start on February 1.
Where will your dental coverage come from?
- Your Employer: Many employers offer dental coverage to some degree. Employer-sponsored plans often provide access to dental care at a lower cost. Keep in mind, though, that coverage can vary widely depending on how much your company contributes.
- Employer-sponsored dental plans tend to be more budget-friendly since your company often covers part of the cost. While they’re easier on your wallet, they may come with less flexibility due to pre-selected benefits and provider networks.
- Keep in mind: this coverage usually ends if you leave your job or organization.
- An insurance company: Individual dental insurance is coverage you purchase on your own from an insurance company. It’s a great option for freelancers, part-time workers, self-employed individuals, or anyone who doesn’t have access to employer-sponsored dental benefits.
- If you're thinking about getting your own dental insurance, individual plans give you more control. You can choose the benefits and providers that work best for you, and your coverage sticks with you even if you switch jobs.
- Keep in mind: these plans can cost more and vary a lot, so it’s worth taking the time to read the fine print. They may also be available outside of the open enrollment window if you experience a qualifying life event, such as a marriage or loss of previous coverage.
The differences between dental plans
- Dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans let you choose from a network of dentists who offer discounted rates. You’ll pay part of the cost, and the plan covers the rest after your deductible. You can go out-of-network to other providers, but it’ll cost you more. PPOs are super common, so make sure to check the details before signing up.
- Dental HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans are budget-friendly options that focus on preventive care like cleanings and check-ups. You pay a fixed monthly premium and must use in-network dentists to get coverage. While the network is smaller than a PPO, a lower cost makes it a solid choice if you’re looking to save money and keep up with routine dental care.
- Dental discount plans are low-cost alternatives to traditional insurance. You pay a yearly fee to access a network of dentists who offer reduced rates on services. There’s no paperwork or reimbursement; you just pay the discounted price directly at your appointment. It’s a simple way to save on dental care, especially if you don’t need full insurance coverage.
How do young adults enroll in dental coverage?
How you enroll will depend on whether you’re getting coverage from an employer or will purchase an individual plan yourself.
If your employer offers dental coverage, they’ll usually share plan details and may even host info sessions before open enrollment starts. If not, don’t hesitate to reach out to HR or your benefits contact to get your questions answered and make sure you understand your options. Most of the time, enrollment will be hosted on the company’s internal website.
If you're signing up for an individual dental plan, reach out to Delta Dental of South Dakota’s customer experience team. They can answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Before open enrollment starts, make a quick checklist of the benefits you want or any changes to your current plan. When it’s time to enroll, take a few quiet minutes to read everything carefully. If you have a partner, it’s a good idea to review your choices together before submitting to make sure nothing gets missed.
What happens after open enrollment?
Congratulations! You have officially made the responsible decision to manage your oral health care. Now it’s time to become familiar with your benefits.
Taking the time to understand the ins and outs of your coverage is an important first step after you’ve completed open enrollment. This includes learning key insurance terms, finding a provider, and ultimately making an investment in your oral and overall health.
How to find a dental provider
When it comes to finding a dental provider, it’s a good idea to start with a provider you’re already comfortable with. Call them and find out if they take the dental insurance you have.
If you need to find a new provider, solicit opinions from trusted friends and family. Delta Dental of South Dakota also has an online tool that helps you find a select a provider in your area.
Why should good oral health matter to young adults?
Good oral health is especially important for young adults because it sets the foundation for long-term wellness and can save you money and stress down the road. Regular dental care helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, issues that can affect your confidence, social life, and even job interviews. Plus, poor oral health has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Taking care of your teeth by investing in dental insurance now means fewer expensive procedures later and a healthier future overall.
Want to learn more about open enrollment? Check out “What is Open Enrollment?”.