What is Open Enrollment?

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 near the end of each year when companies allow their employees to either enroll in or modify existing health benefits. 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, it's important to think about your health needs and consider how coverage can positively impact your overall well-being. For example, good oral health is directly tied to your overall health. Fortunately, having dental insurance allows you to simplify both the accessibility and affordability of dental care, making sure you get the care you need. It's important to take advantage of open enrollment so you can choose the best plan for you and your oral health needs as you look at the year ahead.

Choosing the right dental insurance plan

When it’s time to select the right dental insurance plan, it's essential that you evaluate your needs and research plan options ahead of time. Open enrollment is the perfect time to assess your dental coverage and make sure it fits your needs.

Here are some tips to prepare:

• Review your current coverage: Look at what your current plan offers and whether it still meets your requirements.
• Consider your upcoming health needs: Will you need new treatments, surgeries, or medications? Factor these into your decision-making.
• Compare plan options: Review what new plans are available and compare costs, coverage, and provider networks.
• Understand costs: Pay attention to premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums to determine the total cost of your care.
• Ask questions: If you’re unsure about what’s covered, reach out to your insurance provider for clarification.
  • If you have an employer-provided plan, they may 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 HR team to know when your specific enrollment period is. Reach out to them if you're unsure.

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

Open enrollment helps you take charge of your healthcare

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.

Happy enrolling!